Source: Fonterra
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has announced a NZD 75 million investment to expand butter production at its Clandeboye site in South Canterbury, as part of the next phase of strategic investments by the Co-op signalled in its FY25 Annual Results.
CEO Miles Hurrell says the Co-op plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next three to four years in projects that will generate further value for farmers and drive operational cost efficiencies.
“We’ve said that through focused execution of strategy we are targeting our earnings to be back at FY25 levels by FY28 if the Mainland Group business is divested.
“This investment supports that goal by increasing our production of a high-value product and improving our product mix by adding value to milkfat,” says Mr Hurrell.
The investment will enable construction of a new butter line at Clandeboye, expanding the site’s current butter production capacity by up to 50,000 MT per annum.
The new butter line at Clandeboye will expand the Co-op’s capacity to produce a range of butter formats, tailored for both global ingredients customers and professional kitchens.
The plant will be capable of producing products that meet diverse market requirements, including Halal and Kosher certifications, supporting our growth in key international markets.
Mr Hurrell says global demand for butter continues to grow, and this investment positions Fonterra to better serve customers worldwide.
Fonterra Chief Operating Officer Anna Palairet says the expansion of the Clandeboye site strengthens Fonterra’s network in the South Island by improving flexibility and resilience.
“This investment is part of Fonterra’s broader strategic asset roadmap supporting long-term growth in high-value dairy categories. The expansion will create 16 new jobs at the site, supporting the local economy,” says Ms Palairet.
Construction at the Clandeboye site starts in December 2025, with commissioning scheduled for early 2027 and first product expected off the line in April 2027.
This is Fonterra’s third investment in the South Island in the past year, following:
$75 million investment in an advanced protein hub at Studholme to be sold through our Ingredients business, catering to the fast-growing high protein market for medical and sports nutrition. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2026.
$150 million investment in a new UHT cream plant at Edendale to unlock additional capacity for high value product sold through our Foodservice business. Construction is expected to be complete in the second half of 2026.
Fonterra has recently invested $64 million at Clandeboye for the conversion of two coal boilers to wood pellets, a crucial step in Fonterra’s commitment to exit coal by 2037. The conversion was completed in August 2025.
About lactic and unsalted butters:
Traditional churned lactic butter is a European-style product made using a high-speed version of traditional hand-churning. Known for its rich, tangy flavour and dense, creamery texture, lactic butter is ideal for premium applications. Popular in Middle Eastern cuisine as well as western and local bakery products, Fonterra sells lactic butter direct to customers under its Ingredients brand, NZMP.
The unsalted butter produced at the Clandeboye site will be used for both Ingredients and Foodservice customers. Unsalted butter is a popular choice in products such as croissants, danishes, bread, cakes and cookies, and is increasingly used in traditional Chinese pastries. Fonterra sells unsalted butter direct to customers under its Ingredients brand, NZMP, and Foodservice brand, Anchor Food Professionals.
About Fonterra
Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together.
