Export of fresh milk to China to resume once production returns

WELLINGTON -- Renowned New Zealand dairy enterprise, Milk New Zealand Dairy Ltd, said on Thursday that as long as airfreight operates, Milk New Zealand remains committed to the export of fresh milk to China.

"Even it costs more than usual, we will not increase the product price," said Roy Van Den Hurk, general manager of product of Milk New Zealand Dairy.

At present, airline use has been dramatically reduced due to very limited airfreight capacity during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although dairy manufacture is an essential work industry, the production capacity has been reduced due to health and safety to minimize interaction. Therefore, the trade volume has been significantly impacted, Hurk said.

New Zealand entered a four-week lockdown, or epidemic response Alert Level 4, from midnight March 25. During this period, production of all non-essential industries has been halted to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

"Currently we have a new product in its final development stages which will improve the immune system. We aim to make this available to New Zealanders and to export to other countries," he said.

Hurk said the company is also working on a live-stream project showcasing New Zealand farms, the beauty of this country and the friendly Kiwi culture to Chinese consumers.

"We want more and more consumers to understand Pure New Zealand and why the country has the best dairy industry in the world," he added.

"We appreciate the contribution of every member of the Milk New Zealand Dairy team and will not be reducing any salaries or making any positions redundant. As a company and as a country we will get through this," Hurk said.