Fonterra’s cream rises to the top during PM’s Vietnam trip
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s cooking skills were put to the test when visiting Fonterra’s office in Ho Chi Minh City during his recent trip to Vietnam.
Relishing the opportunity to promote New Zealand’s food and beverage products, the Prime Minister donned an apron and whipped up a local treat with a taste of Kiwi – snails covered with New Zealand cream.
Pictured left to right: General Manager Fonterra Brands Vietnam Roshan de Silva, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Anchor Food Professionals Advisory Chef Giang Lu
Representing Fonterra on the official visit, Simon Tucker, Group Director of Global External Affairs, says there’s plenty of opportunities in Vietnam for the Co-operative.
"Vietnam is a fast-growing market for our Foodservice creams, with sales almost doubling in value between 2022 and 2024,” says Tucker who accompanied the Prime Minister as part of the business delegation.
Plant-based oils have traditionally been used in Vietnamese cuisine, but nowadays cream and other dairy products are being used more often in local dishes.
"Besides Western-style dishes, Vietnamese bakeries and restaurants are using our cream, butter and cheese in a lot of the local favourites including sauté sweet snail with salted egg cream sauce," Tucker says.
As Vietnam's foodservice industry continues to evolve, demand is increasing for ingredients such as dairy that enhance the taste, texture and quality.
"The rapid growth in demand for our cream reflects the growing appetite for dairy in this market. Our UHT cream plant currently being constructed at our Edendale site in Southland will help meet this rising demand in Vietnam and across the region."
Vietnam is a fast-growing market for our Foodservice creams, with sales almost doubling in value between 2022 and 2024.
Fonterra also signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with MM Mega Market during the PM’s visit.
Tucker says the MOU with the large food distributor will expand Fonterra’s presence in the market.
"Our Foodservice business is already a trusted partner to over 3,500 foodservice operators in Vietnam, delivering 10,000 metric ton of dairy products every year.
"The partnership with MM Mega Market will expand access for Fonterra’s high-quality products and dairy solutions to more than 10,000 professional kitchens across the country," he adds.