LAHORE (PR) - The latest issue of Dairy Index, a bi-annual newsletter which tracks facts, figures and trends in the global dairy industry has forecast that changing demogr-aphics are driving demand of liquid dairy products (LDP) in Pakistan. These demog-raphics include an increasing urban population, more educated and sophisticated consumers, an emerging middle class and a larger group of younger consumers. Consumption of packaged LDP has grown by 19pc per annum from 1999 to 2009. In 2009, LDP consumption reached 18.9b litres, keeping Pakistan firmly in position as the fourth largest LDP consumer in the world after India, China and the United States. First brought out in June 2009 by Tetra Pak, the Dairy index is based on the companys vast database (Compass) and unrivalled experience in tracking and analysing category consumption patterns and trends in more than 150 markets around the world. This information on world dairy, juice, nectars, still drinks and other categories is currently used primarily to present to industry stakeholders and policy planners. Managing Director Tetra Pak Pakistan Azhar Ali Syed adds, With Pakistans population growing by 1.6pc annually and total LDP consumption forecasted to grow even higher over the years, dairy industry in Pakistan is expected to remain strong. Milk has always played a central role in the Pakistani diet but with demographic changes driving new preferences, the era of nothing but plain, white, unpackaged milk is rapidly changing. Our dairy industry needs to understand these changes and leverage them as productive opportunities.