Land of milk and money

Demand for dairy products, milk especially, is surging across the world as a result of changes in global diets and the marketing of its purported health benefits. Global turnover was forecast to reach $335 billion in 2014, based on 5 percent annual growth, driven by demand in Asia and particularly China, which is slated to overtake the United States as the largest dairy market by 2017, according to fi- gures from market intelligence provider Euromonitor. When it comes to such a health sensitive product, this rampant growth has had its complications, especially in relation to ensuring hygiene standards, and to the questionable use of additives, preservatives and formulas to meet burgeoning demand and to spur on profits. Rocked by domestic dairy scandals, China has been limiting the amount of foreign powdered milk formula allowed into the country. While the Lebanese dairy sector is in no way comparable in size or