Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
Despite being in financial doldrums, Synlait has created a five-year foodservice strategy that will target the Chinese market.
Chief executive Grant Watson says its initial focus will be on functional UHT cream sold to B2B customers who use it in finished products for out-of-home consumption at bakeries, cafes, and beverage chains.
He says butter and cream cheese are potential long-term opportunities and China’s cream market represents significant potential for Synlait.
“The total cream market exceeded 250,000 MT in 2022, and New Zealand is the leading country for cream exports, with 58% market share,” he says.
This year Synlait is launching Joyhana UHT Whipping Cream in China.
“We will keep expanding Joyhana within China, focusing on bakery/pastry and beverage chains, and access selected Southeast Asia markets in the second half of this financial year,” he says.
Commercial sales of Joyhana commenced in FY 23, and volumes will continue to ramp into FY 24. Market feedback is positive, Watson says.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.
A seasoned horticulturist has been appointed to deliver the Apple Action Plan, a key initiative of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.