New plant first step in a long journey - ofi
The Singaporean conglomerate behind New Zealand’s newest milk processing plant says this is the first step in a long journey.
Singapore-based Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) says planning for its new milk plant in South Waikato is underway.
The company has made two key appointments: operations director Paul Rennie joins from Tasti Products and general manager milk supply Paul Johnson joins from Fonterra.
OFI is now taking expressions of interest from potential farmer suppliers, employees, contractors, and general trade suppliers.
OFI dairy senior vice president Naval Sabri says the two appointments are important roles for the new investment, enabling OFI to connect with the rural community, especially farmers interested in partnering with the company.
He says both men have deep experience in the dairy and food industries.
OFI ranks among the top three dairy suppliers in the world. The Tokoroa plant will become part a global network that spans 20 major milk consumption markets, such as South-East Asia, China, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Singapore-based conglomerate is no stranger to the NZ dairy industry. Until recently it held a cornerstone stake in NZ's second largest milk processor, Open Country Dairy. It is also a major buyer of dairy products from Fonterra and other processors.
“We have enjoyed a long and successful history in New Zealand through our previous investment in Open Country Dairy and we are pleased to be deepening our presence and relationships,” says Sabri.
“Our Tokoroa facility will open up more supply options for farmers in South Waikato, and employment opportunities in the community.”
OFI looks after its parent company Olam’s cocoa, coffee, nuts, spices and dairy businesses with operations across America, Africa, Europe and Asia, with a network of 15,000 employees, operational in 48 countries, sourcing directly and indirectly from 2.6 million farmer suppliers globally and operating over 100 manufacturing plants.
Sabri says the new plant will complement and enhance its ability to support global customers meet growing consumer demand for products that are natural, nutritious and delicious.
“It will also help address their innovation, traceability, and sustainable sourcing requirements as New Zealand’s farming standards and high-quality milk are very well regarded.”
The first stage of the new investment, expected to be commissioned in late 2023 in time for peak season, will involve the construction of a spray dryer facility capable of producing high-value dairy ingredient products. Additional facilities will be added over time to expand the range targeting key customer applications in desserts, bakery, beverages, and confectionery categories.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.