3. Yogurt and fermented milk production processes

3.1 General production diagram

Yogurt and fermented milk production processes are characterized by three successive phases, each consisting of several stages: milk preparation leading to the "mix" (milk that has undergone various stages of preparation with a view to fermentation into yogurt), fermentation (or maturation or incubation) leading to a white mass ("raw" yogurt before introduction of ingredients and implementation of subsequent processing stages) and post-fermentation treatments leading to the finished product. The production diagram differs according to the type of product produced (firm, stirred, drinkable or concentrated yoghurt), with variations depending on fat content and flavour. The general production diagram for plain fermented milks is shown in figure...