(MENAFNEditorial) In the lush valleys of Kashmir, where milk was more than sustenance—it was a way of life—a young boy once spent his days tending to the family’s pet cows, fascinated by the purity and promise of milk. Decades later, that boy, now Dr. Shakeel Rehman, stands as one of the most influential figures in global dairy innovation. As Chief Science Officer and Co-founder of Fairlife LLC—a Coca-Cola subsidiary and the number one milk brand in the U.S.—Dr. Rehman’s story is one of scientific brilliance, innovation, and purpose-driven success.

A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Science

Dr. Rehman’s fascination with milk began early in the rolling fields of rural Kashmir, where he witnessed firsthand how milk connected families, communities, and livelihoods. His early curiosity blossomed into a lifelong passion for dairy science, leading him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Technology and a Master’s in Dairy Foods Technology from Gujarat Agricultural University. His quest for deeper knowledge took him across continents to University College Cork in Ireland, where he earned his Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology.

From there, his career became a globe-spanning journey of learning and innovation. As a Research Scientist at the Dairy Products Technology Center, California Polytechnic State University, Dr. Rehman focused on developing cutting-edge filtration technologies that would later revolutionize how milk is processed. His expertise grew through roles in India’s National Cooperative Dairy Federation, Nada Dairy in the Middle East, and research appointments across Ireland, Scotland, and the United States.

Pioneering a Revolution in Dairy

In 2011, Dr. Rehman co-founded Fairlife LLC, envisioning a future where milk could be made healthier, more accessible, and more scientifically advanced. His groundbreaking work in ultrafiltration technology—which enhances protein content, reduces sugar, and removes lactose while retaining nutrition—has transformed the dairy industry.

Under his scientific leadership, Fairlife has become a powerhouse. As of 2024, 33% of U.S. households consume a Fairlife product, and the brand holds market share leadership in value-added dairy and ready-to-drink sports nutrition. That same year, Times Magazine recognized Fairlife as one of the “World’s Best Brands of 2024,” while Newsweek named it among the most trusted brands in America.

Fairlife’s impact is not only commercial—it’s nutritional. In 2024 alone, the company eliminated 100 million pounds of sugar from the American diet, replacing it with 120 million pounds of protein. With over 200 U.S. and international patents to his name, Dr. Rehman has helped reshape how the world understands milk.

Leading Growth and Inspiring Innovation

The numbers tell a remarkable story. In 2024, Fairlife reached $3 billion in total retail sales, becoming the second fastest-growing brand among ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages in the United States. By early 2025, it had risen to become the fastest-growing trademark in the category—a testament to both its quality and innovation.

Dr. Rehman’s leadership has fueled the creation of category-defining products such as fairlife® ultra-filtered milk, Core Power® high-protein milkshakes, and Fairlife Nutrition Plan shakes. His influence even extends beyond Fairlife: similar ultra-filtered products like MooTopia® (by H-E-B) and CARBmaster™ (by Kroger) have followed in the footsteps of his pioneering work.

Beyond the Laboratory

Dr. Rehman’s contributions extend beyond innovation—they reach into education, research, and industry leadership. He has authored twenty-six peer-reviewed articles and four book chapters on milk, cheese, and dairy protein fractionation. His insights have helped shape the scientific understanding of fluid milk and its nutritional potential.
Within the Coca-Cola ecosystem and beyond, he is celebrated not only for his scientific achievements but also for his mentorship—guiding teams of developers and marketers to understand the science behind great food and great brands.

Science with Soul

For Dr. Rehman, milk is not just a product—it’s a symbol of nourishment, universality, and human connection. From Kashmir’s simple dairy farms to the cutting-edge laboratories of Fairlife, his journey embodies how science can transform tradition into innovation.

“I’ve always believed,” he says, “that science should not only advance technology—it should make food more meaningful for everyone.”

Today, as Fairlife continues to redefine what modern nutrition looks like, Dr. Shakeel Rehman stands as a beacon of how curiosity, compassion, and science can come together to nourish the world—one glass of milk at a time.

MENAFN11102025000070017690ID1110181559