Dawn Meats acquires German distributor Alexander Eyckeler GmbH
Irish meat processor Dawn Meats has acquired Alexander Eyckeler GmbH, a long-standing German customer and partner of Alliance Group, for an undisclosed sum.
Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports to China, following approval for two of its processing plants to supply the market.
The company's Levin and Mataura plants have received certification to process and export chilled beef to China, strengthening Alliance’s ability to meet growing international demand.
“This is not only an excellent outcome for the important China market, but it also strengthens our global options,” says Wayne Shaw, general manager safety and processing at Alliance Group.
The company has already successfully shipped its first load of chilled beef from its Levin plant, which cleared customs in China in early January. A shipment from Mataura has arrived in China, further expanding the company’s footprint in the premium chilled beef sector.
“China remain a significant market for New Zealand red meat, with strong demand for high-quality, grass-fed beef.
“The approval of additional processing plants gives Alliance greater flexibility in our supply chain and the ability to respond more effectively to market opportunities.
“It also allows us to optimise processing capacity across our network, providing better outcomes for both our farmer shareholders and our customers.”
The move aligns with Alliance Group’s long-term beef strategy, says Shaw.
“We’re continuing to invest in expanding our beef processing capabilities, including at our Levin plant, and driving growth in our premium beef brands.”
With the New Zealand/India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dominating political debate here, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting New Zealand next week.
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Dr Tim Harwood, a seafood food safety research leader, has been awarded the 2026 Significant Contribution Award at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST) Food Industry Awards.
Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council-controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced has opened applications for the 2026/27 funding round of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research (GHGIR) fund.

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