Takeover bid?
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
Independent milk processor Synlait says Covid-19 has so far had no impact on its financial performance, however the processor remains greatly concerned.
The nation’s third-largest dairy company wrote to its shareholders this week that it has adopted the Government’s strategy to ‘flatten the curve’.
Synlait says it has taken steps to restrict all people movements wherever possible, reviewing all roles for their suitability to work from home and keeping their China office closed.
“While we can confirm there has been no material short-term impact on our financial performance in connection with Covid-19, it represents some downside risk going forward.
“This was a factor in Synlait’s decision to issue a wider guidance range back in February.
“Demand indications from The a2 Milk Company suggest Covid-19 had a positive impact on consumer-packaged infant formula sales in the first two months of the 2020 calendar year, however the company was unable to quantify the FY20 impact,” Synlait wrote to its Shareholders.
Synlait says it has experienced no significant operational impact, but the company is seeing pressure on its broader supply chain, particularly in relation to space availability and shipping schedules.
Synlait says its team is “working closely” with logistic partners to assist in understanding capacity and scheduling.
“As New Zealand’s largest infant nutrition manufacturer, Covid-19 concerns us greatly and our incident assessment team is reviewing the situation and updating our response daily.
“We are deeply committed and connected to China, the customer partnerships we have there, and the role that we play in providing infant nutrition to many families across China.”
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New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.