A memorandum of understanding between Miraka Ltd and its Malaysian distribution partner, Storiiu, was witnessed by Maori Development Minister and Associate Minister for Economic Development Te Ururoa Flavell in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Miraka is New Zealand's first Maori-owned dairy processor and the agreement meant the company would start exporting its first own-branded consumer product.
Mr Flavell said the agreement was evidence of Maori innovating and moving products and services up the value chain, forming long-term international partnerships, and building economic value for the future.
"This is an example of Maori leading with the principle of kaitiakitanga [guardianship of the land, its people and environment] and shows the positive response this approach is receiving in international markets.