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.”
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.
South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst has been elected as the new president of Federated Farmers.
Dairy continues to be the mainstay of the country's primary export earnings.
China remains New Zealand’s biggest market, taking $23 billion of our exports, but it’s no longer a commodity story, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
For Jane Smith, becoming a Ravensdown director has been a way she can actively contribute to something quite personal to her - protecting and strengthening a co-operative she deeply believes in.
Lactalis New Zealand has opened a new distribution centre in Christchurch, marking a significant investment in the company's South Island supply chain capability.

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