New Zealand make-at-home yogurt business EasiYo Products is looking to grow its business in Europe through a tie-up with Ireland-based dairy group Ornua.

An agreement between the two companies will see EasiYo's yogurt mixes made outside New Zealand for the first time.

Ornua will blend and pack its Irish dairy powders into EasiYo's mixes at its site in Leek in central England.

Brian Dewar, EasiYo's CEO, said: "The UK and EU markets represent a multi-million pound opportunity for us to capitalise on this growing consumer trend of people who love to make fresh wholesome food at home. Moving manufacture and supply closer to our key accounts means we can respond to our customers' needs much faster as well significantly improving our environmental footprint."

EasiYo sells its products through UK retailers including Holland & Barrett and Lakeland. Much of its distribution in Europe is through TV shopping channel QVC, although the brand does have listings in stores in Belgium. The company would not comment on whether it was targeting multiple retailers but does want to significantly increase its distribution. Its customers in New Zealand and Australia include major grocery chains Countdown, Woolworths and Coles.

Alastair Jackson, the managing director of Ornua Nutrition Ingredients, said the Irish company's manufacturing would "provide a strong platform for the production of EasiYo as it expands its presence in the UK and European marketplace".

|  A just-food release  |  January 11, 2017  |