Poutama has pulled together six Māori entities from the Eastern Bay of Plenty region to investigate the establishment of a multi-species geothermal milk processing plant. The plant is to be based around two small flexible drying platforms. Each of the driers will be capable of producing 750 kgs to 1000 kgs per hour.
The two driers will be able to convert raw milk from both ovine and bovine animals into high quality milk powders and formulated products. The range will include high concentration protein powders, vitaminised powders, infant formulas and aged care formulas.
The products to be manufactured and marketed by Poutama Dairy Group are;
- Milk Protein Concentrate 85 – MPC 85 is a soluble milk protein powder, consisting of 85% protein and low levels of lactose. MPC is produced by filtrating and spray drying fresh pasteurized skimmed cow milk. The powder is commonly used as an ingredient for protein-fortified beverages, functional and low carbohydrate foods.
- Organic Whole Milk and Skim Milk Powders – The Kawerau Dairy processing plant will be accredited to both the European and US NOP standards for organics.
- Organic Milk Protein Concentrate – Kawerau Dairy will be able to manufacture a range of organic MPC formulations to meet our customer’s needs.
All the products will be available in 25 kg multiwall gas flushed bags and 500kg bulk bins.
Plans for further expansion could include a butter production plant, lactose plant and drinking yoghurt facility. The plant will also be certified organic to the European and US NOP standards.
Milk supply to the plant will be from an integrated farm to factory system whereby on-farm best practice is closely linked to world best practice in milk processing systems. All of this will be under-pinned by a value system where the people, land, animals and technology are in sync with each other.
The Poutama Dairy Group is made up of the following entities;
- Poutama
- Putauaki Trust
- Māori Investments Ltd
- Te Manawa o Tuhoe
- Ngati Makino Assets Ltd
- Rotoiti 15 Trust
- Tataiwhetu Trust
For further information on the Poutama Dairy Group please email poutama@poutama.co.nz