Fonterra says it’s an “exciting time” for its Waitoa plant as it receives a $22 million boost to increase cream production.
The dairy co-op says the expansion will increase the site’s UHT cream processing capability by up to 30,000 metric tonnes per year, creating four new roles at the site.
The site will take over production of Anchor UHT cream currently produced at its Takanini site.
General manager of specialty products at Fonterra Ben Robinson said in a statement it’s an “exciting time” for the Waitoa site.
The move follows the dairy co-op’s $140 million investment in September 2024 in a new UHT cream plant at its Edendale plant in Southland which resulted in 70 new jobs.
The investments align with Fonterra’s strategy to grow its food service business in and beyond China and increase production capacity for high-value products.
The Waitoa site currently produces the co-op’s flagship food service UHT cream, Anchor whipping cream, and various UHT milks, but the co-op says it’s expanding to meet growing demand for UHT cream.
GERARD HUTCHING / THE POST
The demand for the new format is driven by the Chinese market growth of central kitchens that service several restaurants, and some bakeries supplying goods into chain stores and supermarkets.
Fonterra says global demand for UHT cream is expected to grow by more than 4% annually until “beyond 2030”.
You can now read the most important #news on #eDairyNews #Whatsapp channels!!!
🇺🇸 eDairy News INGLÊS: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKsjzGDTkJyIN6hcP1K
