What country does a2 milk come from?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

The a2 Milk Company was founded in 2000 in New Zealand by scientist Dr. Corran McLachlan and Howard Paterson, but its production today spans several countries. This expansion raises the question: what country does a2 milk come from when you buy it at your local store? The answer is more complex than a single nation, as the brand operates through a global network of specialized dairy farms.

Quick Summary

The A2 Milk Company was founded in New Zealand but has since expanded its operations globally. A2 milk is now sourced and produced in several countries, including Australia and the United States, from genetically tested cows. This allows the brand to serve its key markets with local production.

Key Points

New Zealand Founding: The A2 Milk Company was founded in 2000 in New Zealand by scientists who discovered the A1 and A2 beta-casein protein variants in cow's milk.
Global Production: While originating in New Zealand, a2 milk is now produced in several countries, including Australia and the United States, by local, certified farms.
A2 Protein Focus: The company uses a genetic test to select cows that naturally produce only the A2 protein, ensuring the milk is free from the A1 variant.
Easier Digestion Claim: Some individuals who experience digestive discomfort with conventional milk may find a2 milk easier to digest due to the absence of the A1 protein.
Nutritional Equivalence: A2 milk retains the same nutritional value as regular milk, including key vitamins and minerals like calcium and potassium.
Niche Market Growth: The success of a2 milk highlights a growing market for specialized dairy products that cater to consumers with specific dietary sensitivities.

The New Zealand Origins of the a2 Milk Company

While you can find a2 milk sourced and produced locally in various countries today, its commercial story begins in New Zealand. The A2 Milk Company was established there in 2000 by Dr. Corran McLachlan and Howard Paterson. Their insight centered on the two common variants of beta-casein protein found in cow's milk: A1 and A2. Most dairy milk sold globally is a mix of both, but their research indicated that the A1 protein might cause digestive discomfort for some people.

Pioneering the Science of A2

Dr. McLachlan's work was foundational to the company's patented approach. The A2 Milk Company developed a genetic test to identify cows that naturally produce milk containing only the A2 protein. This allowed them to create segregated herds and a new category of milk specifically for consumers seeking an alternative to conventional dairy. Today, the company continues to pioneer this science and research.

Global Production and Market Expansion

From its start in New Zealand, the A2 Milk Company has expanded its footprint significantly. To meet demand, it has established production in key markets across the globe.

A Network of Dedicated Farms

The company relies on a network of farmers across the globe who raise cows that are certified to produce only A2 beta-casein protein. This is not a technological or genetic modification but a natural characteristic of certain cows, confirmed through testing.

New Zealand: The country of origin continues to be a key source for a2 Milk products. Fonterra, a major New Zealand dairy company, has a licensing agreement for producing and marketing fresh a2 Milk within the country.
Australia: Since 2007, Australia has been a strong market for the company, which also sources milk from local, certified Australian dairy farms. Australian dairy brand Australia's Own also produces A2 protein milk from local farmers.
United States: The a2 Milk® brand was launched in the U.S. in 2015, with milk sourced from local American farms. The company works with a network of dedicated U.S. farmers who raise their specially selected cows.
China: A significant export market, Chinese consumers can purchase a2 Milk infant formula and other products produced in New Zealand and Australia, sold via both e-commerce and local retail channels.

Production Integrity

To maintain the purity of the milk, the company requires strict protocols. For example, in the U.S., specially selected cows are segregated from other herds and milked separately. Every batch is subject to rigorous third-party testing to ensure it contains only the A2 protein.

A2 Milk vs. Regular Milk: A Comparison


Feature	A2 Milk	Regular Milk
Beta-Casein Protein	Contains only the A2 protein variant.	Contains a mix of both A1 and A2 protein variants.
Nutritional Profile	Virtually identical, containing essential nutrients like calcium, protein, potassium, and vitamin D.	Nutritionally similar, providing the same essential vitamins and minerals as A2 milk.
Digestibility	May be easier to digest for some individuals sensitive to the A1 protein, potentially reducing discomfort.	The A1 protein, upon digestion, can release a peptide (BCM-7) that is thought to potentially cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
Taste	Often described as having a creamy, pleasant taste, though similar to conventional milk.	The taste is generally what consumers are accustomed to with standard dairy products.
Availability	Available in major markets including New Zealand, Australia, the U.S., and China, but often at a premium price.	Widely available in supermarkets and stores worldwide, typically at a lower cost.

The Evolution of the Dairy Industry

The rise of a2 milk reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards specialized food products. Concerns over digestive issues linked to conventional milk have fueled interest in alternatives, even though major dairy industry bodies have challenged claims about A1 protein's adverse effects. The a2 Milk Company’s success demonstrates the impact of niche products that address specific dietary sensitivities.

Conclusion

In summary, while the a2 Milk concept originated in New Zealand with the founding of The A2 Milk Company in 2000, its sourcing and production have expanded across several countries. Today, a2 milk is produced in key markets like Australia and the United States, in addition to its home country of New Zealand. The integrity of the product relies on a global network of farms with specially selected cows that naturally produce only the A2 beta-casein protein. This has positioned a2 milk as a distinct and popular dairy alternative for those who find it easier to digest than conventional milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

The a2 Milk Company sources its milk from a network of local, certified dairy farms in several countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.

No, while the company originated in New Zealand, it now sources and produces milk from various markets to meet local demand.

The main difference is the protein content. Regular milk contains a mix of A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, while a2 milk comes from cows that produce only the A2 protein.

A2 milk contains lactose, so it is not a solution for medically diagnosed lactose intolerance. However, some people who have trouble with regular milk may find a2 milk easier to digest due to its lack of the A1 protein.

No, a2 milk is not the product of genetic engineering. It comes from cows that are naturally selected for their ability to produce milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein variant.

The A1 protein is a variant of beta-casein found in most conventional milk. For some people, its digestion may release a peptide (BCM-7) that is thought to be linked to digestive issues like bloating or discomfort.

Farmers use a genetic test to identify which cows naturally produce only the A2 protein. These cows are then segregated from the rest of the herd to ensure the milk's purity.