Fonterra to launch two cream cheese plants in New Zealand

Fonterra has announced plans for two new cream cheese plants at its Darfield site in Canterbury, New Zealand.

With cream cheese increasing in popularity in Asia, the NZ$150 million (€95.7m) two-stage project will see the first plant completed in 2018, with a second to follow in 2019 or 2020.

Grant Watson, Fonterra’s director of global foodservice, says, “In markets like China – where dairy hasn’t traditionally been a staple – there are fewer pre-conceived notions around how it should be eaten, and with that we’re seeing remarkable versatility in their dairy applications.

“Arguably some of the most innovative dairy product development anywhere in the world is happening right now in China and, through our Anchor Food professionals team and their engagement with our customers, we’re playing an integral role.”

Robert Spurway, Fonterra’s chief operating officer – global operations, says, “Projects like these are great examples of how we’re keeping pace with customer preference. Not all cream cheese is the same, and one that is used in a beverage will be quite different to one that is used in a cream cake. The new technology we’re introducing at Darfield will give us the flexibility to quickly change our products to suit that need – a real game changer.”

Once the project is complete, Fonterra Darfield will become one of the largest producers of cream cheese in New Zealand, alongside the co-operative’s Te Rapa site.