The A2 Milk Company Pokeno facility acquisition has been completed, securing an integrated nutritional manufacturing facility and China label registrations. The move supports the Company’s supply chain strategy and opens the way for a shareholder dividend later on.
The a2MC Pokeno manufacturing facility in New Zealand, now fully owned by a2 Milk Company
Acquisition of the Pokeno Manufacturing Facility
Having signalled on 18 August 2025, The a2 Milk Company has today, 1 September 2025, announced that it has purchased an integrated nutritional manufacturing facility with two China label infant milk formula product registrations, located in Pokeno, New Zealand.
The facility upgrades the Company’s ability to manufacture premium dairy nutrition products and provides control of valued regulatory registrations related to the Chinese market.
CEO Statement on Strategic Control
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Bortolussi
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Bortolussi said, “The completion of the acquisition is a critical step in the execution of our supply chain transformation strategy. We will have full ownership, thereby having strategic control over two registrations of Chinese labels. We plan to relaunch them under the A2 Milk Company brand within 12-18 months and access a potential third registration slot over time, all being subject to China regulatory approvals. The Pokeno facility is world-class with proven expertise in making high-quality infant milk formula, including the English label products, a2 Gentle Gold™ and a2 Genesis™.”
His statement aligns with the Company’s focus on securing long-term market opportunities, particularly with the re-entry of its products into China.
Role of the Facility in Current Operations
The A2MC Pokeno plant is already being used to manufacture the Company’s English label infant formula products. These include a2 Gentle Gold™ and a2 Genesis™, both premium products with known consumer demand.
Through full ownership, A2 Milk is ensuring continuity of supply while positioning itself for China label relaunch strategies as planned by management.
Chair’s Statement on Shareholder Value
Chair Pip Greenwood said, “This acquisition is a critical step in delivering our strategy. It also provides clarity on future capital requirements and brings us nearer to returning value to shareholders through an intended $300 million special dividend, contingent on China label regulatory approvals in respect of the Pokeno acquisition and completion of the MVM divestment.”.
Her remarks highlight the importance of both regulatory approvals and divestment progress in enabling the shareholder return programme.
Special Dividend Strategy A2 Milk
The Company confirmed that a $300 million special dividend is on the table, contingent on regulatory approval for the China label product registrations and the divestment of MVM.
The action is part of the Company’s broader shareholder return strategy, which prioritises its supply chain transformation objectives.
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Market Outlook
The acquisition of the Pokeno facility by The a2 Milk Company provides an opportunity for product relaunch in China within the period of the next 12 to 18 months. The Company’s ability to obtain approvals for its existing registrations and, hopefully, a third slot will be at the core of its growth plans.
Market players will closely watch developments, particularly the dividend schedule and MVM divestment progress. The Company advised that further details are included in its FY25 Annual results and Supply Chain Transformation update of 18 August 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the a2 Milk Company Pokeno facility acquisition?
The acquisition involves a2 Milk Company taking full ownership of a nutritional manufacturing facility in Pokeno, New Zealand, along with two China label infant milk formula registrations. - When was the a2 Milk Company Pokeno facility acquisition completed?
The acquisition was confirmed on September 1, 2025, following an earlier announcement on August 18, 2025. - Why is the Pokeno manufacturing facility important for a2 Milk Company?
The facility secures long-term production capacity, supports supply chain transformation, and provides access to China label product registrations. - What products are currently produced at the Pokeno facility?
The facility produces English label products, including a2 Gentle Gold and a2 Genesis infant formula. - What are the a2 Milk China relaunch plans?
The Company intends to relaunch its branded infant milk formula under the two China label registrations within 12 to 18 months, subject to regulatory approval. - Is a third China registration slot possible for a2 Milk Company?
Yes, the Company is pursuing potential access to a third registration slot, pending approval from Chinese regulators. - How does the acquisition affect shareholders of a2 Milk Company?
The acquisition supports the Company’s shareholder return programme, including a proposed $300 million special dividend. - What conditions must be met before the special dividend is paid?
The dividend is contingent upon receiving China regulatory approvals for the Pokeno acquisition and completing the divestment of MVM. - How does the acquisition fit into a2 Milk’s supply chain strategy?
It strengthens production control, clarifies capital expenditure requirements, and positions the Company for long-term market expansion. - Where can investors find more information about this acquisition?
Further details are available in the Company’s FY25 annual results and its Supply Chain Transformation update presentation dated August 18, 2025.
