Business South June 2021

46 | DAIRY INDUSTRY Danone New Zealand Innovation leads to greater choice Danone has progressively extended its milk formula range of products in New Zealand to offer more alternatives to consumers. Recent innovations include A2 milk, which is easier to digest for some babies D anone has a long-standing history of research and innovation. It has more than 400 scientists and researchers developing innovations for products but also for consumer experience or sourcing of ingredients. “Pioneering, testing and learning have always been part of our DNA,” says Danone New Zealand operations director Leon Fung. “Through our Karicare heritage, we carry on the legacy of Danone founder, Sir Truby King’s, innovative spirit for infant nutrition.” Leon says that today innovation is not only about creating new recipes, it is also about rethinking ways of sourcing ingredients, manufacturing products and disposing of packaging. He says that Danone also has a strong sustainability DNA with its ‘One Planet One Health’ vision. “We are convinced that healthy nutrition is not possible without a healthy planet. “This is why from regenerative agriculture to reducing carbon footprint of its operations, Danone has been committed to finding new solutions to preserve our planet’s resources.” He says that Danone promotes a holistic vision of regenerative agriculture, focusing on three pillars: animal welfare, soil health and financial sustainability for the farmers. In the US Danone has launched the largest regenerative agriculture programme to help farmers transition to more sustainable farm- ing practices. Already more than 33,000ha of land are enrolled in the programme with a goal of 40,000ha by 2022. In New Zealand Danone has already started teaming up with key partners to create new standards for the dairy industry. “We believe full transparency is the best way to demonstrate our commitment, so we co-developed a unique Grass-Fed certification in New Zealand with AsureQuality. “Our brand Karicare is the first to use the local and independent AsureQuality Grass-Fed Certification Standard.” Leon explains that grass-fed is a method of agriculture that respects natural resources and animal welfare. “Cows’ bodies are designed to eat grass. This ensures the cow’s best health but also the best quality of milk as nature intended. Returning ruminants to the land can also re- sult in multiple benefits for the land including restoring soil biodiversity, making the land more resilient and overall improving the land rather than depleting it. T T Karen Phelps T T Digital innovations - page 48 “In addition because grasses trap atmos- pheric carbon dioxide, the grass-fed system can also help fight climate change (carbon sequestration).” Leon says that setting this new standard for the industry with AsureQuality has been a proud moment for the Danone team. “It shows that we can have a positive and direct impact on the planet, all while offering higher quality products to our consumers,” he explains. “This new standard also helps New Zealand leverage its assets overseas and create high value-add products. It really is a win-win. “At Danone we think this is the way to preserve natural resources in the long-term. As an industry-leader we are committed to leading the way for a global change. “Co-developing a new standard for grass-fed and the dairy industry in New Zealand is us doing our little part towards a more sustaina- ble Aotearoa.” Meeting Consumers Expectations Since Danone’s Karicare Gold+ Organic Grass-Fed Toddler was launched in September it has had huge uptake by the market, says Leon Fung. “The Organic and Grass-Fed certifications are what consumers are now seeking.” “They want transparency, traceability and quality. They are concerned about sustainabil- ity. This is why our packaging is recyclable and we are committed to offering 100% recyclable packaging for all our products by 2025 across Danone.” Danone’s Karicare, the iconic Kiwi brand initiated by company founder Sir Truby King, has made another strong commitment last year: to pioneer carbon neutral products in New Zealand for milk formula. “Working together with our farmers, our suppliers and partners we will transition all our Karicare products to carbon neutral products by 2030 starting with Karicare Gold+ Organic Grass-Fed Toddler by 2022. “This is not only a pioneering move in New Zealand but also within Danone as Karicare will be the first milk formula of the company to achieve this.” He says this new sustainable project is part of a wider sustainable agenda that Danone is leading across all its businesses, with the goal to become a carbon zero company by 2050. “The carbon neutral goal for Karicare seemed like a very natural step to provide more natural and sustainable nutrition op- tions to consumers, to make a positive impact on the planet.” “At Danone we think this is the way to preserve natural resources in the long-term. As an industry-leader we are committed to leading the way for a global change.”