News

Fonterra focuses on diversity

29 Nov 2016

As dairy consumption continues to grow globally, Fonterra has announced it is becoming increasingly focused on diversifying and specialising its products to meet customer demand.

As dairy consumption continues to grow globally, Fonterra has announced it is becoming increasingly focused on diversifying and specialising its products to meet customer demand.

While most established dairy markets have an already well-defined product mix, the company said,m consumer preference is quickly moving in new directions off-shore as markets across wider Asia and the Middle East begin to define the way they consume dairy.

Fonterra Chief Operating Officer Global Consumer and Foodservice, Jacqueline Chow believes we are entering into a renaissance period for dairy, where product research and development will start shaping the diets of future generations.

“It’s an exciting time for Fonterra as we look to play a leading role in how the world sources dairy nutrition,” said Chow. “Sales trends show consumers around the world are demanding a more protein rich diet, and with tastes varying from region to region we’re working closely with our customers to make sure we deliver the products to match.”

Products like cheese are only now beginning to feature prominently in some of the world’s dairy growth markets said Chow, and a lot of product innovation is going on behind the scenes to make sure these products hit the mark.

“Our customers in Korea, for example, are very conscious of the amount of salt in their diets, and many see dairy as a nutritious, low salt protein option. To cater to this specific demand, we have formulated a low salt cheese down at our Stirling site in the South Island that has become extremely popular with young children as an introduction to dairy.”

In Hong Kong, Fonterra says its customers wanted to see healthier snack options in supermarkets for their children. Because of this demand, Fonterra launched ‘Anchor Candy Cheese’.

The bite-sized cheese cubes were created following parents demanding more nutritional options for lunchboxes, while also keeping their children interested in what they are eating. Anchor Candy Cheese contains twice the nutritional content of regular cheddar and less sugar, making it the perfect combination, Fonterra claims.

Fonterra is also innovating its approach in powdered products, and not just for nutritional consumption.

“At our Kapuni site in South Taranaki, we have created a specialised pharmaceutical lactose called Wyndale, tailored specifically for the Indian market,” said Chow. “The product is used as an excipient in medicines, helping take the active ingredient to a targeted location in the body. Kapuni’s primary customer, DFE Pharma, has a 25 per cent share in this market, with ambitions of growing further.”

“By working directly with Kapuni, Wyndale went from concept to commercially produced in just five weeks. Since its launch, demand for this product has increased by 75 per cent, filling a gap in the market.”

These products will help Fonterra’s primary focus, the company said, delivering more cash into farmers’ pockets through increased value-add production.

“At the end of the day, it comes back to our farmers and what we can do to ensure we are making the most out of every drop of milk. By creating products that add value, we are maximising returns while helping shape the future of dairy in strategically important markets.”