Demand for UHT milk products drives new state-of-the-art dairy factory
Goodman Fielder has officially opened a new state-of-the-art Meadow Fresh dairy plant in Christchurch, New Zealand, driven by increasing domestic and export demand for UHT milk products. This $100 million expansion, part of a larger $300 million investment by Wilmar International and Goodman Fielder, has created 25 new jobs and supports export markets in China and Southeast Asia. The facility includes advanced R&D and ultra-filtration technology for high-protein products.
Why it matters
This significant investment signifies growth in the global dairy market, particularly for UHT products, and reinforces New Zealand's role as a key exporter of high-quality dairy. It also demonstrates how companies are expanding manufacturing capabilities to meet international demand and create local employment.
This story previously attributed the factory expansion to growth in cottage cheese consumption. Goodman Fielder has since corrected its statement
Demand for UHT milk products is driving a major dairy factory expansion in the South Island.
The new Meadow Fresh plant, part of the company's $100 million expansion over three years, was officially opened today by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The investment has created 25 new jobs for the region, taking the Meadow Fresh Christchurch team to 280 people. UHT milk, both plain and flavoured in a range of sizes, and also high protein UHT drinks were produced at the site.
The expansion supports Goodman Fielder's presence in China and Southeast Asia, including a long-term supply partnership with Yihai Kerry Arawana, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, for the regions' retail and foodservice markets.
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