Grass-fed conference attracts customers from around the world
Some of Fonterra’s largest customers are in New Zealand this week seeing firsthand the value of sustainably produced dairy.
Flying in from China, Japan, Thailand and other parts of the world, customers were eager to learn about sustainably produced dairy and why it’s unique.
Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell welcomed the 100 participants to Fonterra’s Auckland office on the first day to hear from a range of industry experts, including the CEO of DairyNZ, Campbell Parker, about why grass-fed dairy is the best.
Specifically – that dairy and meat products from pasture-fed livestock contain a higher proportion of beneficial fats and carotenoids – so they are more nutritious.
“We’re committed to a future of being grass-based and outdoors, because it delivers what this world needs and what customers demand: lower greenhouse gas emissions, healthier cows, nutritious food and cost competitiveness,” says Parker.
Speaking at the conference, Anne Douglas, Group Director Farm Source, shared that maximising sustainable milk production and reducing emissions was front of mind for Fonterra farmers.
“Our farmers have been proud leaders in sustainability for generations and they want to keep improving on that position, not just because the care they have for their land, animals and environment, but because it makes good business sense,” Douglas says.
On day two of the conference, the customers visited a dairy farm in Waikato to see firsthand how Fonterra farmers care for their land and their animals.
A visit to one of the Co-op’s manufacturing sites too was part of their busy schedule, getting to understand that our grass-fed story starts on the farm, and flows through the entire supply chain to create value for customers.