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.
All hands are on deck today at Fonterra Brands New Zealand's (FBNZ) Takanini site as the first Fonterra Milk for Schools packs make their way down the production line and into the coolstore to wait for their ride to school.
FBNZ Business Manager Beverages, Craig Irwin, says the production run has been much anticipated by the team who are eager to get the programme up and running.
"We often have new products on the line, but they never create as much excitement as the Anchor packs' debut has today. Fonterra Milk for Schools is an incredible initiative and we're all honoured to be involved."
So far 81 Northland primary schools have signed up and are awaiting the first delivery of Anchor milk, due next month.
"The first production run is a milestone we've all been looking forward to and the programme launch is definitely the next. With the success of today's run we're set to have milk in schools on March 19 so Northland students can plan for an extra serving of nutrition from that day forward.
"Milk is a fundamental building block of good health and I'm thrilled that we're doing what we can to make it a part of our kids' diets," says Irwin.
Fonterra will be monitoring the Northland pilot over the first three terms to establish how to best introduce Fonterra Milk for Schools to primary schools nationwide and iron out practical details such as getting the milk to schools, serving it cool and recycling the packaging.
To find out more or register a school please visit www.fonterramilkforschools.com.
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.
The Opportunity Party has faced criticism during the election campaign that its policies are too urban-focused and offer little for rural communities.
OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided…
OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.