New deal will put more weedkiller on NZ store shelves – claim

 This company now distributes Roundup in New Zealand, handling local sales, logistics and management for the Australian distributor Sinochem.

Sinochem began distributing Roundup in Australia two years ago, shipping products to New Zealand on receipt of orders, with resellers required to pay when they placed orders.

Now Agritrade will carry stock and supply stores within three days of receiving orders, and retailers need not pay until the product is sold, eliminating inventory costs.

Sinochem Australia and New Zealand managing director Richard Jagger was in Auckland last week for the launch, saying the agency deal will benefit “both sides”. “Farmers will benefit by getting the products on time,” he told Rural News. “They can get what they need, when they need it without unnecessary costs.”

Agritrade, a wholesaler, sells and services nationwide, dealing with farm supply companies and veterinarians. Its new business growth manager Nick Berry says “Having the distribution rights will mean more effective sales and service for our resellers. They will have supplies 48-72 hours after placing the order…. Both initiatives improve on the previous method and will be welcomed by our resellers.”

 Roundup is made by US-listed chemical giant Monsanto. The products for New Zealand will come directly from Monsanto’s plant in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. Three different formulations in different pack sizes will be available in New Zealand.

 Jagger says customers “will benefit from Sinochem International and Monsanto’s research and development. We want to support our customers beyond just supplying product. Our role is to understand our customers’ business issues and to add value to how they service their farmer customers.”

He says Sinochem is ready to support its New Zealand customers, finding out “what they want and we will look to develop a product portfolio specifically for this market.

 “Monsanto is researching different formulations to address glyphosate resistance and New Zealand customers will be among the first to benefit from these product enhancements.”

Deal roundup

Australian distributor of Roundup Sinochem appoints Agritrade as New Zealand distribution agency.

Deal gives certainty of supply as products will no longer be shipped from Australia on receipt of resellers’ orders

Resellers will not have to pay when placing orders.