Zhang Jianqiu, executive president of Yili Group, welcomed the delegation and exchanged ideas on topics of cooperation and trade during the meeting.
Clare Fearnley showed a strong interest in Yili’s progress in the establishment of milk bases, quality control and innovation on products.
Zhang Jianqiu introduced its Ambrosial, an ambient Greek-style yogurt drink, to the delegates.
According to Zhang, the sales revenue of Ambrosial reached 14 billion yuan ($2.05 billion) in 2018, having increased 20 times since its launch five years ago.
Clare Fearnley was impressed by the company’s performance in terms of leading the country in market share for years.
Zhang noted that Yili has also striven to expand its overseas markets. It has made big investments to push forward its global strategy to integrate international resources. It is now the only dairy company in China that has established dairy production bases in Asia, Europe, America and Oceania.
The ambassador spoke highly of Yili’s efforts in promoting its global strategy, especially the company’s role in advancing trade between China and New Zealand.
Yili has maintained close relationships with dairy companies in New Zealand for a long time. It established Yili Oceania Production Base in New Zealand in 2014, helping to increase local employment, and winning wide acclaim among government authorities in New Zealand.
During the visit, Clare Fearnley expressed her hope that Yili will continue to move forward with its global strategy so as to deepen the cooperation of companies in China and New Zealand.