Two milk processing plants changing hands
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.
OPINION: Nearly four years after buying a 75% stake in Southland processor Mataura Valley Milk (MVM), A2 Milk is still struggling to take the plant to profitability.
In its half-year results last month, A2 says the half year was characterised by higher GDT market pricing, plus higher milk volumes processed through the MVM site. As a result, revenue of $57.4 million was $13.9 million higher than prior year, with EBITDA losses improving to $11.9 million (1H24: $15.3 million).
The company continues to work on a range of initiatives to accelerate MVM's path to profitability, which remains a key priority.
A2 Milk bought the 75% interest in MVM from China Animal Husbandry Group (CAHG), which retains a 25% stake in MVM.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.