Mengniu Dairy | EV Magazine

Mengniu Dairy (Group) Limited, known as Mengniu, is a leading force in China's dairy industry. Established in 1999 by Niu Gensheng, a former Yili employee, the company quickly rose to prominence with its dynamic growth. Mengniu manufactures a variety of dairy products, including liquid milk products such as ultra-heat-treated milk, yogurt, and milk beverages, alongside ice cream and other dairy offerings like milk powder and tablets. As of December 2015, the company boasted an impressive annual production capacity of 8.68 million tons across its 33 production bases.

Mengniu's journey includes significant milestones, such as the 2002 investment by Morgan Stanley, CDH Investments, and China Capital Partners, which collectively acquired a 32% stake for US$26m. This paved the way for Mengniu's listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in June 2004. Despite financial challenges following the 2008 Chinese milk scandal, Mengniu stabilised by selling a 20% stake to a COFCO Group-led consortium in 2009. This move made COFCO, a major state-owned entity, the leading shareholder, effectively nationalising Mengniu.

Today, Mengniu stands as a prominent player in the Chinese dairy market, competing closely with the Yili Group. The company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, maintaining its reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality dairy products. With COFCO Corporation as its largest strategic shareholder, Mengniu is well-positioned to further its reach and impact in the global dairy industry.