New Zealand goat milk formula co-operative partners with US firm to expand into China and United States

The Dairy Goat Co-operative, a New Zealand farmer-owned group, has announced a partnership with Chicago-based AGR Partners to fund its expansion into China and the United States. The co-operative, with 55 farmer shareholders and 240 employees, produces goat infant formula. Chief executive Alastair Hulbert said the capital will help enter costly new markets without reducing farmer returns. The company is conducting clinical research on 2,300 babies to support health claims that goat milk formula is easier to digest and may prevent eczema. DGC has previously exported to Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea.