Dairy

Baby food boom in China is emptying Australian supermarket shelves

27-Mar-2014 By Ankush Chibber

Australia’s baby food industry grew by 9% in value in 2013, thanks mainly to growing demand from China’s expanding middle class for safe and quality milk formula, said a new report.

Fonterra budgets NZ$11m for Danone WPC recall lawsuit

26-Mar-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra has budgeted for a payout of just NZ$11m ($9.5m, €6.85m) in its ongoing legal battle with Danone over last year’s whey protein concentrate (WPC) botulism scare.

a2 milk concept not confusing Australian consumers: A2DPA

25-Mar-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

A2 Dairy Products Australia (A2DPA) has slammed claims made by the CEO of Parmalat Australia that its a2 milk concept has left consumers Down Under confused.

Doctors fear drop in breastfeeding if formula firms policed themselves

25-Mar-2014 By RJ Whitehead

Fearful of a drop in breastfeeding rates now that the Australian government has scrapped an independent panel that overseas on the proper use of breast milk substitutes, doctors are calling for the promotion of baby formula to be restricted.

Dutch dairy sector has 'a lot of knowledge to share' with China

24-Mar-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

China and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will see the Asian country glean dairy industry know-how from the likes of FrieslandCampina.

LIVE FROM ZENITH INFANT NUTRITION CONFERENCE

Asia would be 'nice next step' for infant formula cube: Meiji

21-Mar-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

The “unique” Meiji Hohoemi Raku Raku Cube concept - the world's first and only infant formula in tablet form - could head west as the company's dairy products become "more widely available" across Asia. 

IPA World Congress, May 9-11 2014, Athens, Greece

Time to renovate your probiotic toolbox? IPA workshop explores how

20-Mar-2014 By Shane STARLING

Companies that manufacture probiotic products can learn much from other fast-moving-consumer-good (FMCG) firms like shower gel, pharmaceutical and smoothie makers in NPD, an expert says.

NZ Prime Minister has his work cut out in China

19-Mar-2014 By Ankush Chibber

New Zealand’s reputation in China as a provider of safe and quality dairy products has taken a heavy blow in recent times, a new consumer confidence survey suggests.

Dairy in the desert

18-Mar-2014 By RJ Whitehead

When it is said that a cow should consume three litres of water for every litre of milk it produces, how is arid and water-starved Saudi Arabic able to command a place in the world’s top 10 dairy producers, while still producing its milk sustainably?

Fonterra to plead guilty to botulism scare charges

13-Mar-2014 By RJ Whitehead

Fonterra, the world’s biggest dairy company, has indicated that it will plead guilty to charges following and investigation by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries into events leading up to the precautionary whey protein concentrate recall across...

Dubai site 'reflects growth' in Middle East, Africa: Fonterra

03-Mar-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra has opened a warehouse in Dubai to support increasing demand for its dairy ingredients in the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS region. 

Fonterra’s Australia boss backs penalty time review for dairy workers

27-Feb-2014 By RJ Whitehead

The managing director of Fonterra’s Australian operation has warned that Australian food processors and manufacturers cannot be competitive with the rest of the world until it reviews the penalty rates for dairy workers.

Mead Johnson awaiting conclusion of SEC China 'expenditures' probe

24-Feb-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Mead Johnson Nutrition is still waiting for the outcome of a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probe that could see it penalized on home soil for alleged promotional payments made by employees in China. 

Operations set to begin at NZ$120m Fonterra UHT milk plant

24-Feb-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra's NZ$120m ($99m, €73m) Waitoa UHT plant is on track to produce its first batches of Asia-destined Anchor brand long-life milk and cream in March – just over a year since plans for the facility were first revealed.

NZ to improve dairy traceability after Fonterra scare

18-Feb-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

In the wake of last year’s Fonterra whey protein concentrate (WPC) incident, the New Zealand government has established a working group designed to improve traceability in the country’s dairy sector.

Danone struggling to claw back China share after last year’s issues

14-Feb-2014 By RJ Whitehead

In spite of its increasing investments in China, European dairy major Danone is still yet to see signs of any recovery in baby formula growth and market share in China.

Danone to double stake in Chinese dairy Mengniu

12-Feb-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Danone is set to increase its interest in Chinese dairy manufacturer Mengniu to almost 10% in its latest bid to capitalize on the "high growth potential" of the country's chilled dairy products market.

Australians’ love of ice cream is cooling

11-Feb-2014

Despite having a broader choice of flavours and healthier, reduced fat product options available, Australians are now less tempted by tubs of ice cream. 

India’s milk prices hiked again, though much of it is adulterated

05-Feb-2014 By RJ Whitehead

As milk prices go up by a further Rs2 per litre, India’s Supreme Court has gone on record to acknowledge milk adulteration as “serious”, and has demanded that individual states sentence those convicted of it to a maximum of life in jail.

NZX granted US dairy derivatives trading approval

03-Feb-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

The New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) has taken "another vital step" towards becoming a global player in the dairy industry by securing status as an authorised dairy trader in the US.

DAIRYREPORTER.COM INVESTIGATION

Nutricia India bribed doctors to prescribe infant formula, whistleblower claims

23-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Danone Group subsidiary Nutricia India approved illegal payments to doctors across the country to promote and prescribe its baby nutrition products, a whistleblower has claimed.

Saputo secures majority stake in Aussie dairy Warrnambool

22-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Canadian dairy giant Saputo has secured a majority stake in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB) after a hard-fought, three-way battle to acquire the Australian dairy processor.

Fonterra raises 'dim sum' funds for China expansion

21-Jan-2014 By RJ Whitehead

New Zealand dairy major Fonterra has raised RMB1.25bn (US$210m) through a five-year offshore “dim sum” bond issue to to repay debt and expand its operations in China. 

Bega’s share shed paves the way for Saputo takeover of Warrnambool

20-Jan-2014 By RJ Whitehead

The announcement today by Australia’s Bega Cheese to sell its stock in Warrnambool leaves the way clear for Lion to follow suit, while Canadian dairy company Saputo should now be free to take over the New South Wales cheese and butter business.

Bega Cheese sells Warrnambool stake to takeover rival Saputo

17-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Canadian dairy giant Saputo looks a step closer to gaining control of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB), after one-time takeover rival Bega Cheese agreed to sell its stake in the Australian dairy processor.

Vinamilk gets government go-ahead for Cambodian dairy deal

14-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

The Vietnamese government has given Vinamilk the go-ahead by to pursue its latest international investment – the purchase of a majority stake in Cambodian dairy processor, Angkor Dairy Products.

Probiotics may benefit energy metabolism in obese people: Human data

13-Jan-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Daily supplements of probiotics combined with an herbal preparation may improve obesity-related parameters, according to a new study from South Korea.

Fonterra recalls Anchor fresh cream over E.coli fears

13-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra Brands NZ is recalling thousands of bottles of fresh cream in New Zealand after tests revealed that the products may be contaminated with E.coli.

Adoption of western style products in ready-to-drink market

Oystar sees surge for iced coffee drinks in Japan

13-Jan-2014 By Jenny Eagle

Oystar, which supplies packaging machinery to companies including Danone, Nestlé and Müller, has seen a surge in iced coffee drinks in Japan.

Danone to sue Fonterra over WPC botulism recalls

09-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Danone has terminated its existing supply contract with Fonterra and plans to sue the dairy exporter over the whey protein concentrate (WPC) Clostridium botulinum contamination scare that led to product recalls across Asia, Australasia and the Middle...

Lactalis to acquire Indian dairy Tirumala Milk Products

08-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

French dairy giant Lactalis has agreed to acquire a 100% stake in Indian dairy, Tirumala Milk Products Company - marking its entry into the world's largest dairy market.

Amul Dairy to market milk in US: reports

03-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, the Indian manufacturer of Amul brand milk and dairy products, plans to market liquid milk in the US within a year, according to reports.

INSIDE... TETRA PAK MODENA

Emerging market dairy customers 'setting a standard': Tetra Pak

03-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

The once clear divide between the technological demands of dairy manufacturers in developed and emerging markets has become increasingly blurred, Tetra Pak’s VP of technologies and service products has claimed.

Biostime eyes China infant formula growth through Changsha Yingke buy

02-Jan-2014 By Mark ASTLEY

Biostime looks set to acquire Chinese infant formula manufacturer Changsha Yingke Nutrition - a deal it believes will further the success of its French-made ADIMIL milk powder range.

Takeover Panel steps in to bring order to Warrnambool mess

17-Dec-2013 By RJ Whitehead

Australia’s Takeover Panel has called the revisions made to the fraught takeover deal by Saputo of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter “confusing” and “disrupting” as it attempted to simplify the heated three-way bidding war for the Australian dairy manufacturer.

Fonterra WPC incident not result of 'regulatory failure': NZ Gov

11-Dec-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

The recent Fonterra whey protein concentrate (WPC) botulism scare was “not the result of any regulatory failure,” a New Zealand government inquiry into the incident has concluded.

Australian regulator blocks Saputo WCB takeover bid

02-Dec-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Canadian dairy giant Saputo has been ordered by the Australian Takeovers Panel not to process any acceptances received under its latest bid for Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB), following a complaint by rival bidder, Murray Goulburn. 

Danone WPC dispute talks 'not working out': Fonterra

02-Dec-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra may still face legal action from Danone over the recent whey protein concentrate (WPC) botulism scare, the New Zealand-based dairy cooperative's CEO has admitted.

Fonterra Australia completes purchase of Tamar Valley Dairy assets

27-Nov-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra has completed the purchase of the assets of Tamar Valley Dairy, an Australian yogurt manufacturer that went into administration earlier this year.

Murray Goulburn attempts to block Saputo's 'simplified' WCB takeover bid

27-Nov-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Murray Goulburn has asked the Australian Takeovers Panel to force Saputo to drop its recent “improved and simplified” offer for in-demand Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB), and reinstate previously proposed special dividends.

FAO backs dairy to raise nutrition among poorest people

26-Nov-2013

Dairy products have an important role to play in improving nutritional levels among the world’s poorest people, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) says in a new book.

Saputo launches ‘improved and simplified’ WCB takeover bid

26-Nov-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Canadian dairy giant Saputo has tabled an “improved and simplified” takeover offer for in-demand Australian dairy Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB).

Beer, baby and dairy: Australia’s top food export future

25-Nov-2013 By Ankush Chibber

Food is expected to be one of Australia’s top five exports in the next decade, at a time when Asian markets are expected to remain the top export destinations for the country, a new report from research firm IBISWorld has said. 

Farmers march on Canberra to question Saputo's foreign ‘advantage’

21-Nov-2013 By RJ Whitehead

Dairy leaders from the Australian state of Victoria have descended on Canberra to petition lawmakers for a more “level playing field” as the local industry fights against foreign imports and corporations.

Warrnambool backs latest 'superior' Saputo takeover bid

15-Nov-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB) has again given its backing to the latest takeover bid by Canadian dairy giant Saputo, rejecting rival offer by Murray Goulburn and Bega Cheese.

Fonterra to acquire under-administration Tamar Valley Dairy yogurt assets

12-Nov-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra has moved to strengthen its leading position in the Australian yogurt sector through the acquisition of Tasmanian firm, Tamar Valley Dairy, which went into administration earlier this year.

Australia one step closer to allowing more raw milk products

08-Nov-2013 By Ankush Chibber

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on a proposal that will permit production and sale of an increased range of raw milk products in Australia.

Chinese UHT milk demand 'creating opportunities' for US dairy

30-Oct-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Booming Chinese consumer demand for imported UHT milk represents a significant opportunity for the US dairy industry, the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has claimed.

Fonterra must show ‘willingness to learn’ from WPC botulism scare: Inquiry

29-Oct-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

Fonterra faces "serious global implications" unless it learns from the mistakes that led to the recent whey protein concentrate (WPC) botulism scare, the committee overseeing an independent investigation into the incident has claimed.

Lion share purchase adds new roar to Warrnambool takeover battle

29-Oct-2013 By Fiona Barry

The battle to acquire Warrnambool Cheese & Butter (WCB) has taken a new turn, with New Zealand-based food and beverage company Lion acquiring a 9.99% shareholding in the Australian dairy processor.