Our Company
Spring Sheep Milk Co. was started with a clear aim to do better dairy and, to provide a tastier, gentler and more nutritious alternative to goat or cow’s milk. We are dedicated to looking after our animals, our people and the land we farm as proud custodians.
The Spring Sheep "Gentle Exchange”
01
Gentle on the land
We wholeheartedly embrace the principle of ‘Kaitiaki’ – Custodianship of the land. Sheep milking is more environmentally sustainable than conventional dairy ~ 30-50% lower impact on the land (nitrogen leaching, water usage, soil structure and emissions).
02
Gentle on our animals
We believe in low-stress lives for our animals and every one of our animals is precious to us. Our sheep spend time outdoors on pasture and our farm teams are passionate, dedicated experts who work hard every day to ensure the health and wellbeing of our animals.
03
Gentle on the milk
Our milk flows gently from parlour to packaging, reducing the damage that can be caused by high levels of agitation in pipe networks and tanker transportation. We use state-of-the-art systems to protect the integrity of our milk and keep it really cold to preserve its goodness and quality.
04
Gentle on our consumers
Grass-fed sheep milk is truly special; it is one of the most nutritious milks available. Sheep milk is not just compositionally different to cows' milk but has unique beneficial properties. It is naturally an A2-type milk, free from A1 beta-casein protein found in most cow milk. It is also richer in many vitamins and minerals than cow's milk and is a complete protein source, containing all 10 essential amino acids.
A unique partnership that brings all of the best skills together
Spring Sheep® Milk Co. is a unique public-private partnership between the New Zealand Government-owned enterprise, Pāmu Farms of New Zealand, and export-focused sales and marketing company SLC.
Pāmu Farms
Pāmu's farming philosophy guides Spring Sheep Milk Co’s farming practices – we care for our animals, we employ best-in-class farm management practices and we farm to ensure that our environment is left in excellent conditions for our future generations.
About Pāmu Farms
SLC
SLC is a sales and marketing company specialising in taking high-quality New Zealand products to consumers worldwide. They have a track record of providing specialist skills, experience and resources to ensure that only the best products leave New Zealand shores.
About SLC
Why sheep milk?
Sheep milk is a traditional milk with many modern-life advantages. People have been milking sheep in many parts of the world for thousands of years, and it is now experiencing a strong resurgence in popularity, as consumer needs and preferences evolve. Sheep milk offers some important benefits that goat or cow’s milk lacks (even A2-type milk). For this reason, the global production of sheep milk continues to increase as people recognise the nutritional benefits of alternative milks. As well as superior nutrition, the environmental advantages of New Zealand sheep dairying vs. traditional dairying are now much better understood, and these sustainable options are rapidly gaining traction.
Award Winning
It’s not the reason we get out of bed in the morning, but awards are always a welcome reminder that we are on the right track! Our company, products and people have received a number of prestigious awards and nominations. It’s something our team is very proud of.
| Award | Recipient | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Waikato Business Awards - winner Innovation | Gentle Sheep Toddler Milk Drink | 2022 |
 | World Dairy Innovation Awards - Winner Best Infant Nutrition | Gentle Sheep Toddler Milk Drink | 2021 |
 | Deloitte Fast 50 Index Fastest Growing Companies | Spring Sheep Milk Co. | 2021 |
 | DELOITTE FAST 50 INDEX FASTEST GROWING AGRIBUSINESS - Central north Island | Spring Sheep Milk Co. | 2021 |
 | Nutra Ingredients Asia Awards - Finalist Infant & Child Nutrition of the Year | Gentle Sheep Toddler Milk Drink | 2020 |
 | Westpac business awards - Winner Best of the Best - Best Emerging Business | Spring Sheep Milk Co. | 2020 |
 | Westpac Business Awards - winner Best emerging Business | Spring Sheep Milk Co. | 2020 |
 | NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS - Finalist New Zealand Innovator of the Year | Nick Hammond | 2018 |
 | Zanda McDonald Award - Winner agriculture's most innovative young professionals from Australia and New Zealand | Thomas Macdonald | 2018 |
 | New Zealand Food Awards - Winner Export and Innovation | Spring Sheep Milk Co | 2017 |
 | New Zealand Food Awards - Supreme Winner Innovation | Probiotic Sheep Milk Powder | 2017 |