Thursday, 14 April 2016 13:55

Botulism cloud now on far horizon

Written by Rural News Group

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Wei Min Yu, Evergrande Dairy, China.

A Chinese business that makes infant formula in New Zealand says the false botulism scare of 2013 is disappearing from the minds of China's consumers.

Evergrande Dairy vice-general manager Wei Min Yu says NZ's clean green image and pasture-fed grass milk is held in high esteem by Chinese consumers.

Evergrande is the majority shareholder in South Auckland-based Evergrande GMP Dairy, makers of the Cowala brand milk and infant formula.

Yu says Fonterra's reputation is gradually bouncing back and he expects the co-op to be back on top within two years.

Yu, here on a trip with Cowala infant formula retailers, says Cowala infant formula was launched in China 16 months ago.

Over 2.5 million cans of powder worth $158 million have been sold. Yu says the company will exceed sales targets this year.

Meanwhile GMP Dairy has become an official partner of the NZ team to the Rio Olympics later this year.

GMP believes that in becoming an Official Olympic Partner, its Cowala range of products will help promote high quality and trusted powder-based nutritional formulas produced from NZ's green and natural pastures.

NZOC chief executive Kereyn Smith added that GMP's partnership with the New Zealand Olympic Committee is significant, just four months from the Olympic Games.

"Our commercial partners play a hugely important role in ensuring our athletes at Rio 2016 have the resources and backing to compete at the very highest levels. GMP's support is a real boost to our team's preparation.

"In addition, GMP has confirmed its support through to the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games in 2018 and we are looking forward to working with GMP over the coming two years," she says.

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