Since beginning work in 1987, Morinaga Milk Industry Group’s 森乳サンワールド has developed formula milk to supplement breast milk for twin pandas and promoted the use of milk products for zoos and aquariums.
森乳サンワールド began developing milk for pandas in 1987. After receiving an inquiry from a veterinarian at Ueno Zoo, the company identified a need for formula milk to prepare for cases in which one of a pair of newborn twins might die after failing to receive sufficient breast milk. Although the project initially met with differing views within the company, its social contribution was widely supported and development began.
Because obtaining data on panda breast milk is difficult, the company used breast milk data from bears, a related species, along with information from academic papers, to complete the initial panda milk formula in 1988. With the cooperation of a Chinese research institution, it compared breast milk data with the formula’s composition and confirmed that the values were similar. Lactoferrin was later added as a functional ingredient, and the formula was improved as Panda Milk-10 in 2010.
In addition to panda milk, Morinaga Milk Industry develops and sells milk for bears, elephants and marine mammals. In response to requests from zoos and aquariums, it designs the products with the convenience of domestic sourcing and export restrictions in mind, while adding and enhancing ingredients such as lipids and glucosamine.
General-purpose milk products for zoos and aquariums are also used to hand-rear puma cubs and support the breeding of native animals. Through visits to facilities and ingredient analysis, the company is working to compile data on breast milk composition and contributing to improvements in animal-rearing conditions. Through projects marking its 55th anniversary and the development of character-related initiatives, 森乳サンワールド aims to combine social contribution with greater brand recognition.