New Zealand-based dairy company A2 has partnered with another dairy firm in the country Synlait Milk to increase infant formula exports to China.
As part of this collaboration, Synlait Milk is set to ship the first consignment of a2 Platinum infant formula developed for mothers and infants in China in May 2013.
a2 milk includes A2 version of the beta casein protein, which is comparable to protein that mothers naturally produce.
Synlait will process a2 milk from 10 suppliers in August 2013 followed by production expansion to meet the requirements of A2 by the time a2 Platinum infant formula available in New Zealand and Australia later in 2013.
Synlait Milk nutritionals general manager Tony McKenna said that a2 milk supply from certified herds is expected to grow to 8% on current projections.
"Our plant is also unique in that we can keep specialised milks separate and process each run to meet the exacting specifications for high value end products," McKenna added.
"Integrity begins with our suppliers and is marked by excellence all the way through to the delivery of products to our customers.
"They are progressive and innovative in their approach with modern large scale farms that allow them to easily isolate and segregate a2 herds.
"We expect many of our suppliers to achieve the internationally accredited ISO 65 certification through our Lead with Pride programme which hallmarks excellence and sustainability throughout all aspects of their operations. Those suppliers will be the first in Australasia to gain ISO 65 accreditation."
Over the last 18 months, A2 and Synlait have been working together on the production of a2 Platinum infant formula and other a2 ingredients.
A2 chief executive officer Geoff Babidge said: "In Synlait Milk, A2 has a supplier able to meet the exacting specifications for a2 Platinum infant formula and other a2 milk powders and with a supply base that is able to grow to meet the demand for a2 dairy products."
