Enter Fonterra: cash-strapped Synlait's new threat

Enter Fonterra: cash-strapped Synlait's new threat
Synlait chief executive officer Grant Watson says the firm is in challenging times. (Image: Synlait)
Rebecca Stevenson
Riley Kennedy
Synlait may be drowning in debt, but it also faces the prospect of outflows from farmer suppliers, with rival Fonterra saying it has a “strong pipeline” wanting to jump ship. The listed milk processor is facing material uncertainty with its high debt levels, saying on Tuesday it had secured a four-month extension on its $130 million debt facility and would be undertaking a strategic review of its North Island assets.Synlait reported a $96.2m loss for the first half to Jan 31. It is the third largest processor in...

More Primary Sector

Lactalis-owned NZ New Milk restructures operations
Primary Sector

Lactalis-owned NZ New Milk restructures operations

French company set to become the new owner of Mainland Group.

Riley Kennedy 12 Sep 2025
Miraka’s rapid sale illustrates David/Goliath dairy battle
Primary Sector

Miraka’s rapid sale illustrates David/Goliath dairy battle

Open Country’s buyout cements its place as NZ’s clear No 2 dairy processor.

Riley Kennedy 05 Sep 2025