Herald business writer
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![Tight economic times takes gloss off dairy farm owners' operating profit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tight economic times takes gloss off dairy farm owners' operating profit
Sharemilkers fare better in 2022-2023 but all dairy farmers need to watch spending.
![Mixed news for growers in Zespri's new returns forecast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mixed news for growers in Zespri's new returns forecast
Record crop size, record per hectare returns for one variety, but per tray forecast dips.
![Fonterra a maverick in attitude to dairy export quota eligibility rejig proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra a maverick in attitude to dairy export quota eligibility rejig proposal
Review of 17-year-old system finds quota unused, sheep and goat milk exports shut out.
![Can a2 Milk capitalise on predicted catch up in Chinese birth rate?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Can a2 Milk capitalise on predicted catch up in Chinese birth rate?
China's marriage rate plummeted in grim Covid restrictions.
![What do Fonterra's farmer-owners think of its third quarter results?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What do Fonterra's farmer-owners think of its third quarter results?
Watchdog council eyes pressure on business performance in Q4 as price relativities narrow.
![Price gap between Fonterra stocks lingers after flurry of activity over sale prospect](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Price gap between Fonterra stocks lingers after flurry of activity over sale prospect
Price of Fonterra farmer-owned shares surged over possible consumer business sale.
![Zespri net profit has hard landing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri net profit has hard landing
It was a tough growing season, but better fruit quality has created some optimism.
![Fonterra's options for quitting capital-hungry consumer product business include IPO](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra's options for quitting capital-hungry consumer product business include IPO
Industry reacts to talk of major Fonterra shake-up.
![Fonterra’s farmer-owners to scrutinise consumer business sale prospects](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra’s farmer-owners to scrutinise consumer business sale prospects
Shareholders will want to know where the value is going to come from after any divestment.
![Kotahi-Maersk freight alliance continues for another 10 years as more global supply chain issues loom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kotahi-Maersk freight alliance continues for another 10 years as more global supply chain issues loom
Commitment shores up NZ resilience to expected global supply chain turbulence.
![Tip Top results suggest Fonterra may be right to leave consumer retail to specialists](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tip Top results suggest Fonterra may be right to leave consumer retail to specialists
The buyer of the beloved New Zealand icecream label sold by Fonterra is on a growth path.
![Spotlight on gap between price of Fonterra farmer shares and listed units](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Spotlight on gap between price of Fonterra farmer shares and listed units
But any divergence should be no surprise, the chairman says.
![Fonterra pulled up for not delivering anticipated information to shareholders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra pulled up for not delivering anticipated information to shareholders
Fonterra is expected to deliver on commitments, says shareholder council.
![New report ‘revelation’ about fast growth of climate demands on NZ traders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New report ‘revelation’ about fast growth of climate demands on NZ traders
Exporters may be directly or indirectly affected via supply chain demands.
![BNZ puts dairying consortium into receivership](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
BNZ puts dairying consortium into receivership
UK equity investors involved in Taupo and Otago farms.
![NZ an export economy? We still have a way to go - report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ an export economy? We still have a way to go - report
NZ needs to earn more from exports to meet Kiwis' expectations of the standard of living.
![Westland Milk eyeing global cream position as producer of 'white gold' protein](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Westland Milk eyeing global cream position as producer of 'white gold' protein
Company eyes new bioactive product markets after a $70m expansion.
![West Coast butter exports soar: Spreading the Westgold word in the US](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
West Coast butter exports soar: Spreading the Westgold word in the US
Costco and Walmart lap up Westgold butter, what's next for this NZ brand?
![New agriculture minister to review dairy laws on Fonterra](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New agriculture minister to review dairy laws on Fonterra
Fonterra has been the dominant player in the market since its formation.
![China's dairy industry has been growing fast, how long will the Chinese need our dairy products?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
China's dairy industry has been growing fast, how long will the Chinese need our dairy products?
China is on track to become the third largest milk-producing country.
![Report sick or dead wild birds, MPI says as bird flu hits US dairy cows for the first time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Report sick or dead wild birds, MPI says as bird flu hits US dairy cows for the first time
US agencies say there's no risk to milk.
![Is Fonterra rethinking the future of its Australian and NZ brands business?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is Fonterra rethinking the future of its Australian and NZ brands business?
A Jarden analyst says there is plenty of potential for capital management.
![Rewards all round in Fonterra's half-year result](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rewards all round in Fonterra's half-year result
Fonterra reported a 23 per cent lift in its half-year profit after tax.
![Kiwi pet fencing tech keeping wolves out of Europe backyards now on NZ shop shelves](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi pet fencing tech keeping wolves out of Europe backyards now on NZ shop shelves
The electric fence inventor is making its debut in the home consumer market.
![Zespri brand rides high in US, faces more rivals in Europe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri brand rides high in US, faces more rivals in Europe
Big potential in both markets as sales top $1 billion last season.
![Seeka feels lash of 2023 weather with $14.5m net loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seeka feels lash of 2023 weather with $14.5m net loss
Prospects now look brighter as improved growing conditions signal record kiwifruit crops.
![Kiwifruit industry ticks Zespri plans to boost growers' shares investment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwifruit industry ticks Zespri plans to boost growers' shares investment
Industry alignment of growers and shareholders seen as major challenge ahead.
![Port of Tauranga faces challenge of wars, economic malaise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Port of Tauranga faces challenge of wars, economic malaise
Lower dairy and kiwifruit volumes and lower consumer appetite for imports take toll.
![Zespri starts global search for new CEO but eyes a New Zealand base this time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri starts global search for new CEO but eyes a New Zealand base this time
Global marketer also reports record grower returns forecast for this season.
![US closely eyeing NZ while taking temperature of dairy markets this year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
US closely eyeing NZ while taking temperature of dairy markets this year
US Dairy Export Council expects NZ won’t be as 'aggressive' on price as in 2023.
![East Coast's forestry nightmare: One year after Cyclone Gabrielle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
East Coast's forestry nightmare: One year after Cyclone Gabrielle
More than 160,000 tonnes of debris have been removed but foresters have a bigger worry.
![Kiwifruit exports in growth mode again after tough two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwifruit exports in growth mode again after tough two years
Global marketer Zespri has growth in its sights again.
![New Zealand stymies US dairy export growth in tough year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Zealand stymies US dairy export growth in tough year
Higher NZ production and market tactics factors in US dairy export decline.
![Zespri's next big challenge: Kiwifruit growers' sinking appetite for share ownership](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri's next big challenge: Kiwifruit growers' sinking appetite for share ownership
The valuable kiwifruit export industry is recovering its mojo after a gruelling two years.
![A berry good time to go: Zespri CEO on NZ industry, and his new US job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A berry good time to go: Zespri CEO on NZ industry, and his new US job
The "right opportunity" came up as NZ kiwifruit industry recovers its export mojo.
![Zespri boss Dan Mathieson leaving for job with global berry giant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri boss Dan Mathieson leaving for job with global berry giant
The CEO of seven years will stay to oversee the new season's export sales.
![Dairy sector upbeat as demand remains 'biggest unknown'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dairy sector upbeat as demand remains 'biggest unknown'
New Zealand stands to gain from rivals' falling ingredients volumes.
![New Kiwi head of top global wine body stamps his mark in first days on job](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Kiwi head of top global wine body stamps his mark in first days on job
Aucklander sets pace as influential sector body starts its second century.
![Zespri flags major lost opportunity for SunGold kiwifruit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri flags major lost opportunity for SunGold kiwifruit
Loosening Northern Hemisphere SunGold growing limit on the agenda.
![Zespri's near-monopoly export status pays off for $3 billion industry, says new report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri's near-monopoly export status pays off for $3 billion industry, says new report
Monopsonies are considered technically inefficient - not so Zespri, says Berl.
![Zespri sales hit $1 billion in Asia-Pacific](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri sales hit $1 billion in Asia-Pacific
Kiwifruit exporter says focus on maximising value after string of major challenges.
![Zespri reducing SunGold kiwifruit growing licences next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri reducing SunGold kiwifruit growing licences next year
No red kiwifruit licences offered as industry takes stock of the new variety.
![What's the future of the $5 billion fishing industry?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What's the future of the $5 billion fishing industry?
Fiercely competitive sector eyes consolidation and collaboration to endure.
![Is Shane Jones the 'champion' the fishing industry wished for?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is Shane Jones the 'champion' the fishing industry wished for?
Fishing policy a trade-off says Jones, but misinformation is in his gunsights.
!['Bring it on' says market to possible big Port of Tauranga shares sale by council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Bring it on' says market to possible big Port of Tauranga shares sale by council
Bay of Plenty council's big stake makes port shares harder to buy.
![Fruit processing tech under threat along with jobs in company shake-up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fruit processing tech under threat along with jobs in company shake-up
Will Tomra take out services and maintenance to fruit export sector?
![Zespri says leap in kiwifruit volumes to weaker China market next year 'a big task'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri says leap in kiwifruit volumes to weaker China market next year 'a big task'
Greater China sales please this season, but next year will be challenging.
![Questions swirl around Sanford’s board again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Questions swirl around Sanford’s board again
Watchdog says risk small investors caught in crossfire between large, wealthy groups.
![Watchdog: Fonterra must show farmers bang for buck on emissions demand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watchdog: Fonterra must show farmers bang for buck on emissions demand
Rationale and returns for farmers under scrutiny as target sinks in.
![Zespri brightens forecasts for kiwifruit orchard returns, own earnings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zespri brightens forecasts for kiwifruit orchard returns, own earnings
Kiwifruit exporter also announces US$2m contestable innovation fund.
![What is Ngāi Tahu’s game plan for the Sanford fishing company?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What is Ngāi Tahu’s game plan for the Sanford fishing company?
Director churn and an interim CEO pick raises questions about the iwi's agenda.
![Sanford has highest revenue result in five years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sanford has highest revenue result in five years
Sanford's focus on three areas, as result follows two director departure announcements.
![Sanford director departures in 'very different circumstances' - chairman](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sanford director departures in 'very different circumstances' - chairman
Sanford remains in compliance with NZX listing rules, says Sir Rob McLeod.
![Sanford directors jump ship, one cites shareholder actions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sanford directors jump ship, one cites shareholder actions
And a question emerges over a director's role as the interim CEO.
![Farmers say a 30pc on-farm emissions cut do-able - with Fonterra’s help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Farmers say a 30pc on-farm emissions cut do-able - with Fonterra’s help
Fonterra called on to use its scale to support farm target pursuit.
![Fonterra's board to shrink next year after green light from shareholders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra's board to shrink next year after green light from shareholders
The meeting covered a lot of ground, farmers at times testy with the NZ giant's leaders.
![Fonterra quashes speculation, says clean-up needed to secure export markets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra quashes speculation, says clean-up needed to secure export markets
'Even bigger elephant to eat' as Fonterra confronts key issues.
![Fonterra wants 30 per cent emissions reduction across farms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra wants 30 per cent emissions reduction across farms
Collective farm target is response to growing sustainability obligations and demands.
![Under wraps: Report on Zespri's export dominance for growers' eyes only](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Under wraps: Report on Zespri's export dominance for growers' eyes only
Grower body says "communication" of the report's findings has yet to be decided.
![Busy year cements Craigmore's claim of being NZ's largest diversified rural investor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Busy year cements Craigmore's claim of being NZ's largest diversified rural investor
Big planting year takes horticulture to 37 per cent of asset portfolio.
![Big agenda and some sticky issues ahead for Fonterra's annual meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big agenda and some sticky issues ahead for Fonterra's annual meeting
There will be plenty for shareholders to chew over.
![Fonterra gets black marks for transparency in shareholder watchdog annual report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra gets black marks for transparency in shareholder watchdog annual report
Fonterra taken to task about a recent rash of new investments.
![Vegans down but food spend goes up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Vegans down but food spend goes up
Food service app use has 'plateaued' after strong growth.
![Heavy scrutiny ahead for Fonterra's planned big spend on 'growth' projects](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heavy scrutiny ahead for Fonterra's planned big spend on 'growth' projects
Fonterra is forecasting annual capital expenditure of more than $1 billion up to FY30.
![Fonterra science optimistic about finding cow methane reduction biotool - CEO](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra science optimistic about finding cow methane reduction biotool - CEO
The innovation could potentially switch off methane production in cows.
![Frustration grows over long wait for Environment Court word on Port of Tauranga's growth bid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Frustration grows over long wait for Environment Court word on Port of Tauranga's growth bid
New Zealand has unacceptable consenting challenges, says Infrastructure NZ.
![India-NZ trade to muscle up under new National-led govt - business council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
India-NZ trade to muscle up under new National-led govt - business council
India's successful moon landing showcased some of what New Zealand can offer.
![China a bright sales spot for New Zealand kiwifruit this season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
China a bright sales spot for New Zealand kiwifruit this season
New Zealand season draws to an early close with "steady lift" in world sales.
![Govt to progress big changes to dairy export quota allocation system](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt to progress big changes to dairy export quota allocation system
Sheep and dairy goat milk exporters will get a look in for the first time.
![Record earnings put cream on payout for Tatua dairy farmers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Record earnings put cream on payout for Tatua dairy farmers
Tatua farmer payout again envy of $24 billion dairy industry.
![Bumper Zespri gold fruit harvest set for Northern Hemisphere](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bumper Zespri gold fruit harvest set for Northern Hemisphere
Contracted growers bounce back from tough 2022 weather conditions.
![Fonterra shareholder farm numbers tumble, but milk market share is king](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra shareholder farm numbers tumble, but milk market share is king
Watchdog says it's more important that Fonterra is the processor of choice.
![Where's the cream? Fonterra challenged on decision to stay in Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Where's the cream? Fonterra challenged on decision to stay in Australia
Lack of visibility into review options Fonterra explored.
![Fonterra's $1.6b profit: CEO Miles Hurrell's pay packet revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra's $1.6b profit: CEO Miles Hurrell's pay packet revealed
And the big jump in workers earning over $100,000.
![Power list: Who’s who in NZ's $2.4b wine industry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Power list: Who’s who in NZ's $2.4b wine industry
Is it still a viable option for those who dream of owning a vineyard?
![Fonterra takes aim at long-standing board members](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fonterra takes aim at long-standing board members
Director who once accused board of 'gagging' her would go in rejig.
![Skimmed milk: Fonterra plans to trim board of directors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Skimmed milk: Fonterra plans to trim board of directors
Fonterra’s weighty board of 11 directors could be reduced next year.