What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
"We need to ensure that we keep this in perspective," she says.
"Food recalls, though always disappointing and disruptive for consumers and for the companies involved, are a fact of life every day all around the world.
"Even though New Zealand has one of the best food production systems in the world, our food companies sometimes have to call product back and they are ready for this.
"It's something every company knows it will probably face from time to time, and it's precisely because of our modern and world-leading food production systems that we are able to pick up these issues and act swiftly.
"Food is a living product, so even with the best production and hygiene systems in the world there will always be irregular instances when food companies have to return product to the factory."
