240 Million Pizzas & Burgers: Fonterra’s Cheese Surge is Real

Fonterra, a leading player in the global dairy market, is significantly ramping up cheese production to meet rising global demand. A strategic expansion in the company's North Island processing capacity, particularly at the Eltham site, is set to increase cheese production. This boost is facilitated by favorable weather conditions contributing to a 3% rise in milk production on the North Island compared to the previous year.

The cooperative’s Eltham site in Taranaki is undergoing a major upgrade focused on expanding cheese-making capacities. These enhancements will support a production increase of 2,500 metric tons of cheese slices and an additional 6,000 metric tons of IQF Mozzarella annually. As a result, Fonterra will have enough cheese to produce an additional 200 million burgers and 40 million pizzas annually, supplying major clients such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut globally.

Nicola McCarthy, from Farm Source’s lower North Island region, cites the robust start to the season driven by optimal conditions. The augmentation aligns with a broader strategic focus on foodservice and specialized dairy ingredients. Fonterra positions itself to capitalize on long-term growth trends in these sectors, propelled by expanded processing capabilities.