Freedom Foods signs supply agreement with Chinese New Hope Group

Freedom Foods Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese company New Hope Group. The MoU will see the companies cooperate to develop a long-term milk supply through establishment of large-scale, intensive dairy farms in south-east Australia to supply Freedom Foods’ UHT operations and other potential fresh milk processing operations.

“Australia has a unique advantage in the supply and manufacture of high-quality premium agriculture-based foods. With increasing demand from markets in China and SE Asia for high-quality, value-added product, Australia, through companies such as Freedom Foods Group and Perich Group, is well placed to play an important role in the development of this supply chain,” said Rory Macleod, managing director of Freedom Foods Group.

The supply arrangements will complement sourcing from existing dairy farm supply to ensure the companies can meet long-term supply requirements.

The large-scale dairy farms will operate under Australian management and ownership. New Hope will be a core investor and partner in the operations, while continuing to market and distribute value-added dairy products in China through New Hope Dairy.

The farms will be managed by the Perich Group, which has extensive experience operating large-scale, intensive dairy operations.

Perich Group owns a majority stake in Freedom Foods.