Speaking last week at a launch ceremony, chief executive Theo Spierings said innovation underpins the cooperative’s entire global strategy and is critical to the integrated milk business being built in China.
“Demand for dairy nutrition is expected to double by 2020 and the way people consume dairy will change. The opening of the state-of-the-art Shanghai Innovation Centre will help us build and grow beyond our current product and ingredient offerings and better meet the needs of local Chinese consumers and customers.
“China is a significant priority in Fonterra’s global strategy and our innovation centre will help us develop unique products and formats that suit the needs of the local population.”
Particular focus will be on leveraging Fonterra’s dairy protein R&D capability in New Zealand.
“As incomes rise across China, people are looking for nutrition that supports the health of their families, particularly young children, and dairy is one of the most nutritious foods there is,” Spierings says. “People are also becoming busier, which means they’re often looking for dairy products to eat on-the-go or use to make quick, easy, nutritious meals.”
Fonterra China president Phillip Turner says the centre will allow Fonterra to work more closely with major customers and the food service industry.
“The centre will [run] product training courses for major customers primarily focused on the Anchor dairy product line. Fonterra advisory chefs will help deepen customers’ technical knowledge and develop recipes.”
The centre will employ local staff, who will be trained in product formulation, product production, operating procedures and food safety systems.
