Nutritional breakthrough from Vietnam at the regional forum
The Asian Development Conference is the largest forum on growth opportunities for the food, beverage and nutrition industries in Asia, gathering representatives from more than 20 countries, research institutes, government and non-governmental organizations and representatives of multinational corporations. The conference focused on finding breakthrough scientific solutions to help improve nutritional quality for people across Asia, especially mothers and children.
Vinamilk is known as the 6th most valuable milk brand globally (2024). With this position, Vinamilk was invited to attend this year's Asian Development Conference, as the first and only representative from Vietnam to present a speech on the breakthrough of 6 HMOs - the milk formula that sets international nutritional standards for baby powdered milk.
Breakthrough 6 HMOs of Vinamilk Optimum is a simulation of precious nutrients only found in breast milk, which play an important role in supporting the nurturing of beneficial bacteria in the young digestive system, thereby contributing to strengthening the natural protective barrier. This is also a rare product that converges both DFL and 3-FL at the same time - two types of HMOs that previously only appear singly in other formulas. It is this combination that has especially impressed experts at the conference.
Previously, the breakthrough of 6 HMOs also received special attention at the Global Dairy Congress 2025 (Global Dairy Congress, Netherlands), as an outstanding result of the strategy of "investing in science and technology to maximize the natural nutritional values of milk" from the Vietnamese milk brand with the 6th most valuable value globally.
Science of upgrading nutritional standards based on understanding
HMO is known as a precious nutrient found only in breast milk, playing an important role in the health of the immune and digestive systems of children. Although there have been many continuous improvements in HMO, for many years, the Vietnamese market has stopped at the 5-HMO formula, meaning that the great potential of this nutrient has not been fully exploited. With the spirit of constantly challenging limitations, Vinamilk has made efforts to promote nutritional standards by launching Optimum the first milk product in Vietnam with a formula containing 6 HMOs, accounting for 58% of the total amount of HMOs in breast milk, Mr. Nguyen Quang Tri - Marketing Executive Director of Vinamilk shared about the launch of this breakthrough product.
In fact, in Vietnam, up to 55% of babies are not fully breastfed in the first 6 months of life (according to UNICEF 2021), making babies unlikely to fully enjoy the potential benefits of breast milk for the digestive and immune systems. In addition, about 60% of Vietnamese mothers have to take care of their children while working. Physical obstacles and living conditions make breastfeeding a concern for many modern mothers.
Therefore, a nutritional solution inspired by the nutrients in breast milk, to accompany and support mothers to feel secure in taking care of their children and being happy in their journey as mothers is a big and inevitable need today.
To keep this in mind, and to give consumers equal opportunities to access the best source of nutrition, Mr. Shawn Lee, representative of dsm-firmenich Asia - Pacific Group, one of Vinamilk's 6 international strategic partners, shared at the conference: "As Mr. Nguyen Quang Tri said, the breakthrough of 6 HMOs not only raises product nutrition standards, to serve the needs of children but also solves the concern of the times about the desire to completely raise children with breast milk. No matter the circumstances, parents can still give them complete care and love. We completely agree with this point of view, because when parents are happy, their children's journey of greatness and knowledge is filled with happiness."
Opening a new direction, establishing international nutritional standards
In nearly 50 years of development, Vinamilk has successfully invested in research and production from Vietnam's first baby powdered milk cans to owning the most modern dairy powder factory in Asia, exporting to many countries around the world since 1997. From a country without a dairy industry after the war, but thanks to its investment strategy in science and technology and international cooperation, Vinamilk has made great strides in formula for children, developing on par with the region, of which 6 HMOs are a typical example.
Commenting on Vinamilk's shares at the Conference, Mr. Gary Scattergood, Editor-in-Chief of FoodNavigator-Asia and Nutra Ingredients (conference organizer) commented on Vinamilk's shares at this year's forum: "We highly appreciate Vinamilk's contributions to this year's conference, Vinamilk has brought a unique perspective when combining in-depth research and development capacity on HMO with understanding of local consumers, thereby introducing practical nutritional solutions, meeting the health and comprehensive development needs of young children in Vietnam and the potential to expand to the whole of Asia".
Vinamilk's presence at the regional high-end forum once again affirms the prestige and influence of the leading Vietnamese milk brand in the international market. Through its continuous research, production and innovation capabilities, Vinamilk not only demonstrates the remarkable maturity of the domestic nutrition industry but also creates momentum to promote strong development of the Asian market.
