Asian demand growing
Fonterra expands cream cheese production
Dairy manufacturer Fonterra is further expanding its production of cream cheese. The manufacturer installs 2 new machines at the factory in Darfield, New Zealand. The cooperative announced this on Friday 21 July.
Fonterra expects that the first machine will be used in 2018. The second machine should follow in 2019 or 2020. The entire project will cost the dairy manufacturer approximately 150 million New Zealand dollars.
Increasing demand
The company is taking this step due to the increasing demand from Asia. The popularity of cream cheese has increased considerably in recent years. According to Grant Watson, director of global food service at Fonterra, Asian consumers are developing a greater preference for products with dairy. "Especially consumers who actively exercise have a greater need for dairy. This trend is promising for us, as dairy manufacturers."
China innovates
Watson also indicates that the most innovative developments in the dairy market currently come from China. He mentions thea macchiato as an example of this. That drink combines tea with cream and cream cheese.
Robert Spurway, head of the project, believes that not all cream cheese is created equal. The new technologies, which are also used in Darfield, provide additional flexibility to be able to produce products quickly.
More than 30 jobs
When this project is complete, Fonterra Darfield will be one of the largest producers of cream cheese in New Zealand.
In addition, the New Zealand project will also provide another 30 workplaces. Both machines are expected to produce approximately 24.000 metric tons of cream cheese annually.
Kimberly Baker
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.
