Fonterra strengthens China commitment with grass-fed certification as dairy trade soars

New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra is doubling down on the Chinese market after receiving official recognition under the newly launched New Zealand Grass Fed Standard, a move aimed at strengthening its premium positioning as a dairy producer and exporter.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China this week, presented the co-operative with a certificate recognizing Fonterra's grass-fed scheme under the newly launched standard in Shanghai.

"China is our most important strategic market," said Teh-han Chow, CEO of Fonterra Greater China and president of global food service Fonterra.

"For nearly half a century, we have achieved tremendous business growth in China by partnering with Chinese customers in nutrition and innovation."

The New Zealand Grass Fed Administrative Standard sets a global benchmark for high-quality grass-fed dairy. It stipulates that dairy cows must consume a diet comprising at least 90 percent grass-fed feed and spend a minimum of 8 hours per day on pasture for 340 days a year on average.