The first Fonterra Milk for Schools packs destined for Northland schools have made their way down the production line and into a coolstore, ready to be trucked north.
Fonterra business manager beverages Craig Irwin said the production run in Takanini had been much anticipated by the team, who were eagerto get the programme up and running.
"We often have new products on the line, but they never create as much excitement as the Anchor packs' debut has today. Fonterra Milk for Schools is an incredible initiative and we're all honoured to be involved."
So far, 81 Northland primary schools have signed up and are awaiting the first delivery of Anchor milk, due next month.
"The first production run is a milestone we've all been looking forward to and the programme launch is definitely the next.
"With the success of Friday's run we're set to have milk in schools on March 19, so Northland students can plan for an extra serving of nutrition from that day forward. Milk is a fundamental building block of good health and I'm thrilled that we're doing what we can to make it a part of our kids' diets," Mr Irwin said.
Fonterra will be monitoring the Northland pilot over the first three terms to establish how to best introduce Fonterra Milk for Schools to primary schools nationwide, and iron out practical details such as getting the milk to schools, serving it cool and recycling the packaging.
