Fonterra USA, Rosemont, Ill., announced plans to build a $20 million expansion to its Te Rapa, China, site to meet growing demand for cream cheese and mini-dish butter.

“Much of the demand we’re seeing for products like the mini-dish butter is from hotels, restaurants and commercial kitchens in China – all out-of-home eating experiences where consumers are choosing dairy to complement their meal,” says Robert Spurway, chief operating officer global operations. “Where in the past, many of these markets have trended toward non-dairy creams and spreads, we’re seeing a real desire for natural dairy in both food preparation and at the table. And, while the foodservice aspects are important, it is the latter that is really exciting – consumers actively choosing to incorporate more dairy into their daily diets.”