A Taste of Innovation: Premier Sheep Milk Gelato Launches from Selwyn

New Zealand has long been celebrated for its world-class dairy industry and millions of sheep. Yet, despite our global reputation, high-quality sheep milk gelato has remained a rare luxury on local shelves.

It's an untapped opportunity that Logan Johnson, founder of Farm Fresh South, couldn't ignore.

Now, operating from a newly revitalized factory on the Canterbury Plains, he and his team are about to change the game.

Farm Fresh South is an established dairy producer founded by Logan and his wife Melissa in 2017. After years of managing farms for others, they channeled their passion into building a business dedicated to fresh, premium dairy. Over the years they've built a loyal customer base spanning from Bluff to Christchurch on the back of their farm-fresh cow's milk, delivered in traditional, reusable glass bottles.

The company's new sheep milk chapter began with a strategic connection. Kathryn Griffin (now Farm Fresh South's Commercial Growth and Partnerships Lead) had been working with Canterbury sheep milk farmers who had an exceptional product but lacked a direct route to market. She and her husband Nigel had extensive dairy expertise and local farming relationships, but needed a partner with proven manufacturing capability and an established distribution network.

Logan had exactly what they were looking for, making it a perfect fit.

In early 2026, Kathryn identified an idle factory in the Charing Cross area. Farm Fresh South leased the site, brought Kathryn on board in February, and Nigel followed to manage day-to-day operations.

Nigel is currently overseeing the final installation of a state-of-the-art commercial continuous ice cream machine—the centerpiece of the operation—alongside expanded pasteuriser and freezer capacity. The first milk is scheduled to arrive in early August, with the premium gelato hitting shelves between August and September ahead of a full summer rollout.

Better by nature 

Sheep milk gelato is more than a novelty—it's a nutritionally superior product in its own right. Because sheep milk naturally features a higher fat content with smaller fat globules, it is partially naturally homogenized, resulting in a noticeably smoother mouthfeel and richer texture without needing any added cream. Furthermore, it consists entirely of A2 protein, making it a gentle option for those who find traditional dairy difficult to digest.
While many commercial ice creams rely on artificial stabilizers and fillers, Farm Fresh South is committed to an ultra-clean label. Their gelato is crafted using only premium, natural ingredients: organic unrefined sugar, honey, and natural vanilla bean.

"Better taste, better health, better planet," says Logan. "That's the thinking behind everything we make."

The product will launch in three distinct formats designed to cater to all markets: five-litre scoop tubs for hospitality and gelato shops, 500ml retail tubs for the grocery sector, and 125ml single-serve portions tailored for tourist-focused outlets. While long-term expansion plans include frozen yogurt, natural cow's milk ice cream, and export markets in Australia and Japan, the immediate focus is on a flawless domestic launch.

Backed by the community

Establishing this innovative hub in Selwyn has been a seamless process, backed by strong local enthusiasm.

"The Selwyn District Council has been incredibly supportive since our Canterbury chapter began," says Kathryn. "They are genuinely passionate about backing local businesses. We've received incredibly friendly, down-to-earth assistance every step of the way."

While pioneering a growing industry sector requires a significant investment, the team views it as a thrilling opportunity to innovate. As Logan puts it: "If you're not feeling a little nervous, you're probably not thinking big enough."

Farm Fresh South is currently seeking passionate sheep milk suppliers within the Selwyn and broader Canterbury regions to grow alongside them.

Farmers interested in joining this exciting venture are encouraged to get in touch via www.farmfreshsouth.nz