MVM struggles
OPINION: Nearly four years after buying a 75% stake in Southland processor Mataura Valley Milk (MVM), A2 Milk is still struggling to take the plant to profitability.
The A2 Milk Co more than doubled its profit to $195.7 million in the year to June 30 – over 116% ahead of the previous financial year.
The total revenue was $922.7m, a 68% increase on last year and earnings before tax were $238m, up 101% on last year.
a2 Platinum infant formula sales revenue was $724.2m, an increase of 84% on the previous year.
The company reported that sales of a2 Platinum infant formula again grew substantially in Australia and China, with continued growth in market share. The ANZ market share grew from 26% to 32% by value.
a2 Platinum remains the fastest growing infant formula brand by value in Australia, the company says.
Consumption market share by value grew to 5.1% in China.
Distribution has grown to 10,000 stores in China and 6000 stores in the US.
The company continued raising its brand awareness, expanding distribution in priority markets and adapting to new regulations in China.
Managing director and chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka says full year 2018 has been a year of change.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.
Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.
The New Zealand hemp industry is hoping for quick and comprehensive reform of its legislative framework after a recent "historic" visit to sites in Canterbury by a big group of politicians, officials and industry stakeholders.
Resolving rural sector disputes constructively, fairly and with long-term outcomes in mind will top the agenda at a gathering of experts in Hamilton next month.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.