Alliance completes $16m warehouse tech update
Alliance Group has launched a new $16 million warehouse technology system at its Lorneville plant near Invercargill.
Ahead of the World Butchers' Challenge, the captains of 14 nations’ teams squared off in Paris over the weekend.
In one pre-game clash, Germany’s reigning champions went head-to-head with host nation France in an arm wrestle between German captain Dirk Freyberger and French captain Ip Yan Fat.
The friendly rivalry set the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes competition, with Germany claiming the first unofficial victory of the weekend.
Ashley Gray, chief executive of the World Butchers’ Challenge says anticipation is at an all-time high and the energy in Paris is “electric”.
“Some teams are hungry for their first victory, others are determined to defend their title, and new nations are ready to make their mark,” Gray says. “We can’t wait to see the competition unfold and wish all the competitors the best of luck.”
Today, Paris will play host to 14 national teams for the ninth World Butchers’ Challenge at Paris Arena Sud 6, part of the Paris Expo Exhibition Centre.
The three-hour challenge will see each team demonstrate their carving, boning and finishing skills – underpinned by creative and cultural flair.
The winning team will be awarded the Friedr. Dick Golden Knife Trophy at a Gala dinner on Tuesday, 1 April in Paris.
The 2025 World Butchers’ Challenge is sponsored by Friedr. Dick, Devro, Van Hessen, and Anago.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.

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