Thursday, 10 November 2022
Miraka joins Prime Minister on Vietnam Trade Mission
Taupō values-based dairy processing company Miraka, which has one of the world’s lowest carbon footprints, will join New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, on a Trade Mission to Vietnam next week.
Chairman of Miraka, Kingi Smiler, said Miraka was honoured to be invited as part of the Prime Minister’s mission to Vietnam to fly the flag for Aotearoa and Māori businesses.
“Miraka already has strong business and people relationships in Vietnam. One of Vietnam’s largest dairy businesses, Vinamilk, has been a cornerstone investor in Miraka since our business was established in 2010.
Vinamilk shares our values, which include kaitiakitanga – caring for the land and natural environment,” said Mr Smiler.
CEO of Miraka, Karl Gradon, will represent Miraka on the Prime Minister’s Trade Mission.
Mr Gradon said “Vietnam is projected to be one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. Vietnam is an important partner for Miraka and indeed, for Aotearoa New Zealand.
I’m looking forward to meeting with Madame Lien, CEO of Vinamilk and developing new customer and business relationships in that region.”
Mr Gradon will join the Prime Minister and the rest of the New Zealand delegation in Vietnam this weekend before the week-long Trade Mission begins.
ENDS.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
MIRAKA
Te Mahau Kingi – Communications Manager
Email: comms@miraka.co.nz
Mobile: +64 21 236 9115
www.miraka.co.nz
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Miraka is a low-carbon, Te Ao Māori (Māori world-view) values-based dairy processing company which was established in 2010 in Taupō, New Zealand.
The company’s factory at Mokai, north of Taupō, has one of the world’s lowest carbon footprints.
Miraka is one of only two (2) companies in the world which uses ‘green’ geothermal energy to power its dairy processing plant and 93% of the company’s energy comes from renewable sources.
Miraka emits 92% less carbon into the atmosphere compared to coal fired plants. That is equivalent to removing 7,000 cars from New Zealand roads for one year.
Miraka was founded upon Te Ao Māori principles which include kaitiakitanga (caring for the land and the natural environment).
The company processes 300 million litres of milk annually and is one of New Zealand’s largest Māori owned export businesses.
The company sends NZD$300 million of premium whole milk powder, frozen milk concentrate, UHT, frozen cream and specialty milk powders to more than 17 countries around the world.
Miraka has 100 farmer suppliers within a 100km radius of its factory who align with the company’s values. Farmers become part of Te Ara Miraka, the company’s world-class on-farm excellence programme which promotes care for the environment, animal welfare and best on-farm practice.
Miraka incentivises its farmers through a combination of loyalty and premium payments of up to 20 cents per kgMS and is one of the largest employers in the Taupō District with 145 staff from 13 different nationalities.
