In November 2011 Robert Wiseman Dairies and A2 Corporation, a company listed in New Zealand, announced the creation of a joint venture, a2 Milk (UK), and the intention to introduce a range of a2 Milk products in 2012.
The company is seeking new members to join its direct supply group, the Wiseman Milk Group, and supply milk to its new a2 branded milk venture.
With over 8,000 dairy cows now tested, Wiseman has already started to build an a2 milk supply pool amongst existing Wiseman Milk Group members in the area as it moves towards launching a2 Milk in the UK this autumn.
Supplies of a2 milk will command a premium of 2.5ppl over the standard Wiseman farmgate milk price (currently 28.43ppl). Conversion incentives are available and all the costs of DNA sampling of cattle to determine those with the A2 milk protein are also covered.
Sean Uprichard, chief executive of a2 Milk (UK), said: “We are offering a unique opportunity for dairy farmers in the UK’s largest milk field to join this hugely exciting innovation as we move towards launching a2 Milk in the UK. The product is aimed at the growing market of people with a perceived intolerance to milk and who don’t currently consume cows milk.
“Results so far suggest that most herds have around a third of cows with the a2 beta Casein protein which is required for a2 Milk, and we will work with farmers to help find the best solution to either convert their herd to solely a2 cows or segregate the a2 milk and appropriate financial assistance will be offered.”
Source: Robert Wiseman Dairies
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