Chinese dairy giant launches premium milk formula in Philippines

CEBU, Philippines — Chinese dairy group Feihe International has launched its flagship AceKid fresh milk formula in the Philippines, betting that the country’s growing focus on healthier lifestyles will fuel demand for premium nutrition products for children.

The launch reflects growing health awareness among Filipino families, who now check milk powder’s nutrition content but often miss where the milk comes from.

While most formula in the local market is made from conventional staged milk that undergoes multiple rounds of processing, AceKid uses a single-step “farm-to-can” process designed to preserve proteins, vitamins and minerals for better absorption and digestion.

“Parents today are increasingly mindful of health and nutrition, especially when it comes to their children,” Feihe said in a statement. “We see the Philippines as a market that values quality and trust, and AceKid offers both.”

Produced in China’s so-called “golden milk source belt” at 47° North Latitude—an area known for its fertile black soil, alkaline spring water and optimal dairy-farming climate—AceKid distinguishes itself by avoiding sucrose and maltodextrin, additives widely used in milk powders that have been linked to cavities, digestive issues and elevated risks of childhood diabetes.

Feihe, which has been producing dairy products since 1962, collaborates with global institutions including Harvard Medical School, Peking University School of Medicine and Jiangnan University in developing formulations that support early childhood development. AceKid is fortified with 14 vitamins and seven minerals, alongside DHA, ARA, lutein and choline for brain and eye health.

The brand is now available in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos, as Feihe seeks to build scale in a market where digital-savvy, health-conscious parents are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products aligned with wellness trends.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), household spending on health and wellness products has consistently outpaced overall consumption growth in recent years, reflecting shifting priorities among the middle class.

Industry analysts say Feihe’s expansion highlights confidence that the Philippines could become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets for nutritional products. — (FREEMAN)