SARS provides unlikely aid for Fonterra

ASIA – The outbreak of Acute Respiratory Syndrom (SARS) in key Asian markets earlier this year has helped sales of Fonterra’s colostrum and stolle milks, as consumers turn to health products.

Stolle milk sales have risen by half in the Taiwanese market, while colostrum sales have grown in the Chinese market.

The two milks are part of Fonterra’s speciality product range. Stolle milk is obtained from cows that are immunised to induce the formation of antibodies in their milk.

Liquid colostrum is taken from the first four milkings after calf birth from pasture-fed, non-immunised cows. Asian consumers believe use of these products can boost immune systems and prevent disease.