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.
Greenpeace claims that new legal documents from Fonterra Brands reveal that the dairy giant has removed labels from its Anchor butter packaging which the environment lobby says falsely claimed that Fonterra dairy cows are '100% New Zealand grass-fed'.
However, the co-op has hit back. Fonterra says it stands behind its claim in relation to Anchor butter as "grass-fed" because its suppliers' cows' diet is predominantly grass and pasture, which includes grass, grass silage, hay and forage crops.
Fonterra will continue to strongly defend the claims brought against it, and will not be commenting further while this matter is before the courts.
