Strong growth for Yili's NZ operations
Chinese dairy giant Yili Group says its New Zealand operations are on track for strong revenue growth in 2025 after recording significant year-on-year growth for the first half of the year.
Former Westland Milk chairman Pete Morrison says Yili’s new ownership represents a significant milestone for the former co-op and the start of a new era for the dairy industry on the West Coast.
He says Westland is a proud business with a strong history on the West Coast and in Canterbury.
“Jingang’s ownership provides confidence, security and competitive payouts for farmers – and their families – in our region. I am sure this will provide a strong platform for dairying in the region for many years ahead.”
Morrison says throughout the sale process all farmers were treated equally and all stand to be equally rewarded in the future.
“Fairness and equality were critical principles for the board and we are pleased these principles were understood and respected by Jingang and Yili throughout our negotiations.
“My fellow farmers and I now look forward to helping Yili achieve its long term goal of becoming the most trusted healthy food provider in the world. It is an exciting vision and it is exciting to help make this a reality.
“The strong engagement and support shown by Westland’s shareholders at the recent shareholder meeting demonstrates the importance our farmers place on the new relationship and their faith in Yili working with them to build Westland’s positive future.
“It is truly a win-win result for all involved.”
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.