2024 May Board Book

CHINA

Nine new milk products were launched in February into China market, among which 7 were fresh milk or ESL. All the 9 new items enjoyed the same feature of being functional including lactose free, DHA fortified, Jersey cow milk, Micro-filter milk etc. For example, one new ESL filtered milk brand has a 120-day shelf life and 5.8g/100ml protein content. Competition on milk is getting fierce and needs segmentation.

We saw the first formal reporting on Rizo Lopez issue here on Chinese media on February 15. So far it has not caused any further discussion nor adverse effects on Cal dairy image.

Burger King: Run over 1,500 restaurants in China nationwide. Interested in the Jalapeno Jack cheese slices from California. Samples from California have been provided to the procurement team for test with positive feedback. A demo would be arranged with the R&D team of Burger King to confirm their sourcing intention. Papa Johns: Interested in the pizza blend cheese, Parmesan/Romano blend and the Provolone/Parmesan/Romano blend. Price quote from Harbyrco has passed the requirement from the sourcing team. Arranging sample for test. Full 40ft container volume.

Costco: Preparing to launch the new Blueberry flavor soft-serve ice cream from California. New container has arrived to be delivered to Costco warehouse.

Demo for Fizz: Founded in 2002, Fizz is a chained western style restaurant brand running over 110 restaurants in eastern China and expanding by 15 – 20 restaurants annually. It also aims to open its premium brand starting in 2024.

A lecture on California cheese was given followed by a demo and tasting of 12 recipes ranging from cheese plate to pizza, from salad to cheese baked rice. Mozzarella shred, pizza blend, Mexican blend, Traditional Jack square, Bay Blue, Cheddar shred, Cheddar slice, Calico slice etc. were all highlighted.

Owner of Fizz and its R&D Director joined in the demo. They indicated that Hangzhou and surrounding region still falls behind Shanghai in terms of cheese consumption. Products like Bay Blue are difficult to promote, but they are very interested in Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Calico and Mexican blend.