In a statement, Fonterra said it was looking to design dairy products that include time-controlled release of specific dairy nutrients, starting with probiotics that would keep it fresher for longer and allow nutrients to be more active. It didn’t disclose financial terms of the partnership.

The cooperation deal comes as global supply chain disruptions highlight the need to bolster the storage duration of products while retaining their nutrition. The coronavirus pandemic has also increased healthy diet concerns as people around the world adapt to lifestyles that often include extended period working or staying at home.

“We can really drive our ‘Active Living’ business by appealing to the growing health and wellness consumer segment that desire the maximum functional benefits from food,” said Judith Swales, chief executive officer for Fonterra’s Asia-Pacific region.