Yili strengthens dairy leadership with tech breakthroughs

Yili Group has rapidly advanced its technological innovation, overcoming key bottlenecks and setting new standards for China's dairy industry. The group has developed an independent lactoferrin extraction technology, achieving an activity retention rate of over 90 percent and surpassing global benchmarks.

Its subsidiary, Skxing, has bred bulls that now occupy the top eight spots in China's dairy sire rankings. In parallel, the development of the "Breeding Chip No 1" marked a critical milestone in China's mastery of genomic testing technologies for high-yield, long-living, and disease-resistant cows.

On Oct 18, 2024, Yili's Satine Lactoferrin Organic Milk – the world's first ambient organic milk containing active lactoferrin – was awarded the New Product Development Innovation Award at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024. This breakthrough was powered by proprietary directional extraction and aseptic refilling technologies, overcoming the historical bottleneck of lactoferrin supply in China's dairy chain.

Looking ahead to 2025 , Yili plans to accelerate the deployment of its Yili Future Intelligence & Health Valley, with two major projects: 150,000 metric tons of natural cheese (Phase III) and 63,000 tons of milk powder (Phase III), both scheduled for launch within the year. At the same time, the company is intensifying its efforts to reduce energy and water consumption, driving a green, low-carbon transformation across its entire industrial chain.

Yili and the National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy are also leading efforts to localize key ingredients and develop high-value, functional products tailored to Chinese dietary needs. These efforts are redefining the future of dairy – from basic nutrition to precision health – and positioning China as a global hub for dairy innovation.