Maui Milk and Mengniu’s partnership is set to significantly boost sheep milk exports from New Zealand to China, capitalizing on the growing demand for premium dairy products.
In a strategic move aimed at tapping into the increasing global demand for sheep milk, Maui Milk, a key player in New Zealand’s premium sheep milk industry, has formed a partnership with Mengniu, one of China’s largest dairy producers. This collaboration is set to enhance Maui Milk’s ability to reach new international markets while reinforcing Mengniu’s global strategy.
About the Companies
Maui Milk, formed in 2014 through a joint venture between Super Organic Dairy and the Waituhi Kuratau Maori farming trust, specializes in the production of premium sheep milk. Known for its commitment to improving sheep dairy genetics, particularly through the Southern Cross breed, Maui Milk has become a leading exporter of sheep milk to China. Mengniu Dairy, owned by Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Limited, is a major dairy company in China, recognized for its innovative products and significant international presence.
The Partnership
Signed at Yashili’s Pokeno plant in New Zealand, this partnership is a major step forward for both companies. The collaboration provides Maui Milk with access to Mengniu’s extensive distribution network in China, which is particularly valuable as the demand for high-quality sheep milk increases in the region. Since Maui Milk began exports to China in 2015, its market presence has grown substantially, and this partnership is expected to accelerate that growth.
Greg Hamill, CEO of Maui Milk, emphasized that this partnership not only boosts Maui’s presence in China but also enhances its commercial scalability globally. “The growing demand for premium dairy products in China aligns perfectly with the expanding economy and a shift towards healthier, personalized dairy options,” said Hamill. He added that the partnership helps Maui Milk quickly access new markets, particularly in Asia, while improving its sales channels.
Mengniu, in turn, sees this partnership as a way to strengthen its international image and secure a reliable supply chain for high-quality sheep milk. The collaboration comes at a time when consumer preferences in China are shifting towards more nutritious and functional dairy products, with sheep milk positioned as a highly desirable option.
For Maui Milk, the partnership with Mengniu signifies a critical milestone in its mission to enhance global recognition and expand New Zealand’s sheep milk industry. With products for the 2024/25 season already sold out, the company is optimistic about the future, especially with the ongoing efforts to enhance dairy sheep genetics and the support provided by this new partnership.
This strategic collaboration between Maui Milk and Mengniu is poised to transform the sheep milk sector in both New Zealand and China, paving the way for greater international opportunities and growth in the dairy market.
