Two milk processing plants changing hands
Two large milk processing plants in New Zealand are changing hands.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
The listed company, which relies on Synlait for its A2 infant formula supply, resolved a long-running dispute with the milk processor in August: it continues to hold a 19% stake in Synlait.
Speaking at a2MC’s annual meeting today, chair Pip Greenwood noted that more Chinese label registrations and own processing plant were critical components of the company’s supply chain transformation strategy.
“The Company continues to explore opportunities to achieve this through investment in its own supply chain and through acquisitions and commercial partnerships.
“While we do not have any new information to share with you today, I can say that we continue to make good progress in this regard and that this remains a top priority for management and the board.”
Greenwood told shareholders that the 2024 financial year was a milestone year for its China label product, following re-registration in June 2023 of its upgraded China label infant milk formula product.
“Given the positive signs we have seen including strong consumer offtake and healthy metrics, we are pleased that the transition has been successful.
“As a proud New Zealand company, we are delighted that in our largest market China, our consumers continue to highly value the A1 protein free proposition and our products’ New Zealand provenance.
“Being the pioneer of A1 protein free helps us differentiate our products in a competitive market. It is especially pleasing that in FY24 we achieved a top 5 brand position in the China infant milk formula market with our China and English label products combined.”
The company is also progressing an application for long-term US Food and Drug Administration approval to import infant milk formula into the US.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.