Celebrating Innovation and Achievement
Maui Milk was proud to once again represent New Zealand’s premium sheep milk industry at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 in Shanghai. This prestigious event brings together leading global brands, innovators, and partners who share a vision for a more sustainable and health-focused future in food.
At this year’s event, we celebrated three major milestones: receiving Grass-Fed Certification, earning Low-Glycemic Index (Low-GI) Certification, and officially launching a new adult and infant nutrition series. These achievements highlight our leadership in sustainable farming, scientific research, and product innovation, all under our theme of “Nature, Science, and Innovation.”
Now in our eighth consecutive year at CIIE, we continue to showcase the very best of New Zealand’s grass-fed dairy. From our proprietary Southern Cross® dairy sheep breed and pasture-based grazing systems to advanced dairy processing and brand development, we’ve built a full “farm-to-table” traceability model that sets the benchmark for quality and transparency.
Recognition from the New Zealand Government
This year, Managing Director Natalie Dang, CEO Malcolm Edwards, and supply farmer Bruce Hill represented Maui Milk, engaging with visitors, collaborators, and industry leaders from around the world. Their presence highlighted the strong connection between New Zealand’s grass-fed farms and the growing demand in China for high-quality, naturally nutritious dairy alternatives.
We were honoured to welcome a New Zealand government delegation, including Minister for Trade and Investment Hon Todd McClay, Ambassador to China Dr Jonathan Austin, and Consul-General in Shanghai Ardi Barnard, to our booth at CIIE.
On November 8, Minister Todd McClay presented us with the Grass-Fed Certification, recognising our world-class grazing and milk source management standards.
On November 6, Ambassador Dr Jonathan Austin and Consul-General Ardi Barnard presented us with the Low-GI Certification, confirming the scientifically proven health benefits of Maui sheep milk.
Leading in Grass-Fed Excellence
Our grass-fed certification, independently audited by AsureQuality and verified by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), confirms that our Southern Cross® dairy sheep spend over 8 hours daily on pasture, 365 days a year, with an average 94.7% grass-based diet, well above MPI’s minimum requirements.
“This certification represents years of commitment to sustainable pastoral management and respect for animal welfare,” said Malcolm Edwards, CEO of Maui Milk.
Low-GI Certification: Science Meets Nutrition
Our whole and skim sheep milk powders achieved outstanding results in glycemic response testing, earning the Low-GI Certification. The naturally low-GI properties of Maui milk come from its unique lactose structure, rich medium-chain fatty acids, and high whey protein content.
“The Low-GI certification quantifies the health value of Maui sheep milk,” said our R&D lead. “It provides scientific assurance to consumers and a foundation for future functional dairy innovation.”
Strengthening Connections in China
Maui Milk’s participation at CIIE 2025 not only showcased the excellence of New Zealand sheep milk but also strengthened connections with valued partners and consumers across China and beyond.
"Maui firmly believes that truly high-end dairy products must balance scientific validation with natural purity. We will continue to work with our Chinese partners to bring New Zealand's grass-fed nutrition to more families."
Natalie Dang - Managing Director.
