Alliance Group faces crucial vote on Dawn Meats deal
The future of the Alliance Group is “pretty dark” if the proposed Dawn Meats deal does not go through, says board chair Mark Wynne.
Alliance Group is partnering with the global retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) on a range of value-add branded beef and lamb products in Singapore.
The M&S branded range, all further processed in New Zealand, is now available in 11 stores on the island, home to almost six million people.
The farmer-owned co-operative is supplying lamb mince and shoulder, French racked lamb, diced beef, minced beef and stir fry strips and sirloin, ribeye and fillet steaks.
Shane Kingston, general manager sales at Alliance Group, says M&S was looking for a trusted partner to help it meet the growing demand for protein in Singapore.
“This programme is the culmination of discussions between Alliance and M&S, which began almost two years ago. M&S recognised Alliance as a global trusted leader in the grass-fed free-range beef and lamb category.
“This partnership fits with our strategy to capture more market value and builds on our existing long-term relationship with M&S.”
The global retailer is targeting customers including locals, ex-patriates and premium ‘foodies’ customers with a promotional campaign underpinned by a ‘farmer to consumer’ story and a focus on quality.
M&S operates more than 1,500 stores across the globe and serves nearly 30 million customers every year.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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