In a deal to strengthen its cross-border ecommerce presence in China, The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) has expanded its long-standing partnership with China State Farm Agribusiness Holding Shanghai Co. (CSFA) to include English label infant milk formula (IMF) products.
Under the new agreement, CSFA will act as the exclusive import agent and master distributor for a2MC’s English label products, beginning with a2 Genesis in early 2026. Other English label IMF products, particularly a2 Platinum, will be added.
The two companies have worked together since 2013, when CFSA became a2MC’s exclusive distribution partner for its China label range, including a2 至初, which has grown into one of China’s leading ultra-premium infant formula labels. It is sold through more than 30,000 mother-and-baby stores and major online platforms.
A2MC CEO, David Bortolussi, said the partnership has been central to it becoming a top four brand in China, while CSFA chair, Zhang Lei, said the partnership exemplifies strong bilateral cooperation in dairy nutrition.
CSFA is a wholly owned subsidiary of China National Agriculture Development Group (CNADC) a central government-owned enterprise that oversees 17 subsidiaries and three listed companies across agricultural sectors.
A2MC said CNADC’s involvement cements the partnership’s strategic importance, providing both scale and credibility in a highly competitive market. The agreement enables a2MC to streamline its logistics and warehousing, expand its flagship and point-of-purchase store network, and deliver improved traceability and customer service.
A2MC chair, Pip Greenwood, said the collaboration reflected a sustained and successful relationship.
“The a2 Milk Company Board appreciates the support of CNADC and CSFA over many years in helping to develop our brand and business in China,” she said.
Launched this year, a2 Genesis is the company’s newest and most premium English label formula, developed for the fast-growing human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) segment that supports gut health and immunity.
A2MC said consumer demand had been strong, with month-on-month sales growth across leading Chinese ecommerce platforms and recent expansion into key online-to-offline retail channels.
The enhanced distribution partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
