Coutts appointed chair-elect of Mainland Group
Fonterra has named Elizabeth (Liz) Coutts the chair of Mainland Group, the proposed divestment entity of the co-operative’s consumer business.
Food company Goodman Fielder will spend $27 million on upgrading its UHT milk plant in Christchurch.
The company, which recently accepted a A$1.37 billion takeover bid by Singapore-based Wilmar International and Hong Kong-listed investment firm First Pacific Co, is eyeing growth opportunities across Asia Pacific.
The expansion project will see the extension of the existing UHT building, installation of a new pasteurising, sterilising and palletising line as well as the installation of a new 250ml high speed filler. The work is expected to be completed by October 2015 and will boost production at the site by around 32 million litres per year, an increase of 50% on the plant's existing UHT volume.
Goodman Fielder chief executive, Chris Delaney says the project will enable the company to leverage its existing export capacity to Asia Pacific by meeting the growing demand for dairy products across the region and particularly in China.
"The premium UHT category in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow by around 50% over the next five years," says Delaney.
"This project will provide us with additional capacity to address this growing market through our iconic New Zealand Meadow Fresh brand and distribution capability.
"We are seeing increasing demand for our Meadow Fresh products in Asia Pacific, particularly China, as we continue to build on New Zealand's natural, high quality dairy credentials. We are investing now to meet that demand and also plan for future growth.
"It is also very rewarding to be able to commit to a major investment at Meadow Fresh Christchurch given the impact that natural disasters have had on our site and our people over the last three years."
Prime Minister, John Key, attended today's announcement made to Goodman Fielder staff at the Blenheim Road site.
Construction of the new building and production line will require 40 full time equivalent roles for the eight month construction period, and the resulting increase in volume will eventually see 12 new production roles created at the site.
Goodman Fielder currently employees 230 people at the site which produces fresh milk for delivery throughout the South Island and UHT milk products predominantly for export markets.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed by the United States' decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.
OPINION: Farmers nationwide will be rubbing their hands with glee at the latest news from the Government about the RMA reforms.
Holstein Friesian NZ and Link Livestock have agreed on a strategic partnership to provide HFNZ members with comprehensive services from one of New Zealand's most respected dairy men.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
OPINION: Is it the beginning of the end for Greenpeace?
OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.