What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
More than 14 million Anchor milk packs, or the equivalent of almost three million litres of milk, have been delivered to schools the length and breadth of the country since the rollout began 12 months ago.
Fonterra's operations manager for in-school programmes, Louise Aitken, says 70% of primary schools have signed up.
"This has been a real community effort and we want to thank everyone for their support. All of the Kiwi kids, school monitors, milkmen and staff have made Fonterra Milk for Schools possible. Our farmers, milkmen, and staff are really enjoying being involved in our communities in this special way, every day."
One of the first schools to sign up for Fonterra Milk for Schools as part of the pilot was Maungaturoto Primary School in Northland.
Principal Shane Campbell says two years on the kids are still lining up to slurp back their chilled milk packs.
"At first, we had some teachers who were a little bit nervous about how much learning time would be taken up with kids drinking their milk. However, the way we have gone about it, if you go round the classrooms, it is just part of our daily routine. We are really happy with how the programme is going and so are our children."
Nine year old Alana Yardley, a milk monitor at the school, says she looks forward to drinking milk every school day.
"Milk is good for you – it's good for your bones and for learning too. In the morning, if you feel sleepy, it's nice and fresh so it wakes you up."
A survey recently conducted found 98.5% of schools participating in Fonterra Milk for Schools are very satisfied with the programme.
New schools can sign up for the programme and the Fonterra Milk for Schools' team will continue to help them get started and support them on an on-going basis.
