New Zealand-based Synlait Milk and A2 Corporation will form a partnership to accelerate the infant formula exports to China - one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world.
As part of the initiative, Synlait Milk will ship the first consignment of a2 Platinum infant formula to China. The a2 milk contains only the A2 version of the beta casein protein which is more comparable to protein that mothers naturally produce than other versions of the beta casein protein found in standard milk.
In order to ensure the availability of a2 Platinum infant formula in New Zealand and Australia later in 2013, Synlait will process a2 milk from ten suppliers from August 2013 and will further expand the production.
Commenting on the partnership Synlait Milk Nutritionals general manager Tony McKenna said that on current projections a2 milk from certified herds will grow to be 8% of the company's supply.
A2 Corporation 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.
"There will be benefits for the suppliers and stakeholders of both our companies as consumers come to appreciate the easy digestibility and health benefits of a2 dairy products."
A2 and Synlait have been working together for 18 months on the production of a2 Platinum infant formula and other a2 ingredients.
