20 February 2019
Starting today, Fonterra is signing up farms to supply milk for The a2 Milk Company in the 2019/2020 season.
Mike Cronin, Fonterra Managing Director of Co-operative Affairs, says “Signing up New Zealand farms to significantly
increase supply of high quality milk to The a2 Milk Company is a positive step forward. It clearly shows the strength of
our strategic relationship, and our shared commitment to fast-track market growth and enable farmers to create
additional value from their milk.”
The Co-op’s initial milk pool will be based in the Waikato around its Hautapu site and will support the production of
ingredients. It is anticipated around 100 farms will be needed for next season.
Jayne Hrdlicka, The a2 Milk Company Managing Director and CEO, says “The a2 Milk Company is pleased to be making
progress on our relationship with Fonterra. These farms will help support new growth areas for our company across
existing and new markets. This is the next step in what we believe will be a fruitful long-term relationship with
tremendous potential.”
The location of the milk pool was determined by several factors. Most importantly, the site needed the ability to
manufacture the specific product in demand, produce relatively small batches and adapt easily to any product demand
changes.
“While other regions were thoroughly considered, ultimately the decision must be demand-led. The ability to efficiently
manufacture a range of products to meet that demand was the over-riding factor in choosing a site.As demand and product
lines grow, we’ll look to expand the milk pool to enable more farmers to participate,” said Mr Cronin.
Most of the value from the relationship with The a2 Milk Company will be returned to all Co-op farmers through the
dividend. Participating farms will also receive a premium for their milk.
Today’s development follows the national launch of the a2 Milk™ brand by Anchor from late September 2018.
ENDS