Filipina Actress and Singer, Nadine Lustre teams up with Christophe Bariou, Sam Tecuala, and Quan Tan to create a revolutionary milk brand that is sustainable, nutritious, locally made, and of course, delicious.
The Dairy Paradox
The dairy industry in Southeast Asia has grappled with long-standing challenges that have hindered its growth and sustainability. Chief among these is the region’s heavy dependence on dairy imports to meet domestic demand. This reliance exposes the industry to global market fluctuations, impacting affordability and accessibility for consumers.
Although it is important to note that international trade is not the enemy, the problem comes when consumers who prefer imports dismiss local options that could be just as good if not better.
In the Philippines alone, 99% of the dairy products in the Philippines are imported. The same goes for countries like Vietnam and Thailand, which also rely on dairy imports due to limited resources and technology. Moreover, with Southeast Asia’s almost 670 million inhabitants, 90%-100% of the population in these regions are lactose-intolerant. At the same time, a liter of dairy creates two to five times more carbon footprint than any plant-based milk and requires 600L of water to produce.
These realities underscore the health concerns of millions of people and the environmental impact of dairy production, on carbon emissions and water resources.
Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, are home to vast coconut cultivation that can contribute significantly to local economies and hold immense potential for sustainable development.
There is a pressing need for innovative solutions to address these issues and provide consumers with more sustainable and nutritious alternatives.
Poised to disrupt the dairy industry, Dehusk was recognized as one of the Top 100 Startups in the Philippines by QBO, together with the likes of Pickup Coffee, KUMU, and Tonik, brands that are flourishing in their respective industries.
While they may not offer the ultimate solution, they recognize the imperative to adapt and innovate in response to these challenges. Dehusk represents a significant stride toward embracing a conscious and nourishing lifestyle.
The Advocacy of Dehusk
In the pursuit of providing the Southeast Asia region with a plant-based alternative, Dehusk took over four years to develop. Dehusk aims to revolutionize the plant-based milk market by creating a product that not only mimics the nutritional profile and taste of dairy milk but also appeals to both traditional dairy lovers and plant-milk enthusiasts.
Having collaborated with a diverse mix of talents to encapsulate its unique identity, Dehusk sets itself apart in the industry. Leading this team is a group of individuals who envision one thing: A future where Dehusk Milk is at the forefront of nutritional innovation, environmental stewardship, and local economic support, becoming a staple in households across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The team, comprised of Lustre, Bariou, Tecuala, and Quan, came together to build a brand that resonates with their advocacy and target market. Lustre and Bariou serve as the voice and brand evangelists of Dehusk, educating and spreading awareness through their social influence and lifestyle. While Tecuala and Quan, are focused on ensuring that Dehusk maintains its standards, and is available to consumers, wherever and whenever.
