Fonterra marks 25 years at China International Import Expo
Fonterra is celebrating its 25-year milestone at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), marking the Co-op's ninth consecutive participation at one of the biggest trade events in the country.
Held annually in Shanghai since 2018, the CIIE brings together exhibitors, businesses and organisations from more than 100 countries. Fonterra CEO Richard Allen says it continues to be an important platform for connection and collaboration.
"CIIE is a great opportunity for our Co-op to bring our New Zealand grass-fed dairy closer to the market, showcasing our dairy expertise and sustainability credentials to potential customers and industry partners," he says.
This year's exhibition celebrates 25 years of Fonterra, highlighting the long-term partnerships the Co-op has established in the market. The booth features a wide range of Fonterra's high-quality Foodservice and Ingredients products, alongside recipes and applications created with customers.
With nearly 50 years in the China market, and 25 years as Fonterra, the Co-op has been committed to providing customers in China with premium New Zealand grass-fed dairy.
"We have been evolving from an ingredients supplier into a growth partner, working with our customers to co-create products that support mutual growth," Allen says.
Fonterra's six application centres in China play an important role in driving the Co-op's growth and innovation in the market.
We have been evolving from an ingredients supplier into a growth partner, working with our customers to co-create products that support mutual growth.
The centres in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan and Shenzhen help Fonterra better understand local needs, move faster on new ideas, and develop practical solutions for customers.
"The application centres are part of our push to become more customer and market led, because we know that creating value in China starts with understanding our customers, their businesses and the consumers they serve – which is always changing.
"We have a solid foundation in China, and we're excited about the opportunity to open a new era of growth as we continue investing in capabilities that deliver greater value for our local customers," Allen says.