Fonterra Whareroa sets cheese record, wins top award
Fonterra Whareroa wrapped up a successful season with a record-breaking cheese production volume and several gongs at the co-op's annual Best Site Cup awards.
Fonterra's Chinese partner Beingmate last month agreed to set up a joint venture to buy the co-op's Darnum, Victoria, plant.
In return Fonterra will use Beingmate's sales and distribution network in China to sell its Anmum branded formula.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said the global partnership with Beingmate holds growth potential for both companies.
"The partnership will create a fully integrated global supply chain from the farmgate direct to China's consumers, using Fonterra's milk pools and manufacturing sites in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe.
"By working with Beingmate we are creating additional demand for ingredients and high-value paediatric and maternal nutrition products."
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
The 2026 Red Dairy Cow conference will be hosted by New Zealand in March.
While global dairy commodity prices continue to climb in most key exporting countries, the second half of the year is expected to bring increased downside risks.
In a surprise move, Federated Farmers meat and wool group has dumped its chair Toby Williams.
Former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has received the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award.
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