Arla Foods: Difference between revisions

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'''Arla Foods''' is a multinational [[cooperative]] based in [[Viby J]], [[Denmark]], and the largest producer of [[dairy products]] in Scandinavia. Arla Foods was formed as the result of a merger between the Swedish dairy cooperative Arla and the Danish dairy company MD Foods on 17 April 2000.
{{short description|Traditional rice beer from Northeast India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


== History ==
'''Apo''', also known as '''Apong''', is a traditional [[rice beer]] originating from the [[Northeast India|Northeastern]] regions of [[India]]. It is particularly popular among the [[Mishing people]] of [[Assam]] and the [[Adi people]] of [[Arunachal Pradesh]]. This indigenous alcoholic beverage is an integral part of the cultural and social life of these communities.


[[Arla Foods]] was formed from a 2000 merger between Arla Ekonomisk Förening, a Swedish dairy cooperative, and MD Foods, a Danish dairy company. The name "Arla" comes from the same word in both Swedish and Danish, meaning "early morning".
==Preparation==
Apo is traditionally brewed using [[rice]] and a starter cake known as "[[E’pob]]". The process begins with the fermentation of rice, which is cooked and then mixed with the starter culture. The mixture is left to ferment for several days, allowing the natural yeasts and bacteria to convert the sugars in the rice into alcohol.


== Operations ==
The starter cake, E’pob, is made from a combination of rice flour, [[herbs]], and [[yeast]]. It is prepared by mixing these ingredients and allowing them to dry and ferment. The specific herbs used can vary, contributing to the unique flavors of Apo in different regions.


Arla Foods operates in several countries worldwide. It is the seventh largest dairy company in the world, measured by turnover. Among its key products are [[milk]], [[cheese]], [[butter]], [[yogurt]], and [[cream]]. It also produces a variety of specialty products, such as lactose-free and organic dairy products.
==Cultural Significance==
Apo holds a significant place in the social and cultural practices of the Mishing and Adi communities. It is commonly consumed during festivals, weddings, and other communal gatherings. The preparation and sharing of Apo are seen as acts of hospitality and community bonding.


== Brands ==
In many traditional ceremonies, Apo is offered to deities and ancestors as a form of respect and reverence. It is also used in rituals to mark important life events such as births, marriages, and deaths.


Arla Foods owns several well-known brands, including Arla, Lurpak, and Castello. The Arla brand is used on dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. Lurpak is a brand of butter and spreadable products, while Castello is a brand of specialty cheeses.
==Varieties==
There are several varieties of Apo, each with distinct flavors and alcohol content. The taste can range from sweet to slightly sour, depending on the fermentation process and the ingredients used in the starter cake.


== Sustainability ==
==Consumption==
Apo is typically consumed fresh, within a few days of fermentation. It is served in bamboo or earthenware containers, which are believed to enhance its flavor. The drink is often enjoyed in a communal setting, with participants sharing from a common vessel.


Arla Foods has a strong focus on [[sustainability]], with a goal to reduce its overall [[carbon footprint]] and become carbon-neutral by 2050. The company has implemented several initiatives to achieve this, including improving energy efficiency in its operations and increasing the use of renewable energy.
==Health Aspects==
As a naturally fermented beverage, Apo contains probiotics that can be beneficial for gut health. However, like all alcoholic beverages, it should be consumed in moderation.


== See also ==
==Related pages==
* [[Rice beer]]
* [[Mishing people]]
* [[Adi people]]
* [[Northeast India]]


* [[List of dairy product companies in the United States]]
==Gallery==
* [[Dairy farming]]
<gallery>
* [[Cooperative]]
File:Nogin_Apong,_Lakhimpur.jpg|A traditional serving of Apo in Lakhimpur.
File:Saccharum_officinarum_01.JPG|Saccharum officinarum, a plant sometimes used in the preparation of Apo.
</gallery>


{{DEFAULTSORT:Arla Foods}}
[[Category:Indian alcoholic drinks]]
[[Category:Dairy products companies of Denmark]]
[[Category:Fermented drinks]]
[[Category:Multinational dairy companies]]
[[Category:Rice drinks]]
[[Category:Cooperatives in Denmark]]
[[Category:Culture of Assam]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 2000]]
[[Category:Danish brands]]
{{food-stub}}

Revision as of 17:37, 11 February 2025

Traditional rice beer from Northeast India



Apo, also known as Apong, is a traditional rice beer originating from the Northeastern regions of India. It is particularly popular among the Mishing people of Assam and the Adi people of Arunachal Pradesh. This indigenous alcoholic beverage is an integral part of the cultural and social life of these communities.

Preparation

Apo is traditionally brewed using rice and a starter cake known as "E’pob". The process begins with the fermentation of rice, which is cooked and then mixed with the starter culture. The mixture is left to ferment for several days, allowing the natural yeasts and bacteria to convert the sugars in the rice into alcohol.

The starter cake, E’pob, is made from a combination of rice flour, herbs, and yeast. It is prepared by mixing these ingredients and allowing them to dry and ferment. The specific herbs used can vary, contributing to the unique flavors of Apo in different regions.

Cultural Significance

Apo holds a significant place in the social and cultural practices of the Mishing and Adi communities. It is commonly consumed during festivals, weddings, and other communal gatherings. The preparation and sharing of Apo are seen as acts of hospitality and community bonding.

In many traditional ceremonies, Apo is offered to deities and ancestors as a form of respect and reverence. It is also used in rituals to mark important life events such as births, marriages, and deaths.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Apo, each with distinct flavors and alcohol content. The taste can range from sweet to slightly sour, depending on the fermentation process and the ingredients used in the starter cake.

Consumption

Apo is typically consumed fresh, within a few days of fermentation. It is served in bamboo or earthenware containers, which are believed to enhance its flavor. The drink is often enjoyed in a communal setting, with participants sharing from a common vessel.

Health Aspects

As a naturally fermented beverage, Apo contains probiotics that can be beneficial for gut health. However, like all alcoholic beverages, it should be consumed in moderation.

Related pages

Gallery