Fonterra launches non-GMO line-up for NZMP ingredients brand

NZMP, the dairy ingredients brand from Fonterra, has launched a range of non-GMO ingredients for North American food and drink manufacturers.

The new line-up will help companies to meet demand for food without genetically modified ingredients – particularly in the US. The number of product launches with a non-GMO claim has increased in recent years, as consumers become more concerned about the origins and practices that go into making their food.

This is in spite of a lack of evidence that GMOs have any effect on the quality or safety of a product. In a survey last July, researchers from the University of Wisconsin found that consumers were unaware of the scientific consensus that genetically modified foods are safe to consume.

NZMP, which makes a broad range of ingredients from milk and whey powders to protein isolates, will benefit from adding the non-GMO claim to its position on pasture-raised farming. It will also be able to leverage strong consumer perception of New Zealand-reared milk.

Joe Coote, regional president of ingredients for the Americas for Fonterra NZMP, said: “New Zealand is well recognised for its unique pasture-raised farming practices and regulatory control of GMOs. This new NZMP product range allows food and beverage manufacturers to leverage both the Non-GMO Project claim and the New Zealand grass-fed advantage in a way that’s highly relevant to US consumers.

“Research shows that over half of US protein consumers and more than a third of US dairy product consumers are ‘very interested’ in a non-GMO claim. 40% of consumers are also willing to pay a premium for dairy products with a non-GMO claim.”

NZMP worked with the Non-GMO Project because it is recognised by consumers and provides robust standards. The seal is the fastest growing label in the natural products industry, representing $19.2 billion in annual sales and appearing on 43,000 verified products.

Coote continued: “North American food and beverage manufacturers have been using NZMP ingredients for decades and value our deep dairy expertise. This expertise, coupled with a widely recognized non-GMO product claim, is a powerful offering for manufacturers, helping them to differentiate from competitors, and help to increase market share and margins.”