Soprole

Soprole is Fonterra’s oldest offshore investment, representing more than 20 years of New Zealand investment in the Chilean dairy industry. Soprole is a market leader in Chile – and is the best known corporate brand outside of Coca Cola. In 2008 we increased our shareholding in Soprole to 99.4 per cent, a purchase that allowed us to incorporate the company’s ingredients business into our global network, and strengthen Soprole’s brands, as well as further develop Chile as a source of fresh dairy.

RD1

Our New Zealand rural supplies chain is the country’s largest retailer in this sector – with 64 stores, RD1 is a one-stop shop for dairy farmers. RD1 is committed to helping farmers reduce their costs and maximise their productivity. The company enables our farmers to buy farm equipment from a store which returns all of its profits back to them as Fonterra Shareholders.

ViaLactia Biosciences

ViaLactia is a New Zealand-based research company which focuses on targeted breeding programmes for grass and cows, to deliver game-changing options in milk supply and milk composition. ViaLactia’s biotechnology boosts the international competitiveness of the New Zealand dairy industry by providing solutions to enhance the productivity of our animals and our pastures. We have an in-depth knowledge of dairy farm genetics and we are using this to help breed the best stock and improve pastures.

Anchor Ethanol Limited

We have three ethanol plants operating at our Edgecumbe, Tirau and Reporoa sites in New Zealand. Anchor Ethanol produces world-class potable alcohol and industrial ethanol. Our ethanol comes from whey, which is produced during various dairy processing techniques.