New plant first step in a long journey - ofi
The Singaporean conglomerate behind New Zealand’s newest milk processing plant says this is the first step in a long journey.
Olam food ingredients (ofi) has announced that it has started planning the next phase of capacity investment at its Tokoroa dairy plant for the production of specialised and high value protein-based dairy ingredients.
Construction of the stage one investment, which includes a dryer, is progressing well and remains on track for commissioning in the second half of 2023.
“Local farmers have shown a strong interest in supplying the plant,” says Paul Rennie, operations director for ofi New Zealand.
“Our intention when we started our investment in Tokoroa was to add additional facilities over time and we are pleased to be progressing our plans for this.
“When construction of the current dryer is complete, our aim is to enhance its capability so we can produce specialised protein ingredients with a higher value, in addition to whole milk powder, so that our farming partners can benefit from higher returns in time,” says Rennie.
When complete, the plant will be able to produce whole milk powder and protein concentrates for ofi’s international customers and to serve the growing nutritional industry.
Rennie says demand for protein-based ingredients is growing and our customers’ response to this new opportunity to secure specialised ingredients from New Zealand’s high quality milk pool has been very positive.
“We have also offered the customers who will be buying these ingredients the opportunity to partner on sustainability initiatives in New Zealand, which we expect to create further value for our local farmers.”
Naval Sabri, senior vice president, ofi says they are excited to be adding more New Zealandsourced ingredients to its existing product portfolio.
“And helping our customers turn those ingredients into tasty, nutritious, sustainable and convenient dairy products across many categories,” he says.
Protein concentrates are typically used in sports and adult nutrition and a range of food and beverage applications, such as high-protein beverages and energy snack bars.
Rennie says ofi is on track with its milk supply needs with interest from farmers expected to grow as the investment for next stage progresses.
“We expect this new investment will help us grow the value of our milk, which creates an opportunity to return value back over time to our farmers as well, in line with our global commitment to producing ingredients in a way that’s socially responsible, economically profitable and environmentally sustainable,” Rennie says.
