Fonterra cements position as the big cheese!
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
Fonterra Australia and Bellamy's Australia Limited are entering a five year, multi-million dollar strategic agreement to manufacture a range of new baby nutritional powders.
Fonterra managing director Oceania Judith Swales says the announcement is part of Fonterra's transformation of its Australian business.
"This is our strategy in action for Australia where we focus on the areas we can win in a highly competitive market to deliver the best returns," says Swales.
"We are actively growing our nutritionals business through strategic partnerships and agreements which will see the Darnum nutritionals plant move towards full capacity.
"Our Australian business has particular ingredients strengths in cheese, whey and nutritionals, complemented by our strong consumer and foodservice businesses; and today's announcement with Bellamy's Australia - one of the fastest growing infant formula companies - reaffirms our strength in nutritionals.
"The Darnum plant is a leading nutritionals plant in Fonterra's global network. Leveraging our Fonterra Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, the largest dairy innovation centre in the southern hemisphere, we will bring innovation to the Darnum plant and the nutritionals market to capture growing demand.
Bellamy's is one of the fastest growing infant formula companies with strong brand recognition and expertise in the organic ingredient supply chain. Bellamy's has experienced continued growth over many years, and financial year 2014-15 has been exceptional, achieving revenue growth of 156% from the year prior.* Formula comprises 88% of Bellamy's sales.*
"The proposed multi-million dollar strategic agreement will help support the growth of Bellamy's Organic in Australia and abroad, and builds on our strong current relationship."
"We are also nearing the finalisation of the Darnum joint venture with Beingmate Baby and Child Food Company Ltd following the recent formal approval by Beingmate's Board and shareholders," says Swales.
Swales says the cooperative had a clear plan to return its Australian business to strong and sustainable profitability.
Fonterra and Bellamy's will work to finalise the proposed arrangements by the end of the year, with the agreement commencing in 2016.
The European Union Ambassador says the new free trade agreement (FTA) between the bloc and New Zealand will bring significant benefits to both parties.
Less Wellington bureucracy and more local, on-farm common sense was the focus of recent meetings held in South Canterbury as part of the Government's National Woolshed tour program.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
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