Tuesday, 23 June 2020 09:39

Covid-19 brings no joy to Happy Valley

Written by  Staff Reporters

Waikato's newest milk processor says Covid-19 has slowed progress on the $280 million project.

Happy Valley Nutrition (HVN) is now hoping to receive first milk for processing in July 2022.

The ASX-listed company is in the process of developing a vertically integrated, nutritional grade milk processing, blending and packaging plant for infant milk formula and other nutritional products in Otorohanga. 

HVN chief executive Greg Wood says while the global Covid-19 lockdown had understandably slowed the company’s progress, it did serve to highlight a growing demand for the manufacture and supply of safe, secure nutritional ingredients.

“New Zealand’s handling of the pandemic and status as a safe and dependable country with first-rate biosecurity has resulted in potential customers assessing their supply chains and looking to New Zealand. 

“These insights and other evolving market signals have further strengthened the business case for HVN and we are very well-positioned to take advantage.” 

HVN still plans to develop a single dryer facility with the site master-planned to allow for the addition of an extra drier as well as a blending and canning plant. 

“By progressively adding these components we will be well positioned to reach our vision of becoming a trusted business-to-business supplier of consumer ready IMF and other nutritional products derived primarily from A2 and organic milk.” 

An independent economic report stated that once the plant was operational the Waikato/King Country would see an incremental GDP increase of over $100 million annually, the equivalent of a total of 185 full-time jobs in the area. 

“HVN is proud to sit at the forefront of a movement which will drive greater business opportunities locally, provide new opportunities for people in the Otorohanga area, and support local services,” Wood said. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the community and all stakeholders to create an enduring legacy for all our stakeholders through the production and delivery of safe, nutritious, premium New Zealand milk products to the world.

“We’re not just a milk company, we’re a nutrition company and our vision remains to become a trusted supplier of consumer ready IMF and other nutritional products primarily using A2 and organic milk.

“We are tracking well and our team have made meaningful progress towards maintaining the ability for us to achieve first milk from July 2022.” 

More like this

Every exhibitor with something valuable to offer for farmers

OPINION: Welcome to the second annual NZ Dairy Expo at Matamata – an event created to bring together the best of the New Zealand dairy industry in a focused, grassroots environment where dairy farmers and rural professionals can meet, talk, compare products, and make smart decisions for their farms.

Locally grown fruits, veg in full supply

One of the country’s two largest supermarket chains is reporting that for the first time since the disruption of Covid, they have largely full supply on almost all fruit and vegetables grown locally.

Global shipping rates soar again

Covid-19 took global shipping rates to mind boggling highs, but over the subsequent 12-15 months they returned to more sustainable levels. Fast forward to July 2024 and rates have nearly doubled over three months.

HortNZ helps growers rebuild, recover

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) chief executive Nadine Tunley says the industry-good body’s support for growers has proven to be multifaceted.

Featured

Farmers will adapt amid global trade turmoil

New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.

National

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Dairy power

OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter