8 March 2019

Fonterra’s investment in alternative milk product company is a positive step for the future according to SAFE

Fonterra has acquired a minority stake in a US-based company developing plant-based and cell-grown animal products including milk, a decision SAFE says is a recognition of the changing food landscape.

US company Motif Ingredients has raised US$90 million from investors, including Fonterra, to develop plant-based and cell grown animal products, including milk.

SAFE Eat Kind spokesperson Krysta Neve says the decision represents that Fonterra recognises people are trending away from dairy products.

“Despite previously being critical of plant-based milk products, Fonterra has taken the move to adapt to the changing food landscape. This is a positive step forward for animals and our environment,” says Ms Neve.

“Plant-based and cell-grown animal proteins have the potential to meet the nutritional demands of the world’s growing population, which traditional agriculture cannot. Animals and our environment suffer in the dairy industry, and we have to make the move to plant-based alternatives to reverse this."

Fonterra’s decision to invest in Motif Ingredients follows a run of giant food companies who have acquired stakes in alternative protein companies, including Campbell, Tyson and Nestle.

“This is a positive step, and it’s becoming easier for Kiwi’s to make kinder food choices,” says Ms Neve.

“We applaud Fonterra’s decision, and encourage them and other food companies to continue their research and investment into less cruel and resource intensive food production.”

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