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NZ’s largest food manufacturing, technology and logistics Expo “Adding Value to NZ’s Food Chain”

More than 4,500 visiting industry professionals from both New Zealand and around the world will converge in Auckland to attend the sectors largest combined trade only industry event – Foodtech Packtech (FTPT) and the Materials Handling & Logistics Expo (MHL). Hosted at the ASB Showgrounds in September, this year’s event will be the largest show in decades – it’s certainly a must attend event for anyone in the food and beverage manufacturing and packaging or transport and logistics industries! Across the halls you will experience some 240+ exhibiting suppliers covering important capability issues – everything from food safety, processing and security technology through to industrial packaging and preservation solutions, and specialist product handling and logistics. Ngaio Diagnostics deliver the tools used to minimise any chance of microbial or allergen contamination. Their range offers simple, cost effective solutions suitable for companies of all sizes. In 2016, FTPT connected Ngaio to a major NZ company that was able to save them over 10% on their Gluten testing costs. Not only was Ngaio able to help with cost-effectiveness, but they were also able to implement a test with superior ease of use and accreditation, ultimately improving their entire food safety program. Integrated Packaging, a returning exhibitor in 2018, will tell you that “FTPT is the perfect platform to interact with groups of people from a variety of companies and be able to demonstrate first-hand what your company’s capabilities are”. At the 2016 show, Integrated Packing connected with a vast number of companies, saving one of them over $20,000 p.a. by improving their manufacturing processes. This year Integrated Packing will be showcasing a range of new solutions that are unique to this market. This will be of great appeal to companies including meat, poultry and small goods. With sustainability being such a hot topic, SMC Pneumatics […]

Fonterra revises milk price and updates

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited has announced a revision to its forecast 2017/18 Farmgate Milk Price, and updated its normalised earnings per share and dividend guidance. The Co-operative is reducing last season’s 2017/18 forecast Farmgate Milk Price to $6.70 per kgMS from $6.75 per kgMS. The previously announced 25-30 cents guidance range has been held but the Co-operative is indicating that it will be at or slightly below this range and it is likely that the full year dividend will be just the 10 cents already paid in April. Chairman John Monaghan said the Board has made these decisions in the best long-term interests of its farmer shareholders and unitholders. “It is important for our Co-operative to have a strong balance sheet and, as we indicated in May, the higher milk price, which is good for our farmers, has put pressure on Fonterra’s earnings, and therefore our balance sheet in a year which was already challenging due to the payment to Danone and the impairment of the Co-operative’s Beingmate investment. “You never want to have to reduce the Milk Price at the season’s end, but it is the right thing to do and $6.70 remains a strong milk price. “Maintaining a strong balance sheet has helped us to support farmers during tough seasons through our Co-operative Support Loan and being able to bring forward the Advance Rate Schedule and get money to farmers earlier in the season. “We need to do everything within our control to keep these options on the table for when farmers need them. This means keeping our balance sheet strong. Mr Monaghan said he wanted to be upfront with farmers and unitholders that to achieve this the Board has taken the step to depart from the amount calculated under the Farmgate Milk Price Manual. This is permitted […]

Alternative protein reports published

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Plant & Food Research have released their joint report: The evolution of plant protein – assessing consumer response. The report was commissioned to assess consumer responses to protein and highlight the potential impacts to the New Zealand agricultural industry. New Zealand’s social, environmental, and economic well-being is linked to New Zealand’s ability to supply the rest of the world with protein. New Zealand’s animal-based protein export revenue alone accounts for 60% of New Zealand’s total primary exports. This demand will grow as the global population is set to increase to 8.1 billion by 2025. “This is the very first exploratory piece of work MPI has done in this area. The report explores how consumers have become more aware of the long-term impacts of food production and signals change for traditional animal protein producers. “The findings will inform our work programme to support primary sector resilience in the face of these impacts and changing consumer habits. “The report also includes opportunities to create value through a point of difference for traditional New Zealand products,” says Jarred Mair, acting deputy director-general for policy and trade. “In order for New Zealand to retain a competitive edge in our primary exports, we want to ensure we are looking ahead at what the future consumer might demand in our products and what opportunities are available for our sector,” says Dr Jocelyn Eason of Plant & Food Research. To assess where markets are heading in the next 5 years the report analysed consumer responses to plant-based proteins released in the United States and consumer attitudes to proteins in China. Our research has shown that wealthy western economies such as the US will require an innovative product that meets consumer needs. Key findings of the report include: Progress towards new protein […]

Farm survey reveals net income not high

Farmers’ returns are struggling to keep up with the mainly inflation caused cost price squeeze, a new Lincoln University survey has found. In recent times just over a quarter of farms obtained 30 per cent or more of their income from ‘off farm’ to help bolster the books. The farm survey obtained data on contemporary net capital ‘gains’ and returns from 400 farmers. Analysed and reported on in an article* by Lincoln academics Bruce Greig, Peter Nuthall & Kevin Old, it “provides food for thought and debate over the overall profitability of farming, and the consequent future of family farms which have traditionally been the cornerstone of rural society.” Associate Professor Nuthall said off-farm income was “surprisingly high with an average across all farms of nearly 25% of net income. In an increasingly uncertain world, this diversification is sound.” “Annual net cash returns and net capital gains provide farmers with their actual and potential monetary rewards, which respectively on average are not as high as might be imagined.” He said over time farmers need to become more efficient just to cover the cost price squeeze, which is a constant feature of contemporary agriculture and horticulture. “The Consumer Price Index indicates an annual compound change of 5.1 per cent. The survey shows the farm cash surplus is barely holding its own.” He said the best performers in this survey were arable, dairy support and some horticultural operations. The ‘all farms’ averages also showed real net capital gains have been close to zero on average, over the long term. “Given the low level of annual return (2.5% on capital in recent years), and virtually zero net real capital gains, it is clear farmers, and their families, must obtain many side benefits from farm life compensating for the low returns. “Rural living seemingly […]

Fonterra chairman steps down

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd (FCG) today announced that John Wilson has stood down from his position as Chairman with immediate effect as he recovers from a recent serious health scare. He will remain a Fonterra Director until the Co-operative’s Annual Meeting in November, when he will retire from the Board. Within the last month Mr Wilson has undergone a significant surgery and will require on-going treatment. In response to Mr Wilson’s decision, the Fonterra Board has selected John Monaghan as the Co-operative’s new Chairman. Mr Monaghan is an experienced director and has been on the Fonterra Board since 2008. He grew up on a dairy farm and has current farming interests in the Wairarapa and Otago. During his time on the Fonterra Board Mr Monaghan has served on multiple committees, chairing several of them. He has taken a lead role in representing Fonterra’s interests on customer visits and global trade issues and has strong networks both domestically and internationally with key stakeholders. Mr Monaghan has been closely involved in the process to appoint a new CEO to Fonterra and will now lead the advancement of this appointment with the full involvement of the Board. In a message to farmers earlier today, outgoing Chairman John Wilson said the decision to stand down as Chair had been difficult but was ultimately in the best interests of the Co-operative. “I have made a very good recovery and am well but will need on-going treatment. “It has been a privilege to serve you as Chairman and give something back to this great Co-operative that continues to give my family and me so much. “As many of you will know from experience, governance roles are incredibly rewarding, but equally demanding on the individual and their families. “Continuing as Chairman when I cannot put my full […]

Hemp is not marijuana, it is a formidable vegetable

Social entrepreneur Michael Mayell is speaking out about the beneficial properties of hemp to help inform and inspire Kiwis to embrace new business opportunities around what he calls a ‘formidable vegetable’. “Hemp is food, fibre and medicine. Hemp is cannabis without any of the psychoactive properties of its cousin marijuana and is fuelling an emerging market which is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors,” says Mayell, who started his food journey as founder of Cookie Time in 1983 and went on to found Nutrient Rescue, a social enterprise, in 2016 and the Drinkable Rivers in our Lifetime campaign. Mayell says, “I think we’re growing the wrong grass in New Zealand, or as Richard Branson said we should swap cows for cannabis. New Zealand needs to move from the lamb age to the cow age to the hemp age. I’d like to see the whole country get behind this incredible and so very misunderstood plant.” New Zealand food safety authorities are currently looking to follow Australia to allow hemp seed in food by changing regulations under the Food Act, the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Medicines Act. Law changes are expected later this year to allow hemp seed to be sold as a food in New Zealand, in addition to the current legislation which has allowed the local sale of hemp seed oil since 2003. “Many other countries have already legalised this formidable vegetable,” says Mayell. “We need to be ready to capitalise on the opportunities around hemp seed, one of the most nutritionally complete foods on Earth. With up to 40% protein and 40% good oil, hemp offers an incredible alternative to meat or dairy protein for the exponentially growing plant-based, flexitarian and vegan markets.” Hulled hemp seeds are filled with healthy essential fatty acids such as Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, Omega 3 and Omega 6) and Gamma-linolenic acid […]

Michael and Susie Woodward nz food man site

Synlait applauds high performing dairy farmers

Synlait recognised high achievers in their milk supplier network at their annual conference in Christchurch for dairy farmers and partners on Thursday 28 June. Nine accolades were up for grabs at the 2018 Synlait Dairy Honours Awards. “We make a point of celebrating the significant achievements of an increasingly large number of high performing dairy farmers each year,” says John Penno, Synlait’s CEO and Managing Director. “Through our Lead With Pride™ programme, we encourage our dairy farmers to adopt best practice in milk quality, animal health and welfare, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. This results in high performing operations, which were evident in our 2018 finalists.” Michael and Susie Woodward accepting the ANZ 2017-2018 Supreme Lead with Pride Award. “The standard was extremely high and I would like to congratulate each of our winners, particularly Michael and Susie Woodward from Theland Purata Farm Group Ltd – Tapatoru Dairies, who took out the ANZ 2017-2018 Supreme Lead With Pride™ Award as well as the PwC 2017-2018 Excellence in Social Responsibility Award.” 2017-2018 DAIRY HONOURS AwardS Winners Milk Quality Awards This category recognises suppliers who consistently supply excellent quality milk. Zee Tags 2017-2018 Lowest Somatic Cell Count Award, Kyle Weaver of Deebury Pastoral Partnership Vodafone 2017-2018 Most Improved Milk Quality, Johan Joubert, Landcorp Pāmu – Waimakariri Farm IQ 2017-2018 Best Milk Quality (weighted by farm size) Award, Jackson Hann, Mundtville Farms Ltd Tru Test 2017-2018 Best Milk Quality Award, Ruurd and Rachel Lieuwes, Lieuwes Abbott Ltd Lead With Pride™ Awards (judged) This category is judged by an independent third party who focus on the way award finalists care for their animals, the environment in which they farm and for the people they employ. Deosan 2017-2018 Excellence in Animal Health and Welfare Award, Shaun Wilson, Craigmore Farming Balance 2017-2018 Excellence in […]

Food container has long life

Sæplast has extended its range of rugged and hygienic reusable plastic containers for the food processing industry with the introduction of a further size. The new Sæplast 300PE is a square 800x800mm container with a height of 770mm giving it a net volume of 268 litres. This can be increased to 298 litres with the removal of the handle openings. For ease of access and transportation, the container features fork lift entry on all four sides. Like all Sæplast containers, the 300PE offers important hygiene, safety and convenience benefits to ensure the highest food processing standards. The one piece, seamless triple-wall design and closed cell core provides excellent durability, meaning Sæplast PE containers last on average between five to seven times longer than single wall bins. The solid inner core prevents absorption of liquid and the tubs do not have easily broken joints or hard-to-clean crevasses, preventing the harbouring of harmful bacterial growth and making them easy to clean, maintain and repair. The avoidance of splintering, metal tearing or corrugated boxes collapsing delivers safe and easy handling for users. The Sæplast 300PE is available in a variety of colours. Company logos can be incorporated for individual branding, and tracking options include barcode, QR code and RFID technology.

‘Muddy Buns’ cleaning up the butter market

Muddy Buns, Dirty Dirty Bread, or Zang Zang Bao as they’re known in China, are creating a social media frenzy and driving a further craving for butter around the world. Fonterra Edgecumbe is all geared up to handle this global trend and is commissioning a new butter line which will nearly double the factory’s butter sheet production from 4,500 metric tonnes to 7,000 metric tonnes. Fonterra General Manager Marketing, Global Foodservice, Susan Cassidy says “The Dirty Dirty Bread can best be described as a chocolate croissant. People love the flaky chocolate pastry that’s coated in rich chocolate ganache and sprinkled with cocoa powder. “It makes it impossible to keep your face clean while eating. They are popular with celebrities who have taken to social media to share images of their ‘muddy bun face’ experience.” Ms Cassidy says demand for butter is as strong as ever. People want natural products and they are prepared to pay for them. And that’s why global butter prices, including here in New Zealand, are continuing to rise. “Even in temperatures of minus ten degrees, crowds of people are queuing for hours to get their hands on their Muddy Bun.” Edgecumbe’s Operations Manager, Allan Muggeridge, says the first butter sheet will roll off the new butter line on September 1. “We’ve been watching demand for butter build for a number of years now. The building part of the project started in May so it’s been a quick turnaround to get it up and running,” says Mr Muggeridge. Fifteen local contractors have been employed to complete the expansion at the site, which employees 380 people. “It’s been a real boost to the local business community, especially after the rough past 12 months Edgecumbe has had,” says Mr Muggeridge. Fonterra Edgecumbe Cream Plant Manager Doug Gerry with Engineering […]

Synlait takes up climate change challenge

Synlait has signed the CEO Climate Change statement released by the Climate Leaders Coalition. Synlait’s signature reiterates their bold sustainability commitments announced on 28 June 2018 to reduce their emissions footprint significantly over the next decade. The Climate Leaders Coalition is made up of sixty CEO’s representing a variety of businesses from different industries which combined contribute almost half of New Zealand’s emissions. The CEO’s joined forces to tackle the issue of climate change with the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) – a global network partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The goal of the new group – which includes the leaders of Synlait Milk, Z Energy, Westpac, Ngāi Tahu Holdings, Vector, Air New Zealand, Spark and NZ Post – is to help New Zealand transition to a low emissions economy and, in doing so, create a positive future for New Zealanders, business, and the economy. “I’m proud that Synlait Milk is one of the first 60 businesses to form the Climate Leaders Coalition,” said John Penno, CEO and Managing Director. “By signing the agreement, we’ve reiterated our commitment to measure and report our greenhouse gas emissions with a collective view to reduce emissions with the aim of helping to keep global warming within two degrees, as specified in the Paris Agreement,” said Mr Penno. As a recent member of the SBC, Synlait shares their commitment and alignment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. The SBC plays an important role as an advisory board to its members providing knowledge, tools and support to help mainstream sustainability within the New Zealand business community. “We’re looking forward to working closely with the SBC community to learn from each other as we work towards achieving our sustainability targets,” says Hamish Reid, Synlait’s Director of Sustainability and Brand.

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