Milkground and DKSH Forge Strategic Alliance to Introduce Chinese Cheese Brand to Hong Kong
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China's leading cheese brand Milkground (600882.SH) has partnered with global consumer goods specialist DKSH to bring its full range of cheese products to Hong Kong, marking the brand's entry into one of Asia's most dynamic and internationally connected markets.
As demand for nutritious snacking, premium dairy products, and family-friendly food solutions continues to grow, Milkground's range is well positioned to meet evolving consumer needs across the region.
The partnership was formally announced at a press conference in Hong Kong on 26 August 2026, attended by Milkground President Kuai Yulong and DKSH Vice President, FMCG, Greater China, Hugo Reyes, alongside senior executives from both organisations.
A Natural Fit for Market Expansion
With over 160 years of experience and operations spanning 35 markets, DKSH brings extensive retail and food service networks to the table — working with more than 500 consumer goods companies and 4,800 business partners across the region. For Milkground, backed by Mengniu Group, the partnership offers more than shelf space; it provides local market insight, established retail relationships, and long-term brand-building expertise.
"Milkground has built a reputation in China for quality, nutrition, and innovation that few dairy brands can match," said Hugo Reyes. "Consumer habits across Asia are shifting toward convenient and healthy snacking, trusted premium brands, and family-oriented food solutions — trends that open up substantial opportunities for Milkground's full range across multiple markets."
The collaboration will begin in Hong Kong's retail sector, with plans to expand into food services and eventually additional Asian markets through DKSH's regional infrastructure. Reyes also hinted at future category growth beyond cheese, as dairy consumption continues to rise across the region.
Hong Kong as the Proving Ground
Kuai Yulong described Hong Kong as the ideal launch market, citing its openness and sophisticated consumer base. "Hong Kong's energy and openness to the world made it the natural place to start," Kuai said. "For Milkground, our ambition is to become not just a leading Chinese brand, but a name recognised all over the world. Today's launch is the first step of that journey."
Kuai noted that Hong Kong consumers already have well-established cheese-eating habits, positioning the city as a meaningful test of whether Milkground's offerings can compete with international standards already familiar to local shoppers.
Three Priorities for Growth in Hong Kong
Milkground outlined a clear strategy for its Hong Kong debut:
Growing the Range — Expanding cheese offerings from children's snacks to family-table staples, broadening everyday accessibility.
Listening to the Market — Using real shopper behaviour to guide product development, packaging, and in-store experience.
Working Hand in Hand with DKSH — Close collaboration and rapid iteration to strengthen retail partnerships and consumer trust.
A Roadmap Beyond Hong Kong
Hong Kong is positioned as the cornerstone of a broader three-pronged international expansion roadmap:
Phase 1: Establish presence across Hong Kong, Macau, Central Asia, and Mongolia
Phase 2: Expand into Southeast Asia, led by Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore
Phase 3: Enter the Middle East, anchored by Saudi Arabia
Milkground has already established operations in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Mongolia, and recently signed a partnership agreement with a leading dairy company in Saudi Arabia.
Kuai emphasised that this overseas expansion aligns with Mengniu Group's "One Body, Two Wings" strategy, reflecting a more systematic and scalable approach to international growth.
About the Companies - Milkground and DKSH
Milkground is China's only A-share listed company focused exclusively on cheese, operating six factories across Shanghai, Tianjin, Hohhot, Changchun, and Jilin. Backed by Mengniu Group under COFCO, the company runs a dual-brand platform (Milkground and Mengniu Cheese) and has built a Global Cheese R&D Innovation Center in collaboration with European and Australian cheese experts.
DKSH is a Swiss-headquartered Market Expansion Services provider operating in 35 markets with over 26,800 specialists, generating CHF 11.1 billion in net sales in 2025. Its Consumer Goods division alone reported CHF 3.4 billion in net sales, covering FMCG, food services, and lifestyle products.
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