Miraka Strikes Deal to Supply Low-Carbon A2 Milk to China
Source: The DairyNews
Taupo-based Miraka, a leading milk processor in New Zealand, has secured a significant agreement to export premium low-carbon A2 milk products to China. The deal was finalized in Auckland with Theland, a Chinese dairy company, during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Miraka's CEO, Karl Gradon, and Tony Nie, managing director of Milk New Zealand representing Theland, signed the agreement in the presence of New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay.
Gradon highlighted the importance of Premier Li's visit, describing it as "hugely significant for New Zealand." He noted, "It was a privilege for Miraka, New Zealand’s second-largest Māori-owned global export business, to support the trade relationship between China and Aotearoa New Zealand."
This new supply and research agreement with Theland aims to produce a range of premium, low-carbon A2 milk products, reflecting Theland's commitment to sustainability and minimal environmental impact, values that resonate with Miraka’s principles of kaitiakitanga, or guardianship and conservation.
Miraka is noted for its innovative use of geothermal energy at its dairy plant, making it the world’s first to adopt such technology and significantly reducing its carbon emissions footprint—92% less carbon than traditional coal-fired factories.
In addition to the export deal, Miraka has announced a competitive milk price of $8.42/kgMS for the 2024-25 season to its farmer suppliers. Gradon expressed satisfaction with the ability to support farmers with a strong price following a challenging season, emphasizing the company's commitment to rewarding high standards of sustainability, people development, animal welfare, and milk quality.
Under its farming excellence program, Te Ara Miraka, farmers can earn an additional premium of up to $0.20/kgMS. Over the years, Miraka has paid out over $21 million in premiums to its farmers, underlining the company's investment in its suppliers and sustainable agricultural practices.
The success of Miraka’s suppliers was recently celebrated at the company’s annual awards dinner in Taupo, where 13 dairy farms achieved the top spots under Te Ara Miraka for the 2023/24 season, each earning an extra premium of 20c/kgMS, showcasing the high standards and commitment of Miraka’s network of suppliers.
This new supply and research agreement with Theland aims to produce a range of premium, low-carbon A2 milk products, reflecting Theland's commitment to sustainability and minimal environmental impact, values that resonate with Miraka’s principles of kaitiakitanga, or guardianship and conservation.
Miraka is noted for its innovative use of geothermal energy at its dairy plant, making it the world’s first to adopt such technology and significantly reducing its carbon emissions footprint—92% less carbon than traditional coal-fired factories.
In addition to the export deal, Miraka has announced a competitive milk price of $8.42/kgMS for the 2024-25 season to its farmer suppliers. Gradon expressed satisfaction with the ability to support farmers with a strong price following a challenging season, emphasizing the company's commitment to rewarding high standards of sustainability, people development, animal welfare, and milk quality.
Under its farming excellence program, Te Ara Miraka, farmers can earn an additional premium of up to $0.20/kgMS. Over the years, Miraka has paid out over $21 million in premiums to its farmers, underlining the company's investment in its suppliers and sustainable agricultural practices.
The success of Miraka’s suppliers was recently celebrated at the company’s annual awards dinner in Taupo, where 13 dairy farms achieved the top spots under Te Ara Miraka for the 2023/24 season, each earning an extra premium of 20c/kgMS, showcasing the high standards and commitment of Miraka’s network of suppliers.
