Beingmate, a leading Chinese manufacturer of infant nutrition products, has launched its locally produced Creation+, its first product specifically developed for the European market.
Cllr Frank O’Flynn, Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, was among local representatives to welcome the decision by Beingmate to establish itself in north Cork.
The product, which is produced in Charleville, was officially launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Chris O’Leary at a ceremony in Cork City Hall last week.
The event was attended by the Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Xu Jianguo, together with representatives from the Chinese Embassy, Bord Bia, and Enterprise Ireland.
Headquartered in Hangzhou in China, Beingmate set up its first overseas subsidiary in Cork in 2013, following the signing of a memorandum of global strategic partnership with Kerry Group in 2012.
This agreement to supply high quality infant milk formula led to a number of Beingmate’s products being produced in Ireland for the Chinese market.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr O’Flynn, said that reland is an ideal location for agricultural excellence with our mild temperature and abundant rainfall.
“As a certified member of ‘Origin Green’ – Ireland’s Sustainability Programme, Beingmate has ensured that Creation+ embodies the ‘Origin Green’ commitment to serve local communities and protect the extraordinarily rich natural resources that our country enjoys.”
Also speaking at the launch, the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Xu Jianguo said he is delighted to help strengthen the existing trade connections between China and Ireland.
“Ireland is the second-largest exporter of infant formula to China and so it is important we are able to maintain high standards around food safety and innovation.”
Kerry Group has been one of the top suppliers to Beingmate for many years. Jianglai Weng, Head of Business Development at Beingmate Ireland, said this partnership has been an integral part of the globalisation of the business.
“Kerry is a world leading food processor and we have forged a strong relationship over the last decade. We plan to continue this partnership and collaborate in areas such as research and development, ingredients supply and food safety management.”
The Creation+ is infant milk formula range is aimed at babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years. There are three products in the range, ‘First Infant Milk’ for newborn to 6 months, ‘Follow-On Milk’ for babies aged 6-12 months and ‘Toddler Milk’ for children aged 1-3 years.
Beingmate has more than 1,000 authorised stores in China and is fast becoming a leading brand for Chinese consumers. Beingmate had revenues of approximately €640 million in 2015.
