What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Rollinson, a supplier to Fonterra since its inception, was one of 39 co-op shareholders on a 28-day tour of China in June. It included a day at Fonterra’s China farms and two days at its head office in Shanghai.
Rollinson told Dairy News that the days spent at Fonterra China eye-opener. “I’d suggest Fonterra is held in very high regard overseas, especially in China with our Anchor brand; some improvement of the Fonterra image in New Zealand would be great,” he says.
Rollinson also played down concerns that Fonterra was sending too much milk to China.
“I don’t agree it is a concern... No other market generates the same value, because of the tariffs we are forced to pay. And projected volumes for the next five years with added value is huge in China.”
Rollinson says Fonterra supplies 34% of all Chinese milk imports; other NZ companies supply 10%.
The touring farmers were told that Christina Zhu, the president of Fonterra Greater China, leads a team of about 350 employees.
Rollinson was impressed by the dedication and commitment of Fonterra staff in China.
“Those we met were so committed and believed in our cooperative; their work commitment and enthusiasm and long hours of work were something money cannot buy.
“It’s a culture lead by Christina and has to be seen by our Fonterra shareholders to be believed.”
The farmers also visited supermarkets to see Fonterra China Farms fresh milk priced 20% higher than other fresh milk. They were also amazed to see different milk powder, cheese and biscuits containing Fonterra ingredients.
Rollinson says they visited a Starbucks coffee shop that sells not only coffee but also freshly cooked pizza meals and souvenirs. Fonterra supplies all Starbucks’ dairy products.
The farmers also tasted Grace mini flavoured milk and visited Bred Talk, a bakery using Fonterra cheese.
“Fonterra ingredients are believed to be used in about 1000 different food items in China. We also visited a food service development centre where chefs develop new blends for customers and upskill them on Fonterra products.”
Rollinson says the shareholders tour was led by Grant and Karo Wills through Ron Mcfail Tours.
