Tuesday, 26 July 2022 10:55

Sri Lanka unrest limits Fonterra operations

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Fonterra says it is operating in a limited capacity in the key Sri Lankan market. Fonterra says it is operating in a limited capacity in the key Sri Lankan market.

Fonterra is operating at a limited capacity in Sri Lanka as that country grapples with unrest and serious economic challenges.

The co-operative's chief executive officer for Asia-Pacific Judith Swales says the focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of its people and their families. "We are continuing operations, albeit at limited capacity, and doing our best to make food nutrition available.

"Even in difficult times, our Sri Lanka team continues to amaze and get new products to market.

"Just the other week they launched a new innovation - a tea blend 3 in 1 - as an accessible nutrition solution for our consumers and customers."

Fonterra employs around 600 people in Sri Lanka, a key consumer and foodservice market.

Fonterra has a manufacturing facility where it processes milk from Sri Lankan farmers, supplying dairy to Sri Lanka and surrounding countries.

Its brands are well recognise with Ratthis and Anchor the number one and two dairy brands in the country.

Sri Lanka descended into turmoil after its 22 million population couldn't access basic food items, fuel and medicines. People took to the streets, forcing the President to flee the country.

Swales believes that as a resilient nation Sri Lanka will come out of its challenges.

"In the meantime, we will continue our care for our people and their families and keep the business running so that nutritious dairy is available."

Historically it has been a good performing market for the co-op.

It is a dairy consuming nation, whether that be milk powders for tea and dessert or yoghurts and drinking milks.

More like this

Fonterra's in good shape

Fonterra released its interim results last month, showing a continuation of the strong earnings performance delivered by the co-op through the 2023 financial year. Here’s what Fonterra chair Peter McBride and chief executive Miles Hurrell said about the results…

China trade

OPINION: Last week's revelation that data relating to New Zealand MPs was stolen amid Chinese state-sponsored cyber espionage targeting two arms of the country’s Parliament could test the long-standing trade relations between the two countries.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

Funding boost for red meat

Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).

Otago's supreme winner

Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.

Editorial: Wake up Wellington

OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter