Nutricia said the new product is a response to growing demand among consumers in Australia and New Zealand for toddler formulas based on alternative sources of milk, such as goat and sheep milk.
John Hoare, sales director at Nutricia ANZ, said, “As consumer preferences continue to evolve, it’s important – as market leader in Australia and New Zealand – that we’re able to cater accordingly.
“Also, this launch is an opportunity to serve other consumers with similar tastes in the region, and who value New Zealand’s renowned agricultural and sheep-farming heritage as well as the country’s natural environment. Plus, through this launch, we’re supporting our local dairy sheep farms.”
The current launch of Karicare Toddler Sheep Milk is sourced from sheep grazing year-round, supplied by two farms running 6000 ewes on the western shores of Lake Taupo.
With plans to launch a full sheep milk product range next year, Nutricia said it aims to work with farmers in the greater Waikato region to help meet demand.
Karicare Toddler Sheep Milk for 12+ Months is available in select Chemist Warehouse stores across Australia. A full Karicare Sheep Milk formulation range is planned for 2020.