In a statement issued in reply to reports published in the media, the company said that it is only natural that in a newly liberalised market new products attract some interest.

Malta Dairy Products is, however, satisfied that consumers are still choosing local fresh milk and dairy products.

The Malta Independent last Friday reported that the MDP had registered a hefty downturn in its sales since the importation of long-life UHT milk started to being imported after Malta joined the European Union.

The surplus milk is being used to make ricotta cheese, the MDP said.

In the past this was made of equal parts of fresh milk and powdered milk.