Oz dairy in consolidation mode
The Australian dairy industry is heading for more consolidation as milk supply shrinks, according to dairy analyst Steve Spencer.
Canadian dairy company Saputo says its acquisition of Murray Goulburn will add to and complement the activities of its dairy division in Australia.
“By acquiring a well-established industry player, the company reinforces its commitment to strengthen its presence in the Australian market,” it says.
Saputo says it intends to continue to invest in its Australian platform and contribute to the ongoing development of its domestic and international business.
Saputo bought Warrnambool Cheese and Butter in 2014.
The sale includes all of MG’s assets and operating liabilities and is subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Saputo expects the transaction to close in the first half of next year.
MG produces a full range of high-quality dairy foods, including drinking milk, milk powder, cheese, butter and dairy beverages, as well as a range of ingredient and nutritional products, such as infant formula.
It supplies the retail and foodservice industries globally with its flagship Devondale, Liddells and Murray Goulburn Ingredients brands. Murray Goulburn has approximately 2,300 employees and operates eleven manufacturing facilities across Australia and China.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
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