New Glanbia deals boost China trade
Glanbia Dairy Ingredients Ireland chose yesterday’s visit of Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to Nanjing in China to launch its Avonol whey protein concentrate powder, geared for the Chinese infant formula market.
The Kilkenny-based group continues to grow its presence in the region, selling directly from a Shanghai trading base. With premix manufacturing also, since 2008 in Suzhou, the company is well placed to take advantage of this week’s Irish trade mission across China.
Glanbia corporate communications executive Jack Kissane said: “We have 45 people based in China. It is very important to have people on the ground there. This follows the recent twinning agreement between Suzhou and Kilkenny City, of which Glanbia was the primary catalyst. State visits like this week’s trade mission are very important in building business and political links.”
Glanbia’s facility in Suzhou manufactures vitamins, minerals, and other nutraceuticals for infant formula, and for food and supplements customers in China.
Glanbia generated revenue of €115m from the Asia Pacific region in 2011, where it employs 60 people.
Minister Coveney said: “These very significant trade agreements are indicative of the foresight of Glanbia in developing strategic business opportunities in China, but also reflect the potential for growth in a market that values the kind of exacting standards of food safety and quality that Irish dairy and other agri food products can deliver. Glanbia’s success in China is also very encouraging for other Irish food businesses.”
A successful trade mission for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, other Irish companies to unveil deals this week include the Irish Dairy Board’s UHT milk deal, Samco Agricultural Manufacturing’s deal to deliver a cutting-edge corn silage system, Connolly’s Redmills horse feed deals, and eight seafood companies invited by BIM agreeing a series of fish product deals.
