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.”
A rare piece of New Zealand adventure history will be on display at this year’s Fieldays, with a pair of socks worn by the late Sir Edmund Hillary to take pride of place at the Norsewear site this June.
This month's National Fieldays will again display a strong international flavour, with more exhibitors and overseas delegations in attendance.
Massey University says its stand at the Fieldays will showcase regenerative science and “circular bioeconomy innovation supporting more sustainable and resilient farming systems”.
Fonterra is strengthening its foodservice presence in China with the launch of a new cream for professional bakeries at Bakery China 2026 in Shanghai.
OPINION: The coalition Government’s plan to make about 9000 public servants redundant looms as a major election issue
From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…
OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…