Founder Stories – The a2 Milk Company

by Foodbevy
August 17, 2020

Let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there. How did your company get started and why?

The a2 Milk Company™ was founded in New Zealand in 2000 by Dr. Corran McLachlan after a scientific discovery. While studying at Cambridge University, Corran learned that proteins in milk affect people differently and that ordinary cows produce milk with different beta-casein proteins, called A1 and A2. He went on to discover a safe and simple way to identify cows who produced milk that was naturally A1 protein free. From there, The a2 Milk Company™ was born. Today, our mission remains the same: to pioneer the scientific understanding of the A2 protein type so more people can enjoy the nutritional goodness that only comes from real milk.
 

What is your product and how would you describe it?

 
We are an innovative dairy nutrition brand helping people live better lives through the benefits of the A2 protein. a2 Milk® is 100% real milk from cows that naturally produce only the A2 protein, allowing some individuals to drink dairy without discomfort. a2 Milk® can be enjoyed with your breakfast cereal, smoothie or latte with all of the nutritional benefits of cow’s milk, such as high quality protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Additionally, a2 Milk® products come in a wide variety, including Whole Milk, 2% Reduced Fat Milk, Chocolate 2% Reduced Fat Milk, and Fat Free Milk, along with coffee creamers in Sweet Cream and Creamy Vanilla flavors.
 
The original protein in milk is the A2 Protein type. Due to a mutation thousands of years ago, the A1 protein type was created and spread across the dairy industry. Research suggests that milk containing A2 protein is easier on digestion, but not so much with A1. Some breeds of cows produce no A1 casein at all. Using comprehensive herd selection, a2 Milk found a safe and simple way to identify those cows, allowing consumers to benefit from the essential nutrients dairy provides.
 

How have you pivoted your business this year?

 
With U.S. consumers’ social distancing in response to the coronavirus, online grocery shopping has accelerated in an unprecedented way, resulting in increased trial and adoption across all generations. As such, we have adapted our digital marketing, allocating funds to support paid search on retailer websites and Instacart.
 

What is your next challenge to overcome? What help are you looking for?

 
Our biggest challenge is to successfully sustain momentum through COVID-19 and beyond and continue to provide consumers with real, high quality milk that comes naturally from cows that only produce the A2 protein. In recessionary times consumers will increasingly look to good value and high quality nutrition for their families. The a2 Milk Company is working with our retail partners to ensure we deliver on consumer demand for a better milk at an accessible price.
 

What do you predict for the food industry over the rest of the year?

 
Although the dairy industry as a whole has taken a hit this year, we have been doing well despite the current climate. Looking ahead to a post-COVID society, the impact of unemployment will be trying, and both food and beverage brands across the board will have to continually address their value proposition to the consumer delivering the benefits of natural nutrition that has never been more important . The one thing that most brands will have to address in the coming year is a lack of predictability in order patterns and remain agile as this situation continues to develop. Insuring a strong supply chain with our farmers and our retailers will be very important to compete in this new environment. The a2 Milk Company™ is proud to continue to enrich the lives of people through real dairy and the A2 protein type.
 
Learn more: www.a2milk.com
 

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