Development History

In 1999 Biolife NZ introduced the idea of colostrum based health products to the Chinese market and started the "colostrum-health" way of thinking. Later that year after a significant investment in research, standards and relationships, the Healtheries/Peizhi range of colostrum powders was officially launched in China. Biolife NZ worked with the University of Otago and New Zealand's largest health company, Healtheries to develop the Healtheries/Peizhi product range and manufacturing process. The introduction of colostrum products into China contributed to the trend of health and well being which saw an increased consumption of health products by the public.

Market Development

In 2000, Biolife NZ submitted the University of Otago report "Formulated Colostrum Powder Can Provide Defense Against Several Species of Bacteria" to the Ministry of Health, Peoples Republic of China. After strict safety and functional tests, Biolife NZ was the first company to become an certified importer, obtaining a colostrum-products health certificate (certificate No. Wei Shi Jian Jin Zi (2000)0039, 卫食健进字(2000)第0039号). This was a milestone achievement, recognising colostrum products as functional food that support human health.

Later that year, Biolife NZ worked with Healtheries to develop research and technical relationships between New Zealand and Chinese scientists. Three major study visits occurred, with high profile visitors including: Members from the Sanitary Supervision & Disease Prevention and Control Centre, Ministry of Health, Peoples Republic of China; University members including Dr Jin Song Cao and others from Institute of Food Research South China University of Technology; and NZ colostrum top expert Rob Shaw (Policy Planner for health supplements in NZ) and other dairy industry experts.

Biolife contributed to the production of Dr Jin Song Cao’s book “Bovine Colostrum Functional Food”. This has become the most complete and only published reference for the Chinese colostrum industry. Furthermore through the relationships Biolife forged between New Zealand and Chinese officials, the Chinese National Health authorities set the National Standard for colostrum IgG testing, and issued the regulation manual “Functional food Immunoglobulin G testing method” (GB/T 5009.194-2003) <<
功能性食品免疫球蛋白G测试方法>>.

Product Development

Changes in market demand began to show in 2002, consumers demanded more convenient colostrum products, with better formulations. Biolife NZ responded to this through new products such as the Natrapure colostrum tablets. Once again Biolife NZ was awarded a colostrum safety and functional test certificate from the Ministry of Health, Peoples Republic of China. After a year of rigorous scientific testing. Biolife NZ obtained the colostrum safety and functionality certificate in 2003 (certificate No. Wei Shi Jian Jin Zi (2000)0039, 卫食健进字(2000)第0039号).

In 2004, Biolife NZ was awarded with the "Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand-China Trade" from the Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark for it’s contribution to developing the New Zealand colostrum industry.

In 2005, Biolife NZ assisted the China Dairy Industry Association develop the colostrum industry specification and standards which was formed in two parts: “RHB601-2005 the fresh liquid colostrum” and “RHB602-2005 colostrum powder”.

Partnership Development

In 2006, Biolife NZ was honoured with the prestigious "New Zealand Export Awards" for the Peizhi product range. This also marked the start of a new phase in Biolife’s development. Our R&D partnerships and manufacturing collaborations paid off as we looked to grow into new markets. We worked with a leading New Zealand dairy company and launched Natrapure infant formula range.

The collaborations continued in 2007 with a new partnership with the leading Swedish probiotics company, BioGaia. After three years of R&D, validation studies and numerous tests the first colostrum based probiotic powder was introduced to China. This had profound effects in promoting new trade cooperation between New Zealand, Sweden and China.

In 2008, due to Biolife NZ's contribution to the field of bovine colostrum and New Zealand - China trade relationship, Biolife NZ was invited by the New Zealand government to witness the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in Beijing. On top of exporting activities, Biolife NZ is also heavily involved in public welfare, the most recent being the contribution of 3 million RMB to the province of Sichuan in aid after the 2008 earthquake.

After the Sanlu incident in 2009, the Chinese government began implementing a new wave of Food Safety Regulations. To support and embrace these changes, Biolife NZ invited the "Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau Experts" from the Peoples Republic of China to visit New Zealand and certify Biolife NZ entire colostrum production process, from beginning to end. This ensured that every batch of colostrum products complies with both New Zealand export and Chinese import standards.

In the same year, Biolife with a Swiss manufacturing partner developed the high-end Natrapure Infant Formula range. With the help of the Swiss Consulate Business Promotion Centre, Swiss Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Dairy Industry Association and other agencies, the premium formula range underwent rapid growth and further enhanced trade cooperation between New Zealand, Switzerland and China.

Key Achievements

  • Biolife assisted the research carried by Chinese authorized experts to complete the first Colostrum Monograph Bovine Colostrum Functional Food in 2000. It remains as the only book to define colostrum and its functional benefits to consumers
  • Biolife assisted the Chinese Ministry of Health in establish-ing the Chinese National Standard for testing the immunoglobulin (IgG) Levels in colostrum based products in 2003
  • Biolife was the sole and exclusive supplier of New Zealand colostrum and pregnant milk formula for exhibition in the New Zealand pavilion at the World Expo, Shanghai 2010

What we’re doing today 

As a strong supporter of the New Zealand - China Free Trade Agreement, Biolife NZ is showcasing our products in the New Zealand Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. We will continue to align ourselves through strategic partnerships with other leading organizations to launch a series of high quality new dairy products to meet the increasing needs of our Asian market. The new focus is to encourage a wider uptake of products, for healthier and happier customers. 

Our Partners 

Hochdorf-2
Biogaia-1

Healtheries logo-3
fonterra-1 Synlait-1

Contact Us

p_2.gif

twitter   facebook   V QR60px