Wednesday, 19 February 2025 11:25

No buyers

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Australian dairy is bracing for the retirement of an iconic dairy brand.

Saputo Dairy Australia (SDA) announced last year the retirement of its King Island Dairy brand, after being unable to find a buyer for the 132-year-old brand and its current facility.

Over the past year, SDA has sought to maximise value for the business looking for commercial and financial alternatives for King Island Dairy, including a potential sale to a third party. The business employs 58 people and is the single biggest employer on the island which only has a population of 1,600.

Is this a good omen for Fonterra as it tries to sell off its Australian consumer business that includes some of the top dairy brands across the ditch?

More like this

Fonterra Begins CEO Search Following Miles Hurrell Resignation

Fonterra Begins CEO Search Following Miles Hurrell Resignation

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.

Fonterra Signals Major Farmer Payout After Mainland Sale

Fonterra Signals Major Farmer Payout After Mainland Sale

Fonterra farmers will be smiling all the way to the bank next month.

Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future

Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.

Another Windfall for Fonterra Farmers, Unit Holders

Fonterra farmer shareholders and unit holders are in line for another payment in April.

Fonterra Milk Price Raised to $9.50/kgMS

As expected, Fonterra has lifted its 2025-26 forecast farmgate milk price mid-point to $9.50/kgMS.

Popular Reads

Hawke’s Bay Apple Grower Taylor Corporation Reports Standout 2026 Season Boosting Industry Optimism

Hawke's Bay apple grower Taylor Corporation says a standout 2026 season, coming after a few difficult years, is boosting optimism…

Share Farmers, Managers Honoured in Wairarapa

The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne…

Another Windfall for Fonterra Farmers, Unit Holders

Fonterra farmer shareholders and unit holders are in line for another payment in April.

Global Dairy Prices Surge with GDT Index Up 18% in 2026

Global dairy prices are on a roll, recording a fourth consecutive jump on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction this…

Castle Ridge Station Wins Canterbury Supreme Environmental Award

Castle Ridge Station has been named the Regional Supreme Winner at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Featured

Pork Prices Hold Steady as Food Costs Rise Across New Zealand

New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time when grocery costs continue to put pressure on budgets.

Jessica Kilday wins BrightSIDE dairy scholarship

The South Island Dairy Event's BrightSIDE has named Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.

Global First: Fertile Hybrid Grass Could Transform Future Pastures

Scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao has achieved a successful cocksfoot-ryegrass cross capable of producing fertile seed, a world-first.

SIDE returns with focus on dairy leadership

The South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) returns to Lincoln University next month.

Cresslands Stud's Century of Change

The subdivision and sale of the Rangiora's Coldstream Estate in 1921 was advantageous for not one, but four Cantebury families - but one in particular has become synonymous with outstanding Holstein Friesian cattle.

B+LNZ Chair Highlights Future Focus at Annual Meeting

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) annual meeting held in Timaru today saw directors' fees raised and the appointment of KPMG as an auditor for the levy body.

National

Imported Butter Hits NZ Shelves as Consumers Seek Cheaper Options

American butter undercutting New Zealand's own product on New Zealand supermarket shelves appears to be a case of markets working…

Tech-Driven Farm Aims to Attract Next Generation of Farmers

Tech savvy Huntly farmer Rhys Darby believes technology could help solve one of the dairy industry's pressing problems - how…

Fonterra Signals Major Farmer Payout After Mainland Sale

Fonterra farmers will be smiling all the way to the bank next month.

Exporters Frustrated as Cabinet Rejects Live Export Revival

Exporters of live animals by sea say the decision by the coalition Government to go back on its word to…

Dairy Farmers Vote to Continue DairyNZ Milksolids Levy

Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.

Machinery & Products

Carrfields Appointed Krone and Kubota Dealer for Lower South Island

Ashburton-based Carrfields has announced that, from the New Year, it is officially authorised to sell Krone Forager Harvesters and Kubota…

Lely Surpasses €1 Billion as Dairy Robotics Demand Grows

Since its decision to concentrate on milk harvesting and animal husbandry, resulting in the selling of its agricultural machinery brands…

Nissan Reveals Fifth-Generation Navara for New Zealand

Nissan has announced details of the new fifth generation Navara.

Lincoln Student Awarded Dairy Scholarship

The South Island Dairy Event has announced Jessica Findlay as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship Programme, recognising her commitment…

Farm Vehicle Safety: Simple Steps That Save Lives

Decisions you make in an instant on the farm can be the difference between life and death.

» Latest Print Issues Online

dairynewscover

ruralnewscover

winegrowercover

Milking It

Happy Days

OPINION: The good news keeps getting better for NZ dairy farmers.

Begging Bowl

OPINION: With export of livestock by sea dead in the water, opponents of the Gene Technology Bill think they can…

» eNewsletter