Land O’Lakes and Agrifirm form new joint venture in China

US-based agricultural co-operative Land O’Lakes and Netherlands-based Royal Agrifirm Group have agreed to form a dairy animal feed joint venture in China.

Called Agrilakes, the new joint venture company will leverage existing market knowledge, insights, technologies and research capability from both Land O’Lakes and Agrifirm to provide solutions to China-based feed customers and dairy farmers.

The new joint venture will initially be based in Agrifirm’s existing manufacturing plant in Tianjin, with plans to build a new dairy premix and speciality plant on the adjacent property.

Dairy farms in the region are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and evolving dairy feed practices are driving demand for enhanced animal nutrition and productivity.

According to a statement from Land O’Lakes, the joint venture will combine the complementary strengths of its own operations with Agrifirm’s services, allowing the joint venture to fulfil the needs of customers in the region.

Jerry Kaminski, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Land O’Lakes said: “With this new investment in China alongside Agrifirm, we are continuing Land O’Lakes’ successful international commercial growth strategy focused on partnering with locally-successful companies and working together to drive market expansion.

“Thanks to Agrifirm’s established infrastructure and reputation in China, paired with Land O’Lakes’ strong research and technology expertise, we are confident this new joint venture is well-positioned to help grow both companies.”

Dick Hordijk, CEO of Agrifirm added: “With more than 20 years of market experience in China, this joint venture with Land O’Lakes positions Agrifirm to further implement its growth strategy and continue developing a reliable, responsible food chain for future generations in China.

“Agrifirm is proud to bring more than 100 years of experience in the feed and dairy business, and deep experience in China, to this new joint venture.

“We look forward to leveraging the knowledge, experience and products of both Agrifirm and Land O’Lakes to strengthen our China market presence and help China’s dairy farmers on the road to success.”