Butter-based products are food products made with butter as the primary ingredient or as a significant component. These products may include:
1. Flavored butter: Flavored butter is made by blending softened butter with various herbs, spices, or other flavorings. Common examples include garlic butter, herb butter, or cinnamon butter.
2. Baked goods: Butter is a key ingredient in many baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and pastries.
3. Sauces and gravies: Butter is often used as a base for sauces and gravies, such as hollandaise sauce or beurre blanc.
4. Buttercream frosting: Buttercream frosting is a popular frosting made with butter, powdered sugar, and other ingredients, commonly used on cakes and cupcakes.
5. Caramel and toffee: Butter is a key ingredient in caramel and toffee, adding flavor and richness to these sweet treats.
6. Shortbread cookies: Shortbread cookies are a type of cookie made with butter, sugar, and flour, with a rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture.
7. Popcorn: Butter is a common topping for popcorn, providing a rich and flavorful coating.
Butter-based products are enjoyed around the world and are often seen as indulgent treats due to their high-fat content. However, there are now many variations of butter-based products available that offer lower fat content or alternative ingredients, such as plant-based butter, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers.
The market scope for butter-based products is quite broad, as these products are used in a wide variety of food applications around the world. The global butter market was valued at over USD 18 billion in 2020, with expected growth in the coming years. Similarly, the market for baked goods and sweets, many of which use butter as a key ingredient, is also significant.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards natural and minimally processed food products, which has led to increased demand for butter-based products made with high-quality, natural ingredients. There is also a growing demand for organic and grass-fed butter, which is perceived as healthier and more sustainable.
Another trend in the butter-based products market is the development of new and innovative products, such as flavored butter or plant-based butter. This trend is driven by changing consumer preferences and increased demand for products that offer unique flavor profiles or alternative ingredients.
The market scope for butter-based products is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as consumers around the world continue to enjoy these products as indulgent treats and as key ingredients in a wide variety of food applications.
The major players in the Market for Butter-based products are as follows:
1. Nestle SA
2. Land O'Lakes Inc.
3. Kerry Group plc
4. Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
5. FrieslandCampina
6. Arla Foods amba
7. Lactalis Group
8. Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
9. Ornua Co-operative Limited
10. Grassland Dairy Products, Inc.
The commercial production of butter-based products involves a range of different processes and techniques, depending on the specific product being produced. Here are some general steps involved in the production of butter and butter-based products:
1. Cream separation: The first step in making butter is to separate the cream from the milk. This can be done using a centrifuge or by allowing the milk to sit and allowing the cream to rise to the top.
2. Pasteurization: The cream is then pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria and ensure that the product is safe for consumption.
3. Churning: The pasteurized cream is churned to separate the fat from the buttermilk. This can be done using a traditional churn or a modern cream separator.
4. Washing and salting: Once the butter has been separated from the buttermilk, it is washed and salted to improve the flavor and extend the shelf life.
5. Packaging and distribution: The finished butter is then packaged and distributed to retailers or wholesalers for sale to consumers.
For butter-based products such as flavored butter or butter blends, additional ingredients are added during the churning or packaging process to create the desired flavor profile. For example, herbs, spices, or fruits can be added to create a range of different flavored butter.
The commercial production of butter and butter-based products requires careful attention to quality, safety, and flavor. Many large manufacturers use sophisticated processing equipment and quality control systems to ensure that their products meet high standards of quality and consistency.