New Zealand Milk targets to triple sales

PT New Zealand Milk Indonesia, a producer of milk and milk- related goods from New Zealand, has set an ambitious target to triple its sales in Indonesia within the next three years, despite the fact that the country will still be affected by the economic crisis.

Riki Taiaroa, the marketing manager of New Zealand Milk, said on Thursday that his company's total sales in Indonesia last year reached US$35 million, an increase of more than 200 percent from 1999 when it started its business in the country.

He estimated that the sales this year would increase by 100 percent.

"We've doubled our sales during the last three years and we expect to triple it in the next three years, considering our promotion program and the recovery of the Indonesian economy," Riki told The Jakarta Post.

"In terms of total population, Indonesia offers huge market potential in the years ahead. Its milk consumption habit is the lowest in Asia with only 1.8 kilogram per head annually, as compared to an average eight kg in other Asian countries.

"But this represents an exciting business opportunity. As the economy is recovering, consumers will be able to afford milk," he said.

PT New Zealand Milk Indonesia, which produces Anlene, Andec and Prolene, is one of the largest milk companies in Indonesia, with market share in milks for adults reaching 57 percent but in milk for children only nine percent.