This spring saw Norway’s TINE SA dairy cooperative expand its Biola brand—a name associated for yogurts and fermented milk—into probiotic, dairy-free juices. There are two varieties: Apple, Grapes and Passion Fruit; and Orange and Tangerine. In doing so, TINE incorporated a lactic acid bacteria LGG® ingredient from Finland’s Valio Ltd., another dairy cooperative based in Helsinki. 

Valio’s finished product line includes milk drinks, cheeses, spreads, juices and functional foods, including probiotic Gefilus products. Valio also has an ingredient business selling milk powders (including lactose-free), whey powders and fruit preparations. A Food & Functionals group (http://www.valio.com/ff/), markets Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Valio’s trademark LGG probiotic.