Fonterra Brands New Zealand and Apollo Foods are planning to capitalise on the increasing global popularity for lifestyle beverages.

Managing Director of Fonterra Brands New Zealand Leon Clement, said a global surge in demand for dairy and fruit beverages presents a fantastic opportunity for both companies.

“As high-quality drinks play an increasingly large role in consumers’ diets around the world, New Zealand companies have a real opportunity to create value-adding initiatives across our primary industry sectors,” said Clement.

“By taking an innovative partnership approach to production with Apollo Foods, we have been able to open up new opportunities for future brands – and create even more value for our farmers.”

The Apollo Foods state of the art facility will have the capacity to produce millions of litres of beverages each year. It will allow Fonterra Brands New Zealand and Apollo Foods to take the lead in their respective categories and benefit from new technology to supply consumer drinks to the growing market.”

Ross Beaton, Managing Director at Apollo Foods said: “I am absolutely thrilled and privileged to work with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to bring added value beverages to the global consumer – and better still that we are producing it all right here in Hawke’s Bay.”

Following the commissioning of the plant last month by Apollo, production is underway of a new look, new formulation, “Mammoth” flavoured milk which contains 40% less added sugar and has a shelf life of six months. In the coming months both Fonterra Brands New Zealand and Apollo will independently release their own varieties of new beverages to the New Zealand market.