Overseas innovation center researchers at Yili engage in project discussions. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Dairy giant Yili – with its outstanding performance in the field of technological innovation – has secured a top spot in the food manufacturing industry in the "Top 500 Private Enterprises with Invention Patents" list for 2023.

Yili has established 15 innovation centers worldwide – focusing on the key areas of international dairy research and development. By integrating research and development resources domestically and internationally, the company has created a global innovation network that encompasses leading research institutions worldwide.

With its continuous increase in research and development investment, Yili has reached a new high in terms of patent quantities. As of June 30, Yili has accumulated a total of 722 authorized invention patents, domestically and internationally. It has also received seven China Patent Excellence Awards, making the group the dairy company with the most China Patent Excellence Awards.

International Dairy Federation President Piercristiano Brazzale presents Yili Group with the "IDF Dairy Innovation Award." [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yili says it continuously integrates cutting-edge technology into product innovation – consistently creating healthy products that cater to all demographics, life stages and consumption scenarios.

For 21 consecutive years, Yili has conducted in-depth research into breast milk, collecting samples from healthy mothers across the country. It has established the first "Breast Milk Composition Research Database" among Chinese companies, obtaining a total of five core formula patents and 14 overseas patent certifications.

By utilizing a digitized screening platform to find product candidates with medicinal and dietary origins, Yili has conducted research on over 100 different raw materials, fully verifying the safety and effectiveness of the products.

At the 2023 World Dairy Summit held in mid-October, Yili won two major awards, becoming the only awarded Chinese dairy company and the enterprise with the most awards globally.