NEW YORK — Australia-based a2 Milk Company, which describes itself as a “dairy nutrition company,” is expanding its retail distribution into the northeastern United States.

A2 said Wednesday the rollout of a2 Milk fresh cows’ milk over the coming months will bring the product to such retail grocery chains as Stop & Shop, Giant Carlisle, Giant (Landover) and ShopRite.

When the expansion is completed, a2 Milk will be available to consumers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine in more than 1,400 new locations.

Most cows’ milk consumed in America contains two main types of beta-casein proteins: A1 and A2 protein. But a2 said that published research suggests the A1 protein in ordinary cows’ milk is often associated with discomfort and digestive issues in people who show symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.

A2 Milk said it works with local dairy farmers to identify cows that only produce the A2 protein type and process their milk separately, making it possible for those with sensitivities to enjoy pure cows’ milk.

“The consumer demand for our products has been terrific. We started quietly in California in 2015, began the rollout across the West and in national natural food chains in 2016, and then in 2017 we developed a major presence in the Southeast,” stated Blake Waltrip, U.S. chief executive officer for the a2 Milk.

“The Northeast, home to roughly 60 million consumers, will give us exposure to about 20% of the milk volume category in the U.S,” Waltrip added.

A2 Milk’s products include whole, 2% reduced fat, chocolate 2% reduced rat and 1% low fat milk. The company said its major U.S. expansion reflects strong consumer demand.

“We offer a full line of 100% real cows’ milk that is easier on digestion. We know many consumers self-diagnose themselves as lactose intolerant; however, many have discovered they are actually sensitive to the A1 protein that is found in ordinary cows’ milk,” Waltrip explained. “A2 Milk offers a solution to those consumers who experience digestive discomfort from dairy.”

Currently, a2 Milk  has distribution in about 3,600 stores regionally across the U.S. including Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Whole Foods, Sprouts, The Fresh Market, Target, King Soopers and Ralphs.