Formula goes sour
OPINION: Media reports say global recalls tied to cereulide toxin contamination in milk-based nutrition brands could inflict combined financial losses exceeding $1 billion.
Danone has been cleared by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) to take an indirect shareholding of up to 65% in Yashili New Zealand.
Danone currently has an indirect shareholding of about 30% in Yashili NZ.
The application was made by Danone Asia Pacific which is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of global food and beverage company Danone SA. The French listed company has a 44% US public shareholding.
Yashili NZ operates a dairy production plant in Pokeno, Waikato. The OIO says the land is not considered sensitive under the Overseas Investment Act.
“The applicant has satisfied the OIO that the individuals who will control the investment have the relevant business experience and acumen and are of good character,” the OIO says in its decision.
“The applicant has also demonstrated financial commitment to the investment.”
Yashili NZ Dairy, a joint venture between Yashili and Mengnui established in 2012, has $220 million invested in its dairy plant in Pokeno. It has capacity to produce 52,000 tonnes a year of infant formula.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.
The head of Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, says the outlook for the primary sector is positive with record numbers of students enrolling for Massey's range of undergraduate courses in the primary sector.
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: One of the world's largest ice cream makers, Nestlé, is going cold on the viability of making the dessert.