Changing market needs
Imlek, a renowned Serbian dairy company, has been active in the local market for over seven decades and has partnered with Tetra Pak almost since the start, with the first Tetra Pak machine installed in Imlek’s plant in 1966. Today, Imlek operates across four countries in the Southeast Europe, with four production facilities, and is widely recognized for its dairy product portfolio. Attuned to evolving consumer needs, the company has decided to expand into the plant-based beverage segment, aiming to create products that align with consumer taste preferences and expectations. In pursuit of high-quality products that uphold the same rigorous standards as their traditional dairy offerings, they turned to Tetra Pak for our global expertise in plant-based beverages development and product launch.
Changing market needs
Imlek, a renowned Serbian dairy company, has been active in the local market for over seven decades and has partnered with Tetra Pak almost since the start, with the first Tetra Pak machine installed in Imlek’s plant in 1966. Today, Imlek operates across four countries in the Southeast Europe, with four production facilities, and is widely recognized for its dairy product portfolio. Attuned to evolving consumer needs, the company has decided to expand into the plant-based beverage segment, aiming to create products that align with consumer taste preferences and expectations. In pursuit of high-quality products that uphold the same rigorous standards as their traditional dairy offerings, they turned to Tetra Pak for our global expertise in plant-based beverages development and product launch.
Tetra Pak’s initial support for Imlek in this project began with an analysis of global trends in the plant-based beverage category. Simultaneously, a technical assessment of Imlek’s Padinska Skela plant was conducted to identify the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for processing new products. The next phase involved workshops focused on product and brand creation. Experts from both companies collaborated on testing recipes to ensure top-quality products, aligning the new brand with Imlek’s well-established dairy portfolio. These workshops also included sensory and taste tests to meet the preferences of local consumers.
In parallel, Tetra Pak’s process equipment team supported the development of precise product recipes, ensuring alignment with best technical and technological practices. Throughout the process, guidance on quality control during and after production was provided, ensuring consistent product standardization at every stage.
Products launched in one year
During the one-year process of launching new products, a multidisciplinary approach was key to managing the complexities of introducing a new brand in an entirely new category for the customer. From assisting in defining the concept and positioning the brand within the existing dairy portfolio to collaborating with the customer to minimize unnecessary costs and avoid production downtime, Tetra Pak proved to be an invaluable partner with global expertise, tailored to meet local needs.
With Tetra Pak’s comprehensive support, Imlek successfully entered the plant-based market segment.
Integral support for your needs
Tetra Pak has supported numerous companies worldwide in entering the plant-based beverages market, as well as other market segments. Having the experience needed to focus on key aspects of product and brand development, as well as the main challenges and opportunities in adapting and improving production and packaging lines makes us the perfect partner for companies seeking to expand their offerings, reduce costs, or enhance the sustainability of their production processes and final products.
