Expert Says Fonterra Backing Current Strategy With New CEO Appointment
The appointment of Richard Allen as Fonterra's new chief executive signals execution, not strategy, according to agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
The profit after tax is equivalent to earnings per share of 16 cents.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell describes the results as a strong start to the year, especially when taking into consideration the higher cost of milk and narrower price relativities when compared to this time last year.
“While these factors have impacted our gross margins, this has been partially offset by improved product mix, with a greater allocation of milk to higher value products in our Foodservice and Consumer channels, “ says Hurrell.
“We ended FY24 with well managed inventory levels, meaning we started this year with lower levels than the year prior.
“As a result, we have lower sales volumes in our Ingredients channel when compared to this time last year. This channel was also impacted by the continued narrowing of price relativities in New Zealand. This has been partially offset by the realignment of the Australian milk price with global commodity prices.
“While Foodservice and Consumer gross margins have been impacted by the higher cost of milk relative to Q1 last year, it is pleasing to see margins have improved in our global markets since the end of last financial year.”
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The co-op also provided an update on the shift in strategic direction while maintaining its focus on performance and a potential sale of its consumer business.
During the first quarter of the year Fonterra released its revised strategy, to focus on high performing Ingredients and Foodservice businesses to grow returns for farmer shareholders and unit holders.
“We’ve announced investments to support this direction, including around $75 million to increase production capacity for high value protein ingredients at our Studholme manufacturing site, with site works now underway.
“To support ongoing growth in our thriving Foodservice business, we announced that we’re investing around $150 million in a new UHT cream plant at our Edendale site, with the project to create 70 new roles in Southland.
“We also launched a new Foodservice product, Anchor Easy Bakery UHT Cream, targeting China’s mid-tier market.
“Alongside this, we’re investing in strengthening our supply chain network, with around $150 million allocated to build a new cool store with capacity to store 26,000 tonnes of cheese at our Whareroa site.
“These strategic investments underpin our future growth, and I’m pleased our balance sheet strength is enabling us to invest in our business,” says Hurrell.
Fonterra has also progressed work to divest its global Consumer business, as well as integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka.
“Last month, we confirmed we are pursuing a divestment for these businesses. This work is now under way and we will share more information as it progresses,” says Hurrell.
“Our priority is maintaining momentum in our financial performance while the divestment process is underway.”
