Anchor milk

Anchor is an iconic dairy brand with a history dating back to 1886 when it was founded by Henry Reynolds in Pukekura, Waikato, New Zealand. Originally known for its high-quality butter, the brand expanded over the decades into a wide range of products including fresh milk, milk powder, and cheese. For much of the 21st century, Anchor was the flagship consumer brand of Fonterra Co-operative Group, a giant New Zealand-based dairy exporter owned by thousands of local farming families.

In a major strategic shift announced in late 2024 and finalized in the first half of 2026, Fonterra sold its global consumer business, including the Anchor brand, to the French dairy multinational Lactalis for approximately $4.22 billion. This move allowed Fonterra to focus on its business-to-business ingredients and foodservice operations. Despite the change in brand ownership, a long-term supply agreement remains in place where Fonterra continues to provide raw milk and ingredients to Lactalis, ensuring that New Zealand-sourced milk still powers many Anchor products. Manufacturing occurs in multiple locations globally, including major facilities in New Zealand (such as Takanini), Australia, and various international markets where the brand is distributed.