Friday, 22 November 2024 11:43

a2MC eyes own processing plant, more Chinese labels

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
a2 Milk Company chair Pip Greenwood. a2 Milk Company chair Pip Greenwood.

The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.

The listed company, which relies on Synlait for its A2 infant formula supply, resolved a long-running dispute with the milk processor in August: it continues to hold a 19% stake in Synlait.

Speaking at a2MC’s annual meeting today, chair Pip Greenwood noted that more Chinese label registrations and own processing plant were critical components of the company’s supply chain transformation strategy.

“The Company continues to explore opportunities to achieve this through investment in its own supply chain and through acquisitions and commercial partnerships.

“While we do not have any new information to share with you today, I can say that we continue to make good progress in this regard and that this remains a top priority for management and the board.”

Greenwood told shareholders that the 2024 financial year was a milestone year for its China label product, following re-registration in June 2023 of its upgraded China label infant milk formula product.

“Given the positive signs we have seen including strong consumer offtake and healthy metrics, we are pleased that the transition has been successful.


Read More


“As a proud New Zealand company, we are delighted that in our largest market China, our consumers continue to highly value the A1 protein free proposition and our products’ New Zealand provenance.

“Being the pioneer of A1 protein free helps us differentiate our products in a competitive market. It is especially pleasing that in FY24 we achieved a top 5 brand position in the China infant milk formula market with our China and English label products combined.”

The company is also progressing an application for long-term US Food and Drug Administration approval to import infant milk formula into the US.

More like this

Synlait is 'Burning Cash, Not Creating Value'

OPINION: Synlait's latest half-year result reveals a serious problem at the heart of the business: its core operations are no longer bringing in enough revenue to cover the cost of production.

Blunt CEO

OPINION: Synlait's woes show no sign of ending anytime soon.

Synlait, Nestlé Expand Eco-Focused Dairy Partnership in NZ

A partnership between Canterbury milk processor Synlait and the world's largest food producer, Nestlé, has been celebrated with a visit to a North Canterbury farm by a group including senior staff from Synlait, the Ravensdown subsidiary EcoPond, and Nestlé's Switzerland head office.

Featured

Govt Commits $4m to Rural Wellbeing Initiatives

While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.

Shane Jordan Beats Brother to Win NZ Timbersports Title

While not all sibling rivalries come to blows, one headline event at the recent New Zealand Rural Games held in Palmerston North certainly did, when reigning World Champion Jack Jordan was denied the opportunity of defending his world title in Europe later this year, after being beaten by his big brother’s superior axle blows, at the Stihl Timbersports Nationals.

National

Machinery & Products

Chinese Tractors Eye Western Europe

Having caused quite a stir at last year’s Agritechnica, Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion is reported to be conducting large-scale field trials…

Franz Grimme Turns 80

Franz Grimme recently celebrated his 80th birthday earlier March and continues to be an entrepreneur with passion and pioneering spirit,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

What A Choice!

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…

Your Call!

OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter