China Mengniu Dairy : Mengniu Appoints Mr. Lu Minfang as Chief Executive Officer -Continues to Focus on Quality and Innovation Leads Mengniu in Becoming a Centennial Nutritious Food Corporation

(Hong Kong, 15 September 2016) China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited and its subsidiaries ("Mengniu" or the "Group", Stock Code: 2319), a leading dairy product manufacturer in China, announced that Mr. Lu Minfang, Jeffrey, recommended by COFCO Group and unanimously approved by the board of directors of Mengniu (the "Board"), has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Mengniu with immediate effect. The Board believes that Mengniu will continue to focus on quality and innovation, and to provide more and higher quality products to consumers under the leadership of Mr. Lu.

Mr. Lu has extensive management experience in fast moving consumer products and the dairy industry. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of Yashili International Holdings Ltd ("Yashili"), a subsidiary of Mengniu. Prior to joining Yashili, Mr. Lu had worked at several renowned multinational corporations, including as Vice President (Greater China) of Danone Early Life Nutrition Company, and in managerial roles at General Electric Company (China) and Johnson & Johnson (China) Company. He has all together over 25 years of management experience.

On his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lu Minfang said, "I am grateful to COFCO Group, all shareholders, and the Board and staff of Mengniu for their trust in me. Mengniu is a leader in China's dairy industry. I look forward to working with the strong Mengniu team to enhance the Group's operational efficiency and strengthen its channels and sales and marketing system, thereby assist Mengniu in realizing its dream of becoming a centennial corporation that offers nutritious and healthy food."

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Mengniu Appoints Mr. Lu Minfang as Chief Executive Officer

15 September 2016

To pursue personal career development, Ms. Sun Yiping resigned and her resignation was accepted by the Board. In the past four years, Ms. Sun had led the Mengniu team in pushing forward with the "internationalization + digitalization" development strategy, focusing on developing star brands and improving product quality. The Group's liquid milk and yogurt segments have continued to boast largest market shares in the industry with her at the helm. The Board expresses its full recognition and gratitude to Ms. Sun for her hard work and contribution to the Group during her tenure as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Ma Jianping, Vice President of COFCO Group and Chairman of the Board of Mengniu, said Mengniu is an outstanding national brand, the fruit of hard work of all Mengniu staff. And, as is largest shareholder, COFCO Group will continue to adopt a market-driven approach and manage Mengniu through its Board. COFCO Group and strategic shareholders Danone and Arla Foods will fully back Mengniu's long-term development. All three parties are confident of the growth potentials of the China dairy market and will integrate their global resources to support Mengniu's continuing pursuit of innovation and high quality products, which will see it develop into a world-class dairy enterprise.

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About China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited

China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited and its subsidiaries manufacture and distribute quality dairy products in China. It is one of the leading dairy product manufacturers in China, with MENGNIU as its core brand. Mengniu's diversified products range includes liquid milk products (such as UHT milk, milk beverages and yogurt), ice cream, milk formula and other dairy products (such as cheese). By the end of June 2016, the Group's annual production capacity reached 9.11million tons. In March 2014, Mengniu became a Hang Seng Index constituent, making it the first blue chip Chinese dairy product manufacturer. For more information, please visit the website of www.mengniuir.com.

For Enquiries:

Karen Hung Tel: +852 2864 4845

Janice Au Tel: +852 2864 4874 Email: sprg-mengniu@sprg.com.hk