With the Philippines relying on imports for nearly all of its dairy needs, Tetra Pak has launched the 2025 edition of its Dairy Processing Handbook—a move aimed at supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen domestic milk production and processing capacity.
Now in its 40th year, the updated handbook serves as a practical guide for dairy producers, food manufacturers, and academic institutions in the Philippines. Its release comes amid renewed focus on localizing the country’s food systems through initiatives like the Dairy Industry Roadmap 2020–2025 and the recent passage of Senate Bill 2558, which establishes a competitiveness enhancement fund for livestock and dairy.
“The Dairy Processing Handbook has been a cornerstone of our commitment to the dairy industry,” said Charles Brand, executive vice president of processing solutions and equipment at Tetra Pak. “As we mark this milestone, we embrace an industry in transition—defined by innovation, sustainability, and the need for greater efficiency.”
The 2025 edition features new chapters on Mixing Technology, Lactose-Free Dairy Products, and Sustainability in Dairy Processing, alongside a new section on the Primary Production of Milk, authored by DeLaval. These additions are particularly relevant as Filipino consumers increasingly seek fortified and lactose-free products.
Despite a 15 percent rise in local milk production in 2024, output reached only 16,020 metric tons—dwarfed by the 2.71 million metric tons of imports recorded in the first nine months of the same year. Tetra Pak’s handbook aims to close that gap by offering technical insights to help build a resilient, self-sufficient dairy sector.
“It remains one of the most valuable resources for both students and industry professionals,” said Maria Glantz, senior lecturer at Lund University. “It bridges theory and practice in a way few other texts can.”
