Job losses worry meat sector
New Zealand's meat processing industry says, while it supports moves away from coal, it has some major concerns about cuts to livestock numbers as proposed in the recent Climate Change Commission’s draft report.
Blue Sky Meats said on December 4 it had agreed to buy Clover Export Ltd and its range of regulatory export licences. “This purchase effectively removes an export licence holder from the New Zealand processing scene and therefore assists industry rationalisation,” says Blue Sky Meats.
The company says it can now offer a wider range of product to global customers, selling them containers of frozen and chilled mixed sheepmeat, beef and venison.
Blue Sky Meats has been Southland’s longest-established bobby calf operator. The opportunity to now combine this business with cull cow and prime beef processing is expected to interest its existing and potential new dairy farmer suppliers.
“Blue Sky Meats is excited about this purchase, ensuring growing employment opportunities for Southlanders, providing superior service to its existing and future suppliers and continuing to grow and secure profitability for its shareholders.”
A toll processing arrangement has been agreed with the current owners to continue processing horsemeat for important European markets. The Clover Export workforce and branding has been retained by Blue Sky Meats.
Meanwhile venison exporter Duncan & Co has increased its shareholding in Otago Venison to 100%; it was a founding shareholder in the 21-year old Otago Venison.
Duncan chief executive Andrew Duncan says the move to full ownership reflects its confidence in the deer industry. “We have great customers demanding more venison, at a time when production is falling. So, for us, it’s about securing supply and building farmer support for a business that is 100% focussed on venison.”
Duncan acknowledged the role played by Otago Venison founding shareholders Russell and Jaye Brown and Steve and Jenny Martin.
“They have done an outstanding job of establishing Otago Venison and steering the company through tough times in an industry which can be challenging and vibrant.”
Duncan says despite deer numbers being forecast to decline further in coming years, his company is comfortable increasing its investment in the industry as it returned to a growth phase.
Duncan & Co exports venison to Western Europe, North America and Asia.
