Perfect Day’s Precision Fermentation Animal-Free Milk Comes to Asia In an Industry First

Perfect Day’s Very Dairy is the first precision fermentation milk available in Asian supermarkets.

Very Dairy, the animal-free milk brand launched by California-based food tech company Perfect Day, will be the first milk of its kind stocked in Asian supermarkets. The milk, made from microflora, will be available across grocery stores in Singapore beginning today in three flavors: plain, chocolate, and strawberry.

‘Real dairy in a whole new way’

“As Singapore continues to build a more sustainable and resilient food system through agri-tech innovations and technologies, Very Dairy is committed to making real dairy in a whole new way, one that uses less water, less energy, and emits less greenhouse gasses so that each sip is kinder for the planet,” Alex Brittain, Senior Vice President, Perfect Day, said in a statement. “Milk is a drink loved and consumed by many, and we believe Very Dairy animal-free milk can positively impact our food system, helping to create a kinder, greener future.”

Demand for dairy alternatives is on the rise across Asia as lactose intolerance is extremely high across Asian populations—affecting as many as 90 percent of Asians. Earlier this year, Jakarta held Asia’s first dairy-free festival, signaling the region’s growing affection for the category.

Precision fermentation dairy

Very Dairy’s use of precision fermentation creates a milk product that tastes and performs like conventional dairy, but without the lactose. The product is also cholesterol-free, hormone-free, and low in sugar and saturated fat. Like conventional dairy, it’s a good source of protein and calcium. It’s also free from the carbon footprint of conventional milk; animal agriculture is a leading producer of greenhouse gases, namely methane, which traps more heat than CO₂.

The dairy-identical products are made through microflora engineered to produce dairy proteins. This process is also far less resource intensive than conventional dairy methods, conserving water, land, and grain, while also protecting biodiversity and decreasing deforestation.

Perfect Day has seen wide-reaching success with its products, securing high-profile partnerships including a co-branded Mars chocolate bar. In September, Nestlé announced it is developing new dairy milk alternatives using Perfect Day. Vegan cheese made with Perfect Day was also served at former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 60th birthday party last year.

The company has also recently licensed out its tech in a bid to clean up the dairy industry. Nth Bio—a spin-off platform—will leverage its expertise and technology services for collaboration and hiring. 

The launch in Singapore follows Perfect Day’s animal-free ice cream launch in the city-state earlier this year. Its portfolio brand Coolhaus debuted at supermarkets across Singapore in July. It uses the same dairy-free precision fermentation tech as the Very Dairy milk.

Very Dairy will be available at stores including FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant Hypermarket, and RedMart.

Lead image courtesy of Perfect Day.