Fonterra's declining milk supply labelled ‘a real threat’

The giant farmer-owned dairy co-op once collected 95% of the country’s milk. (Image: Getty)

Mon, 18 Nov 2024

Fonterra’s declining milk supply appears to be top of mind for its farmer-owners and its shareholder watchdog is concerned.Since the dairy giant was set up and regulated under the 2001 Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA), the co-op’s share of the country’s milk pool has slipped from 95% to below 80% as independent processors have moved in.Based on milk-collection figures from the Dairy Companies Association and Fonterra itself, the co-op’s share was 78.1% in the most recent dairy season.That was down from just above...

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