Nutricia launches sheep milk innovation

The launch builds on growing consumer interest in infant formulas based on different milk varieties

Nutricia,  a part of French multinational food-products corporation Danone, has announced the launch of its first Karicare Toddler Sheep Milk formulation, representing a significant step for the New Zealand sheep dairy industry. The launch enhances the existing strong market position of Karicare, a leading brand in Australia and New Zealand.

The product innovation respondsto growing demand among consumers in Australia and New Zealand for toddler formulas based on alternative sources of milk, such as goat and sheep milk.

“As consumer preferences continue to evolve, it’s important – as market leader in Australia and New Zealand – that we’re able to cater accordingly. Also, this launch is as an opportunity to serve other consumers with similar tastes in the region, and who value New Zealand’s renowned agricultural and sheep-farming heritage as well asthe country’s natural environment. Plus, through this launch, we’re also supporting our local dairy sheep farms,” said John Hoare, Sales Director at Nutricia ANZ.

The current launch of Karicare Toddler Sheep Milk is sourced from sheep grazing year-round, supplied by two farms running 6000 ewes on the western shores Lake Taupo. With plans to launch a full sheep milk product range next year, Nutricia further aims to engage farmers in the greater Waikato region to help meet demand.