Maui Milk partners with major Chinese dairy company to expand sheep milk exports
Sheep milk powder and products exporter Maui Milk is partnering with one of China’s biggest dairy players to boost its market presence.
He says that in just a decade Maui Milk has taken average ewe production from 100-150l to 400l.
"With consistent shareholder investment and top-tier imported genetics, we're on track to reach 500 litres by 2030," he says in his farewell message.
Hamill left Maui Milk this month after four years in the role. He's been replaced by Malcolm Edward.
Hamill says his four years at Maui Milk have been immensely rewarding.
"Sheep milk is an extraordinary product, superior in many ways to cow or goat milk, and that passion is shared across our industry, from kitchen tables in rural NZ to boardrooms of global dairy companies and former producers. After some challenging years, I believe we're on the edge of strong, renewed growth.
"Being involved from farm to kitchen table has been a privilege. Coming from a bovine genetics background, I've especially valued leading our genetics programme at Waikino Station."
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Maui's Southern Cross breed has been developed through a focused genetics strategy, selecting for udder health, feet, and local performance.
Hamill believes it is the most efficient grass-fed sheep for New Zealand conditions.
"This progress is laying a strong foundation for our suppliers' future."
In March last year, an imbalance between supply and demand for New Zealand sheep dairy products forced its farmer suppliers in Waikato to stop milking. Four months later the company resumed taking milk.
Hamill says the last few years have tested everyone in non-bovine dairy.
"I want to thank Maui's shareholders for their unwavering support. Unlike some in the sector, we've operated without taxpayer or government funding, relying instead on strong private backing.
"That independence has allowed us to remain agile, competitive, and to secure major contracts globally, particularly in China."
Hamill says he has full confidence in Maui Milk's future and the company is in excellent hands with the new chief executive.
"I've had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him for the past four years, and I know he will lead Maui Sheep Milk with the same passion and commitment that has carried us this far.
"Maui Milk is well-positioned for the future, and I'm proud to have been part of its journey. I look forward to watching its continued success, along with the broader rise of New Zealand's sheep milk industry."
Seeking New Supply
New Maui Milk chief executive Malcolm Edward says it's a privilege to step into the role.
Edward, a chartered accountant and dairy sheep farmer, will also head Southern Cross Dairy Sheep Technology.
He thanked his predecessor Greg Hamill for his leadership over the past four years.
"It has been great to work alongside him during that time as a supplier. And I share his confidence that Maui and the sheep milk industry are on the brink of an exciting new chapter.
"I am a qualified CA (chartered accountant), with experience in commercial management of high-value exports and dairy logistics. Five years ago, my wife and I traded corporate life for the rolling green hills of the Waikato, where we now milk Southern Cross ewes with the help of great staff and our children. We saw milking sheep as a good fit for our class of land, and we think it works well.
"Our current focus on Maui is on expanding our milk supply base, as demand now exceeds supply through new supply partners, and continuing to advance our genetics programme. Additionally, we aim to strengthen our production and sales partnerships through some exciting new product developments.
"I look forward to collaborating with our suppliers, shareholders, staff, and partners to build global recognition for NZ sheep milk as a grass-fed, nutritious, sustainable product."
