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.
Fonterra is operating at a limited capacity in Sri Lanka as that country grapples with unrest and serious economic challenges.
The co-operative's chief executive officer for Asia-Pacific Judith Swales says the focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of its people and their families. "We are continuing operations, albeit at limited capacity, and doing our best to make food nutrition available.
"Even in difficult times, our Sri Lanka team continues to amaze and get new products to market.
"Just the other week they launched a new innovation - a tea blend 3 in 1 - as an accessible nutrition solution for our consumers and customers."
Fonterra employs around 600 people in Sri Lanka, a key consumer and foodservice market.
Fonterra has a manufacturing facility where it processes milk from Sri Lankan farmers, supplying dairy to Sri Lanka and surrounding countries.
Its brands are well recognise with Ratthis and Anchor the number one and two dairy brands in the country.
Sri Lanka descended into turmoil after its 22 million population couldn't access basic food items, fuel and medicines. People took to the streets, forcing the President to flee the country.
Swales believes that as a resilient nation Sri Lanka will come out of its challenges.
"In the meantime, we will continue our care for our people and their families and keep the business running so that nutritious dairy is available."
Historically it has been a good performing market for the co-op.
It is a dairy consuming nation, whether that be milk powders for tea and dessert or yoghurts and drinking milks.
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.