Global dairy company Fonterra is now closer to the heart of Europe’s dairy and food innovation hub with the official opening of its new Amsterdam office in The Netherlands today.
The Amsterdam office, opened by Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovations, Mr Verhagen, will bring Fonterra closer to its partners and food manufacturing customers and open the door for new ideas and products.
Fonterra’s Managing Director of Global Ingredients and Foodservices Andrei Mikhalevsky says the move to Amsterdam exemplifies Fonterra’s commitment to growing its European business alongside its investment in dairy research and innovation.
“Our new office in Amsterdam provides a home to our international sales force as well as a local technical centre to support the growth of our value-added and specialty ingredients portfolio in Europe.”
“Fonterra already has a strong relationship with the Netherlands to build upon. As well as our existing partnerships and trading presence, we have also chosen to use Dutch ports and distribution channels for the majority of our exports to Europe.”
Minister Verhagen said: “The arrival of the European headquarters of Fonterra is an asset for the Dutch agri-food sector. Their coming is also a recognition of our strong business climate. We in the Netherlands, also have much to offer in terms of our own expertise and knowledge in the field of dairy and logistics.”
A host of European and New Zealand dignitaries attended the opening including the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, Lodewijk Asscher and New Zealand’s ambassador to The Netherlands, George Troup. Guests were greeted with a Maori Pōwhiri (traditional Maori welcome), enjoyed an array of New Zealand influenced food and had the chance to participate in a cheese tasting with technical experts.
Source: Fonterra