Yili forms sustainable international supply chain network for dairy industry

Chinese dairy company Yili has formed a series of strategic partnerships with 13 international companies, marking the establishment of the dairy industry’s first sustainable international supply chain network.

The signings took place during the Agriculture and Food Development Forum at CIIE 2019 on 8 November in Shanghai, and strengthens Yili’s position in the dairy industry.

According to Yili, the newly formed network will demonstrate how a collective framework can result in greater cooperation, innovation and green development.

Through the network, Yili intends to create new platforms for cooperation between China’s dairy industry and the global dairy industry, while also opening up the Chinese market to international enterprises.

Zhang Jianqiu, CEO of Yili Group, said: “By building a global sustainable supply chain network, we have broadened the opportunities for cooperation in the dairy industry and contributed to the world’s health ecosystem, while creating greater social value by supporting sustainable initiatives and improving the quality of health worldwide.”

Yili has signed partnerships with companies working in areas from food processing to risk management, including Tetra Pak, Cargill and Roquette.

As part of its agreement with Roquette, Yili will source a variety of natural materials from the plant-based ingredients manufacturer over the next three years. Both companies will also work together to explore opportunities for new product development, technological innovation and food safety.

“Through our long-term cooperation, we have established an excellent partnership with Yili. In recent years, Roquette and the Yili Group have collaborated to quickly move from a simple supply relationship to a strategic partnership,” said Chen Yehong, CEO of Roquette China.

Yehong added: “By sharing our resources and knowledge, Roquette and Yili are collectively committed to building a better future for our customers around the world.”