Australian Infant Nutrition Industry Lifting Living Standards
11 September, 2014
- Australia’s Infant formula industry aims to provide Chinese babies with the same high quality and safe nutrition as Australian babies
- The Infant Nutrition Council encourages opportunities for Australia’s infant formula industry to be part of the growing China market which is currently valued at $13.3 billion, and continues to grow1
- The Infant Nutrition Council champions best practice for the infant formula industry in Australia including high quality ingredients, good supply chain integrity, safe food standards and ethical marketing practices
The contribution the Australian infant nutrition industry can make in lifting living standards in China is the central focus on ‘The Right Formula’ forum hosted by the Infant Nutrition Council (INC) in Melbourne today.
The forum speakers will address delegates and lead discussions on how food safety, security and integrity, regulation, ethics and exploring opportunities in China in regards to infant formula is improving the quality of life.
INC CEO Ms Jan Carey said the event will outline the importance of meeting the aspirations of closing the gap between Australian and Chinese living standards for the middle class.
“Our region produces high quality product from lush green pastures and so Australia is in a good position to take up the opportunities that China’s growing middle class is demanding. Over 16 million babies are born in China every year and with the relaxing of the one child policy this number will rise, said Ms Carey
“While breast feeding is the best nutrition for infants many Chinese mothers rely on infant formula as they return to work. It is important that these babies have access to high quality breast milk substitutes and Australia is well placed to provide them.”
Infant Nutrition Council members are showing leadership in the export market by ensuring they have strict marketing practices in line with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines to promote and protect breastfeeding
“We welcome any and all efforts to increase confidence of Chinese and local consumers in our infant formula products. The INC is committed to working with government to instil faith in the integrity of our industry. We know that currently Chinese consumers trust our products and we want to ensure that this relationship remains strong,” said Ms Carey.
The INC hopes to maintain its leadership in conversations about local interpretations of infant formula marketing codes, where it advocates for the best nutrition for babies based on protecting and promoting breastfeeding and ensuring the proper use of breast milk substitutes, especially as Chinese demand for products continues to soar.
Presentations will be made by Dr Helen Darling, Darling & Associates; Mr Dean Stockwell, Food Standards Australia New Zealand; Ms Jennifer McDonald, Dairy Food Safety Victoria; and Dr Simon Longstaff, St James Ethics Centre. A panel discussion will focus on the opportunities for the infant formula industry in China, featuring Mr David Jamieson, Austrade; Mr Bruce Donnison, Fonterra Australia; and Mr Carl Jetter of the Australia China Business Council.
References
- AgroChart. January 2014. ‘China’s baby formula market’. Available from: http://www.agrochart.com/en/news/news/110114/chinas-baby-formula-market/ (last accessed 08/09/2014).
‘The Right Formula’ Industry Meeting Proudly Sponsored by Peerless Foods
”We welcome any and all efforts to increase confidence of Chinese and local consumers in our infant formula products. The INC is committed to working with government to instil faith in the integrity of our industry. We know that currently Chinese consumers trust our products and we want to ensure that this relationship remains strong.
Jan CareyCEO INC
For further information contact Jan Carey 00 61 412 514 735
About the Infant Nutrition Council
The Infant Nutrition Council Ltd (INC) is the association for the infant formula industry in Australia and New Zealand. Its 41 members produce over 95% of the volume of infant formula manufactured, sold and exported in New Zealand. INC plays a key role in ensuring compliance and safety in the industry. All members abide by a Code of Conduct that provides direction on industry issues, including the support of breastfeeding, food regulations and standards, food safety issues, and company representatives’ conduct and activities. INC advocates for optimal nutrition for all infants: breastfeeding first, and, when needed, infant formula as the only suitable alternative. INC members include A2 Milk, Abbott Nutrition, Aspen Nutritionals, Bayer, Danone Nutricia, Fonterra, HJ Heinz, Nestle, Synlait. Associate members include NIG Nutritionals, Westland, Dairy Goat Co-operative, Bodco, Fresco, GMP, New Zealand New Milk, Spring Sheep Milk, Winston, Yashili. Website:www.infantnutritioncouncil.com
