The a2 Milk Company

Corporate brand

A dairy company specializing in milk and infant nutrition products made from milk containing only the A2 type of beta-casein.

Last updated October 17, 2026

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Overview

The a2 Milk Company is an Australian- and New Zealand-founded dairy business built around the sourcing, processing, and marketing of milk that contains the A2 form of beta-casein and excludes the A1 form. Its products are sold under the a2 and a2 Milk brands and include fresh milk, infant formula, milk powder, cream, yoghurt, and other dairy products. The company is listed on both the New Zealand Exchange and the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker A2M. The business originated as A2 Corporation in 2000. Molecular biologist Dr Corran McLachlan had been studying the possible health implications of A1 beta-casein, while dairy farmer and investor Howard Paterson helped establish the commercial venture. The company developed intellectual property and genetic testing methods that could identify cattle capable of producing milk containing A2 beta-casein without A1 beta-casein. Rather than treating A2 milk as a conventional commodity, the company sought to create a separately certified supply chain involving selected cows, licensed farmers, processors, and branded products. Its early development was difficult. Access to New Zealand dairy farms was constrained by existing supply arrangements, particularly those associated with Fonterra, and A2 Corporation became involved in contentious litigation and public debate over claims concerning A1 beta-casein. New Zealand and Australian food-safety authorities emphasized that conventional milk was safe, while later scientific reviews found that available evidence did not establish a causal relationship between A1-related peptides and major non-communicable diseases. The company subsequently moderated its health-related marketing and concentrated more heavily on product differentiation, traceability, and premium positioning. A2 milk was first launched in New Zealand in 2003, followed by development in Australia and overseas markets. The company experienced financial and organizational strain in its formative years, including the deaths of both founders in 2003 and the administration and liquidation of an early licensed Australian producer. It later rebuilt its Australian business, expanded its intellectual-property portfolio, and developed relationships with farmers whose herds met its A2-only requirements. Growth accelerated after 2007 as consumer interest increased in the A1/A2 distinction, helped in part by public discussion and books about the subject. The product portfolio broadened from fresh milk to yoghurt, cream, milk powder, ice cream, and infant formula. Infant nutrition became especially important in China, where the company began shipping a2 Platinum formula in 2013. The Chinese market became a major growth engine, although the company has also faced the volatility associated with regulatory changes, channel inventory, birth-rate trends, cross-border purchasing, and changing consumer demand. Australia and New Zealand remain core markets, while the United States has been developed through retail distribution and the United Kingdom was exited in 2019 after the company decided to discontinue its branded milk there. A2 Corporation changed its name to The a2 Milk Company Limited in 2014. It listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2015, complementing its earlier New Zealand listing. The company continues to present itself as a premium dairy and infant-nutrition business rather than a mass-market milk producer. Its differentiation rests on A2-only sourcing, scientific and genetic-testing claims, brand ownership, and premium pricing. Its principal commercial risks include the cost and complexity of maintaining segregated supply, competition from established dairy companies, scrutiny of health and nutrition claims, and reliance on a relatively small number of major markets.

History

The a2 Milk Company began in New Zealand in 2000 as A2 Corporation. Its founders were Dr Corran McLachlan, who researched the possible effects of A1 beta-casein, and Howard Paterson, a prominent dairy farmer and investor. The original commercial idea was to identify cows genetically capable of producing milk containing A2 beta-casein without A1 beta-casein, then build a controlled supply chain around that characteristic. The company’s early model combined genetic testing, intellectual property licensing, farmer participation, and consumer branding. It initially sought to develop herds that would produce only A2-type milk. Launch plans were complicated by the structure of New Zealand’s dairy industry and supply arrangements involving Fonterra. A2 Corporation also entered litigation seeking public warnings and information concerning alleged health risks from A1 beta-casein. The case generated substantial public controversy because of the importance of dairy exports to New Zealand. Food-safety agencies in New Zealand and Australia stated that ordinary milk was safe, and the European Food Safety Authority later concluded that available evidence did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between A1-related peptides and major diseases. Despite the controversy, the company launched A1-protein-free milk in New Zealand in 2003. That year was also marked by the deaths of both founders and serious financial pressure. An early Australian producer entered administration and was liquidated, while A2 Corporation reorganized its Australian operations through A2 Australia. The company sold its interest in that business to Fraser & Neave in 2003, then bought it back in 2006 as its finances and commercial prospects improved. During this period, competing dairy companies and industry organizations continued to dispute the scientific basis for portraying A1 beta-casein as harmful. The business expanded in Australia and New Zealand during the second half of the 2000s. It increased the number of certified cows and processing sites, introduced yoghurt in 2010, and recorded its first half-year profit for the six months ending December 2010. The company subsequently broadened its intellectual-property portfolio to include trademarks, genetic tests, production methods, and related product concepts. International development became increasingly important. The company formed and later unwound arrangements in the United States, developed a British joint venture with Müller Wiseman Dairies, and introduced a2 Platinum infant formula in Australia and New Zealand in 2013. Formula shipments to China also began in 2013. China became a central growth market, supported by demand for imported infant nutrition products and consumer sensitivity following the 2008 Chinese milk scandal. The company later obtained approval to continue selling its products in China. A2 Corporation changed its name to The a2 Milk Company in 2014 and completed a dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2015. Product expansion included milk powder, ice cream, cream, and infant formula. The company’s growth strategy increasingly emphasized premium branding and infant nutrition, while it continued selling fresh milk in Australia, New Zealand, and selected overseas markets. Leadership changed several times during the company’s expansion. Jayne Hrdlicka became chief executive in 2018, Geoffrey Babidge returned as interim chief executive after her departure in 2019, and David Bortolussi became chief executive and managing director in 2020. The company remains active, with its business shaped by the economics of dairy supply, scientific and regulatory scrutiny of A1/A2 claims, competition in infant formula, and changing conditions in China and other international markets.

2019
United Kingdom milk business discontinued
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
The company announces the withdrawal of a2 branded milk from the United Kingdom market.
2015
ASX listing completed
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
The company adds an Australian Securities Exchange listing to its New Zealand quotation.
2014
Corporate name changes to The a2 Milk Company
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
A2 Corporation Limited adopts the name The a2 Milk Company Limited.
2013
Infant formula launches and the company lists on the NZX
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
A2 Platinum infant formula is introduced in Australia and New Zealand, while the company joins the NZX main board.
2010
Yoghurt enters the Australian market
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
The company expands beyond fresh milk with yoghurt made from A2-protein milk.
2006
A2 Corporation reacquires A2 Australia
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
The company buys back its Australian business from Fraser & Neave as its commercial position improves.
2003
A2 milk launches in New Zealand
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
The company begins selling milk produced from certified A2-only herds under the a2 and a2 MILK brands.
2000
A2 Corporation is founded
[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Dr Corran McLachlan and Howard Paterson establish the company to commercialize A2-related dairy research and intellectual property.

Products and positioning

Premium dairy and infant-nutrition products differentiated by milk containing A2 beta-casein and no A1 beta-casein, with an emphasis on traceability, specialized sourcing, and scientific research.

Fresh milk · 2003
A2 milk powder
The company’s core fresh-milk range is sourced from cows selected through genetic testing to produce milk containing A2 beta-casein without A1 beta-casein. It is positioned as a premium alternative to conventional milk and has been sold in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, China, and selected other markets. The company introduced A2-protein milk powder as an extension of its branded dairy portfolio. The product applies the company’s A2-only sourcing proposition to a shelf-stable format suitable for retail and international distribution.
Infant formula · 2013
a2 Platinum
a2 Platinum is the company’s infant-formula line, developed around dairy ingredients sourced from milk containing the A2 beta-casein type. It became a major international offering after launches in Australia and New Zealand and distribution in China. Formula products are subject to market-specific composition, labeling, and regulatory requirements.
Ice cream · 2014
A2 cream
A2-protein thickened cream was launched as a value-added dairy product using milk from the company’s segregated A2 supply chain. It broadened the brand beyond drinking milk and infant nutrition. A2-protein ice cream was introduced as part of the company’s expansion into frozen dairy products and demonstrates the application of its sourcing and branding model beyond liquid milk.
Yoghurt · 2010
A2 yoghurt
The yoghurt range extends the A2 proposition into refrigerated cultured dairy. It was introduced in Australia as the company developed a broader portfolio of products made from A2-protein milk.

Controversies

2003
Fonterra litigation and health-claim controversy
A2 Corporation sought legal orders requiring warnings on conventional milk and disclosure of information about alleged health risks associated with A1 beta-casein. The dispute attracted national attention, while food-safety authorities stated that conventional milk was safe. The company later withdrew the litigation, and the Commerce Commission required changes to health-related promotional claims.
Source
2003
Early Australian licensee insolvency
An early Australian producer associated with the business entered administration and was later liquidated, leaving unpaid farmers and processors and adding to the financial pressure on the young company.
Source

2007A1/A2 milk education and differentiation campaign
Australia · New Zealand
The brand benefited from increased public discussion of the A1/A2 distinction following publication of Keith Woodford’s book Devil in the Milk. Marketing and consumer education emphasized the company’s A2-only sourcing proposition. Consumer interest and sales of a2 milk increased, although scientific and industry bodies continued to challenge claims that A1 protein was harmful.
Outcome. Consumer interest and sales of a2 milk increased, although scientific and industry bodies continued to challenge claims that A1 protein was harmful.
Source

Brand decisions

2019
Withdrawal from United Kingdom branded milkStrategy
Background
The company had developed the United Kingdom market through a joint venture and later acquired its partner’s interest, but the business did not remain a priority.
Action taken
The company decided to discontinue a2 milk in the United Kingdom, with products available until the end of November 2019.
Aftermath
The decision concentrated resources on markets viewed as more strategically important, including Australia, New Zealand, China, and the United States.
Source
2014
Corporate rebranding as The a2 Milk CompanyStrategy
Background
The A2 Corporation name no longer fully represented a business increasingly organized around a consumer-facing dairy brand.
Action taken
The company changed its corporate name to The a2 Milk Company Limited.
Aftermath
The corporate identity became more closely aligned with the a2 and a2 Milk consumer brands.
Source
2013
Launch of a2 Platinum infant formulaProduct launch
Background
The company sought to move beyond fresh milk and participate in higher-value infant nutrition, particularly in Asian markets.
Action taken
It launched a2 Platinum in Australia and New Zealand and began shipments to China.
Aftermath
Infant formula became one of the company’s most important growth categories and a central part of its Chinese-market strategy.
Source
2006
Reacquisition of A2 AustraliaM&A
Background
The company had previously sold its Australian interests to Fraser & Neave while attempting to stabilize its finances and expand through a larger food-marketing partner.
Action taken
A2 Corporation bought back A2 Australia and resumed greater control over its Australian operations.
Aftermath
The move supported the company’s reconsolidation and later expansion in Australia.
Source
2003
Establish a segregated A2-only dairy supply chainStrategy
Background
The company needed to distinguish its milk from conventional supply and validate that participating cows did not produce A1 beta-casein.
Action taken
It developed genetic testing, certified herds, farmer agreements, and licensing arrangements for A2-protein milk.
Aftermath
The model enabled branded launches but created additional sourcing, processing, and verification costs.
- Fonterra — Fonterra opposed the company’s health-related claims and defended the safety of conventional milk.
Source

Recent events

2020
David Bortolussi appointed chief executive and managing director[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Leadership change
David Bortolussi became chief executive and managing director after Geoffrey Babidge served as interim chief executive following Hrdlicka’s departure.
2019
The a2 Milk Company exits the United Kingdom milk business[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company announced that it would discontinue a2 branded milk in the United Kingdom, with products available only until the end of November.
2018
Jayne Hrdlicka appointed chief executive[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Leadership change
Jayne Hrdlicka succeeded Geoffrey Babidge as chief executive during a period of rapid Chinese growth and increased investment in the United States.
2015
The a2 Milk Company lists on the Australian Securities Exchange[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company completed its Australian listing, adding ASX trading to its existing NZX quotation.
2014
A2 Corporation adopts The a2 Milk Company name[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Other
The corporate name changed from A2 Corporation Limited to The a2 Milk Company Limited.
2013
A2 Corporation lists on the New Zealand Exchange main board[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company raised capital and joined the NZX main board to support growth in Chinese infant formula and the United Kingdom milk business.
2013
The company launches infant formula in Australia and New Zealand[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The a2 Platinum infant-formula range was introduced in the company’s home markets and later became a major part of its international business.
2003
A2 Corporation launches A1-protein-free milk in New Zealand[1]The a2 Milk Companyen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The company began commercial sales of milk marketed under the a2 and a2 MILK brands after securing sufficient farmer participation.

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