Synlait showcases Canterbury dairy at world’s largest expo

70 Synlait farmers who travelled to Shanghai take the stage at CIIE. Supplied.

Synlait Milk marked one of its biggest occasions of the year at the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Hosted at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre from 5 to 10 November, this is the world’s largest import expo, attracting over 400,000 visitors and more than 4,000 exhibitors from 138 countries.

This was Synlait’s eight consecutive year at the expo showcasing how, through their advanced manufacturing processes, they are able to produce world-class milk based nutritional products.

The China dairy market is currently experiencing a dynamic transformation driven by consumer preference for products with greater nutritional value, leading to higher demand for natural dairy products from producers such as Synlait.

David Bortolussi, The a2Milk Company CEO (right), and Synlait CEO, Richard Wyeth (left) in a Q&A panel session at CIIE. Supplied.

Synlait’s Director of On-Farm Excellence, Business Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Charles Fergusson said it’s an important date for the Dunsandel based processor.

“The expo spans the same area as 70 rugby fields – suffice to say it is on a scale we don’t see in New Zealand. This is our chance to show China all that Synlait makes from the high-quality, grass-fed milk our 200 Canterbury farmers supply us,” said Fergusson.

Many of those farmers got a first-hand look at Shanghai this year, with more than 70 self-funding a trip that took them to CIIE and a farm and museum showcasing Bright Dairy, Synlait’s largest shareholder.

One of those on the tour, Synlait farmer Rachael Rickard said it was eye-opening.

“It's a great time to be in dairying and in China, you can see the future for New Zealand dairy, for Synlait and for Bright Dairy is amazing,” said Rickard.

Bright Dairy made sure Synlait farmers felt welcome, rolling out a huge pink carpet that led the farmers to a ship that hosted them for an evening cruise down the Huangpu River. The carpet was so big and bright it was reflected in the surface of the water.

“It was pretty impressive, they really were great hosts, and I know our farmers appreciated it.” said Fergusson.

Hannah Lynch, the company’s Head of Milk Supply, Strategy and Corporate Affairs said delegates were equally impressed to see Canterbury farms.

“The images of Synlait supplier farms featuring cows in lush green grass evoked more than one ‘wow’. It was a great opportunity for an international audience to learn about how our farmers care for the environment and their animals. Our farmers are leaders in best practice dairy, with support from Synlait through the Lead With Pride programme,” said Lynch.

Synlait's Director of On-Farm Excellence, Business Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Charles Fergusson presenting Synlait's offerings on stage at CIIE. Supplied.

Charles Fergusson says China remains one of Synlait’s most important markets.

“Events like CIIE strengthen trade relationships, showcase our commitment to quality and innovation, and create opportunities for rural communities back in Canterbury. The trip left us all confident in our future,” said Fergusson.

By George Wilson, is communications coordinator for Synlait