Kiwi research on infant milk powder colour goes global
A Wintec science student Rehana Ponnal has had research published in the International Dairy Journal late last year, a big accomplishment for an undergraduate student.
Whole milk powder made at the plant will be exported to 20 markets including the Middle East, China and Southeast Asia.
Fonterra’s director logistics network, Robert Spurway, says at the peak of the season, the drier will run 24/7. It will produce at least 700 metric tonnes – the equivalent of 45 shipping containers – each day.
“The demand for dairy nutrition around the world, especially for whole milk powder, is still strong. Drier Two will ensure Fonterra has the capacity to meet this demand and to process ongoing milk growth in Canterbury, the fastest growing dairy region in New Zealand.
“The new drier will help the cooperative meet the growing demand for dairy nutrition globally and will play an important role in Fonterra’s strategy to optimise its New Zealand milk business.
“With Drier Two now online at Darfield we are taking fresh milk from farms up to 65km from the site, and have successfully completed our first production run of whole milk powder.”
The drier’s first production run marked the completion of Fonterra’s $500 million dollar development of its Darfield site over the past three years.
“Seeing the second drier up and running after Drier One’s successful first season of operation is testament to the co-op’s manufacturing capabilities,” Spurway says.
