Sweet start for the NZ honey sector after dismal 2017
Date: 10 Jan 2018The $5 billion-a-year honey New Zealand industry is on its way to recovery after one of its poorest seasons in decades last year. The 2017 harvest was hit hard by cold, wet and windy weather over the optimal nectar-flow period, resulting in a sharp fall in production. Karin Kos, chief executive of Apiculture New Zealand, said it was early days but that the fine weather over the important November and December months had seen the season get off to a strong start. "It's looking like ... more
Dairy product prices increase amid outlook for lower supply
Date: 3 Jan 2018Dairy product prices rose at the Global Dairy Trade auction, as whole milk powder increased on the outlook for reduced supply from Fonterra, the world's top dairy exporter. The GDT price index rose 2.2 per cent from the previous auction two weeks ago to US$3,124 ($4,393). Some 25,400 tonnes of product was sold, down from 29,592 tonnes two weeks ago. Whole milk powder rallied 4.2 per cent to US$2,886 ($4,059) a tonne. Skim milk powder gained 1.6 per cent to US$1,699 ($2,389) a tonne, ... more
Tip Top reprioritises icecream production amid 'unprecedented' demand
Date: 20 Dec 2017"Unprecedented" icecream demand has meant fewer of the country's least favourite frozen treats will be made in the coming months, Tip Top says. While they say there is not an icecream shortage as such, Tip Top is reprioritising its production so that the more popular products will be available, including Trumpets, Popsicles, most Frujus and vanilla icecream to go with the Christmas pav. "We're not going to run out," sales director for Fonterra Brands Tim Carter ... more
Prices fall sharply at latest global dairy auction
Date: 20 Dec 2017Farmers woke up to Christmas bad news with dairy prices falling by 3.9 per cent in the latest Global Dairy Trade auction (GDT). The previous auction two weeks ago offered a slight reprieve as the overall index rose 0.4 per cent, following four consecutive declines. The average price per tonne on the Global Dairy Trade index was US$2969 (NZ$4247), with the key price indicator whole milk powder at US$2755, a drop of 2.5 per cent. The auction is the first following Fonterra's decision ... more
Synlait partners with Foodstuffs South Island to supply fresh milk and cream
Date: 20 Dec 2017Synlait Milk says it will enter the fresh milk market in early 2019 by partnering with Foodstuffs South Island and will invest about $125 million in a liquid dairy packaging plant. The Dunsandel-based company will become Foodstuffs South Island's exclusive supplier of its private label fresh milk and cream under the supply agreement, it said in a statement. Fresh milk and cream from Synlait will be packaged in Value and Pams branded products, which are available across New World, ... more
Fonterra welcomes Government moves on climate change
Date: 19 Dec 2017Fonterra welcomes the Government’s latest move to address climate change, including its plans to establish a Climate Commission. The dairy Co-operative echoes Minister James Shaw’s belief in the importance of ensuring both a sustainable economy and stable climate for future generations. Carolyn Mortland, Fonterra’s Director of Sustainability said the Co-operative is committed to engaging with the Government on the development of a robust Zero Carbon Act, which ... more
O’Connor announces split of MPI functions
Date: 14 Dec 2017Minister for Agriculture, Biosecurity, Food Safety and Rural Communities Damien O’Connor announced today that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will reorganise its functions to create a stronger focus on core responsibilities. Mr O’Connor says government will set up four portfolio-based entities, Fisheries New Zealand, Forestry New Zealand, Biosecurity New Zealand and New Zealand Food Safety. “Our priority is to achieve greater clarity and unity of purpose ... more
Marlborough Wines conquer Cook Strait
Date: 14 Dec 2017Nearly 40 yachts raced across Cook Strait to deliver 29 Marlborough wines to the Capital in the WineWorks Wine Race. Over 250 people were involved crewing the yachts on 1 December in one of New Zealand’s largest off shore yacht races. Waikawa Boating Club gained yacht entries from across the country, with some skippers sailing their yachts from Auckland for the annual event. Saint Clair Family Estate and Mahi Wines were well represented with both having four wines being involved ... more
Seafood outlook looking rosy
Date: 12 Dec 2017The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries, released yesterday by the Ministry for Primary Industries, paints a positive picture for the future of New Zealand’s commercial seafood industry. Seafood New Zealand chief executive, Tim Pankhurst, said the report reflected the industry’s own assessment; that the future of commercial seafood, both wild capture and aquaculture, was in good heart. “The report confirmed that export prices for wild capture fisheries ... more
New Zealand Winegrowers Sommelier Scholarship recipients announced
Date: 11 Dec 2017New Zealand Winegrowers has today announced the names of two New Zealand-based sommeliers selected to participate in the 2018 New Zealand Winegrowers International Sommelier Scholarship. It’s the first time New Zealanders will take part in the scholarship programme, which allows recipients the opportunity to engage with and learn from leaders within the international wine fraternity. The successful New Zealand sommeliers are: Anna Krykunivsky - Imperium Group (Eichardt's ... more
