Alaska Milk marks 40 years of partnership with Campina

MANILA, Philippines - The partnership of Alaska Milk Corp. and FrieslandCampina dates back four decades ago when in 1972, the first can of Alaska evaporated filled milk was produced in the country through the collaboration of the Uytengsu family and the Dutch dairy co-operative. Today, that partnership was further strengthened through the increased investment of FrieslandCampina in Alaska Milk.

Royal FrieslandCampina is the leading dairy company in Netherlands and ranked fifth among the largest dairy companies in the world with annual turnover of £9 billion. Currently, FrieslandCampina employs 19,000 people in 25 countries with products sold in more than 100 countries.

To Alaska Milk, the partnership presents a host of possibilities from an operational standpoint.

FrieslandCampina brings to the table a portfolio of dairy products ranging from raw material ingredients to valued-added dairy products such as infant formula, cheese, butter, yoghurts among others.

It also affords Alaska Milk to compete globally through the possible distribution of Alaska Milk products in territories outside of the Philippines.

The partnership also offers learning through exchange of best manufacturing and marketing practices, including exchange of talents, culled from years of solid experience by both companies.

This partnership is expected to usher an era of unprecedented development for the domestic dairy market in terms of transfer of technology, research and development and will elevate food and security awareness in milk processing in the Philippines.

Alaska Milk also sees the partnership in line with its strategic goal of doubling the business by 2014. Alaska Milk posted compounded annual growth of 9 percent from 1999 to 2010 and average double-digit earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) since 2001.

“We expect this historical agreement to propel Alaska Milk to its next stage growth and the products developed by FrieslandCampina will strengthen our position in all dairy categories. The intended integration will provide Alaska Milk with access to an international dairy company. It is a testament to our aspiration to bring our business and products regionally,” said Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, president and chief executive officer of Alaska Milk.

For 40 years, Alaska Milk has shown consistent brand leadership in the liquid canned milk category, a strong and growing position in the powdered milk and value-added milk products such as ready-to-drink milks and ready-to-use products. Recently, Alaska Milk expanded its product portfolio in the non-dairy coffee creamer category and sterilized milk segment.

The company has likewise established a strong partnership with its trade and business partners in providing its consumers with the highest level of service.

Alaska Milk and FrieslandCampina are both committed to lead the growth of the domestic dairy market. They share the same passion of providing consumers with affordable and world-class products that play an important role in people’s nutrition and well-being.

Forty years ago, Alaska Milk set forth to provide quality and affordable nutrition to Filipinos and today that commitment remains true and is further reinforced through this renewed partnership. Working together to help the country and its people move forward in life with natural dairy nutrition. The heart of soul of Alaska Milk remains stronger than ever. “My heart remains here and I will continue to lead the management team of Alaska Milk for the foreseeable future.” Uytengsu said.