UHT Processing Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

UHT processing market is Segmented By Type of Operation (Direct Heating, Indirect Heating), By Nature (Liquid, Semi-liquid), By Application (Milk, Dairy Products, Dairy Alternatives, Others), and By Region (North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031 

UHT Processing Market Overview

The UHT processing market report analyses the size, shares, recent trends, competitive intelligence, and future market outlook. UHT processing usage in low acids (above pH 4.6) products such as milk, and flavored milk is on the rise. Demand from the beverage industry in Europe is spiking. The competitive rivalry intensifies with Tetra Laval, GEA Group, and others active in the market.

Ultra-high temperature processing is also known as an ultra-heat treatment or ultra-pasteurization. UHT Processing is the food processing technology that sterilizes liquid food by heating it above 135 °C for a very short period. UHT requires a sterilizer and an aseptic unit for packaging the product. It is used for low acids (above pH 4.6) products such as milk, flavored milk, creams, soya milk, and other dairy alternatives. The same process is used to sterilize prepared food, such as soups, sauces, desserts, and baby food. UHT milk packaged in a sterile container has a typical unrefrigerated shelf life of six to nine months. In UHT treatment, the goal is to maximize microorganisms' destruction while minimizing the product's chemical changes. Increasing demand for UHT processing in the food and beverage industry to extend the shelf life of milk and food products drives the market growth.

UHT Processing Market Scope

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UHT Processing Market Dynamics and Trends

Increasing demand for UHT processing in the beverage industry

The UHT treatment of beverage products has been developed to minimize damage and increase the product's shelf life, especially milk and juices, caused by container sterilization at the time of killing microorganisms. The demand for UHT milk is primarily for the younger population and commercial purposes because UHT milk has a longer shelf life and requires less refrigeration. It is becoming more popular among students living in dormitories because UHT milk is stored at room temperature. Most small-scale restaurants and food service chains in developing nations utilize UHT processed milk instead of investing in refrigeration. UHT processed milk is a great product in various African and Asian countries where energy is a major issue, and a lack of refrigeration systems causes milk to spoil. UHT processing is becoming rapidly popular in the dairy industry due to the perishable properties of milk and curd, among other dairy products. UHT-treated milk and food products help to reduce logistic and refrigeration costs. In UHT milk processing, all heat-resistant bacteria in the milk get eliminated, which ensures its safety for consumption.

UHT Processing Market Segmentation Analysis

The direct heating segment accounted for the highest share of global UHT processing market

In 2021, the direct heating segment had the highest revenue share of over XX percent. Direct heating operation help to extend the shelf-life of milk. It is done by heating at temperatures high enough to destroy all microorganisms and then storing it in sealed containers without contamination by bacteria. It quickly heats a food product to the desired UHT temperature. The product quickly absorbs all the steam energy and elevates its temperature. The direct heating operation does not require a large chamber filled with steam. Another advantage is that direct steam injection systems are available in various sizes and can handle product capacities from 240 liters/hour to +100,000 liters/hour. Direct steam injection systems also require low capital investment, potentially half as much as any other method being considered.

Other than the direct heating segment, the liquid segment contributed to a significant share of the UHT processing market as most essential products such as milk, juices, and other dairy products such as buttermilk are in liquid form. The market for UHT processing in the Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing for liquid UHT-treated products. One of the factors for this is the increased economic growth.

UHT Processing Market Geographical Share

Europe is the dominating region during the forecast period

Europe dominates the UHT processing market due to the significant consumption of milk and dairy products. It is due to an increase in urbanization, the living standard, and the consumption of over-the-counter products. UHT milk has seen enormous demand in Europe, where 7 out of 10 people drink it regularly across the region. Increasing milk production in the UK drives market growth. For instance, in 2021, milk production in the UK was around 15,007 million liters which is more than the previous year. Also, butter and cheese production in the UK increased by 0.8% and 0.1%, respectively, in 2021. Countries with a strong dairy culture like Holland, Germany, and Belgium have seen a strong rise in sales of UHT milk. In Belgium, UHT dominates the market, particularly because both production and distribution of UHT milk are easier than conventional milk. Spain and France are the world’s leading manufacturers of dairy and non-dairy products, importing UHT processing equipment from Germany. Germany has made several advances in using membrane filters in UHT processing. These factors drive the growth of the UHT processing market in Europe.

UHT Processing Market Companies and Competitive Landscape

There are several established participants in the industry and local manufacturers; hence, the market is fragmented. Some major market players are Tetra Laval, GEA Group, Alfa Laval, SPX Flow, Inc., Elecster, Shanghai Triowin Automation Machinery Co., Ltd., Microthermics Inc, and Goma Engineering, among others. In April 2021, GEA India got the order to supply a complete ultra-high temperature production line for Creamy Foods Ltd. in Uttar Pradesh. GEA is known for its brand Madhusudan; Creamy Foods is one of the leading dairy players in the country. This new plant opens a new market for UHT technology for GEA in India. Also, in February 2020, Alfa Laval introduced a new generation of heat exchangers which offer less high-temperature performance risk. The key feature of the new brazed heat exchangers is its three-barrier heating process. It refers to the combination of the formal abolition of the two plates and the additional barrier created by the air gap between the two channel plates. In rare cases where a leak may occur, this design allows access from outside the unit, and thereby it helps to reduce the chance of media interference. In September 2018, JBT launched a new UHT processing system for smaller pack sizes in emerging markets. The processing system adds to the company's Sterideal HX UHT range of systems.

COVID-19 Impact on UHT Processing Market Growth

Positive impact on the global UHT processing market

The COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted the UHT processing market due to the rising demand for healthy food & beverages to increase immunity. Consumers are aware of the type of food & beverage they consume and their health effects. It opened doors for new manufacturers in developed and developing countries in the global ultra-high temperature processing market during the covid. While no foods or dietary supplements can prevent COVID-19 infection, a healthy diet, and good nutrition play a significant role in building a strong and healthy immune system. Research in gut microbiota has propelled knowledge in chronic and infectious diseases. Also, considering the direct effects of nutrition on the immune system, milk, and fermented foods play a role in creating and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota that helps to support the immune system. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) dietary guidelines database showed that nearly all of them advise the consumption of milk and dairy foods. UHT-processed milk is free from microorganisms and has more shelf life, which increases the demand for UHT-processing milk. Also, their UHT processed milk is considered an essential need, so there were no government restrictions on transportation and the supply chain that drives the market growth.

The global UHT processing market report would provide an access to approximately 61 market data tables, 51 figures, and 170 pages.