Our Story
Our unique provenance
Nestled on the volcanic plains of Central North Island, New Zealand, our sheep graze on fertile, silica-rich pumice soils, benefiting from temperate to maritime microclimates. With high grass growth, abundant rainfall, over 2000 hours of sunshine, and refreshing ocean breezes, our environment produces exceptional quality milk.
Our farms & philosophy
Our farming philosophy has been forged by our goals to do better in animal welfare and sustainability. Sheep dairying is a greener alternative to traditional cow dairy farming; Sheep are gentler on the land, with less soil compaction and nitrogen leaching and we a making good progress to further lower methane emissions through breeding and dietary advancements. Across our 15 farms our sheep are free to roam our lush pastures, ensuring natural, nutritious milk and their optimal well-being. Our people dedicated to looking after each other, our precious animals and the land we care for as proud custodians.
Our exclusive sheep breed
The Zealandia® sheep, is a new dairy breed pioneered in New Zealand by Spring Sheep Milk Co. Designed to thrive in New Zealand’s outdoor farming conditions, Zealandia® sheep produce exceptionally high-quality milk and are naturally suited for our pasture-based farm systems and climate. These sheep are bred for open grazing, yielding milk with a superior nutritional profile, including higher levels of Omega-3s, CLA, and Vitamin A, thanks to their grass-fed diet. Exclusive to Spring Sheep Milk Co., this breed is a part of the company’s growth into the largest sheep milking operation in the Southern Hemisphere since our inception in 2015.
Sheep cheese category overview
The global sheep cheese market is expanding, driven by consumers' increasing appetite for artisanal and specialty dairy products. There's a notable trend towards grass-fed cheeses with distinct flavors and nutritional benefits. Producers in areas known for exceptional dairy, like New Zealand and parts of Europe, have a competitive edge in exports. The market's growth is also fueled by a rise in health-conscious consumers and a willingness to explore diverse cheese varieties, opening new business avenues. The global Sheep Cheese market size was valued at USD 3.45 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.04% during the forecast period, reaching USD 4.14 billion by 2028.