AuMake International Ltd (ASX:AU8) has acquired 50% of Herbsmart Pharmaceutical, a company supplying milk containing valerian root.
Herbsmart’s range consists of speciality milk products with planned product development, contemporary design and packaging to focus on the needs of China’s ageing population.
AuMake connects local suppliers in Australia with daigou - who buy products for customers in mainland China - and Chinese tourists.
The addition of Herbsmart further expands AuMake’s portfolio of owned brands and is the first owned brand dairy product.
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Stocked in AuMake since October 2017, the Herbsmart brand is growing in awareness among the daigou and Chinese tourist markets.
Herbsmart valerian milk uses valerian root and other natural supplements that are specially formulated to aid sleep.
AuMake’s purchase of the 50% stake is at nil cost, in recognition of its contribution to the development of the Herbsmart brand.
The deal also gives an option for AuMake to buy a further 40% in Herbsmart.
We are pleased to release our first annual report in what has been a transformative year for the company, with milestones achieved providing a solid foundation for future growth. To read a copy of our 2018 Annual Report.https://t.co/hznlKDyTkD
— AuMake International Ltd (@AuMakeAus) August 31, 2018
AuMake executive chairman Keong Chan said: “Our observation of current trends and market feedback from our customers in Australia and China indicates that a significant opportunity exists for AuMake to develop a range of products, starting with the Valerian milk product, which combine the health benefits of natural supplements and milk.
“Our initial joint ownership and opportunity to acquire more of Herbsmart provides a strategic opportunity for us to develop niche products to meet an identified need within the Chinese consumer market, with 241 million Chinese over the age of 60 and that number expected to rise to 487 million by 2050.”