Rapid expansion by Tai Tapu Dairy Co.

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 30

Rapid expansion by Tai Tapu Dairy Co.

As4.B million plant renovation programme, major distribution developments, and a record payout to existing suppliers was the message from the chairman of directors of the Tai Tapu Central Co-op Dairy Company, Mr John Rainey, when presenting his directors' report at the company's annual general meeting in Christchurch. Payout this year is proposed' at 335 cents per kg for wholemilk (which is 5c higher than the national average) and 220 cents per kg for cream. This represents an increase of 24 per cent over last year's 270 cents per kg and 60 per cent over the 209 cents per kg paid in 1979/80. Some of this growth can be attributed to the present dramatic turnaround in Canterbury as farmers realise that dairying is twice as profitable as sheepfarming. In addition to those who have made the change, many current dairy ' farmers have switched from town milk to factory milk supply. To meet

the expected increase in milk volumes. Tai Tapu has recently completed a $4.8 million plant replacement programme. This new plant, the most modern of its type in New Zealand, has been completed on time and under budget. The distribution division of the company has shown similar growth and has been significantly expanded during the year. Since September, last year the company has distributed the New Zealand Dairy Board's flavoured milk range “Zap.” ImNovember 1981, the company took over distributin of all “Anchor" branded refrigerated products. Earlier this year the company merged with the Barry's Bay Co-operative Company. The existing factory has been re-equipped and a new company is now operating as Settlers Farmhouse Products. Ltd. manufacturing speciality cheeses. Tai Tapu has a 49 per cent shareholding in this new venture and will distribute their range of cheeses.

Commenting on the company's growth. Mr Rainey also mentioned the support given the company by its suppliers. "It is most heartening to see the increases in cow numbers and the expansion programmes being undertaken by a large majority of suppliers." remarked Mr Rainey. “Their enthusiasm and degree of interest in company affairs is most encouraging." Mr Rainey also reported a 20 per cent increase in new whole milk suppliers for this new season, a healthy trend which he sees as continuing. Since 1888. the Tai Tapu Central Co-op Dairy Company has been one of the South Island's major producers of butter, manufacturing and distributing the wellknown Fernleaf brand. The company is also the area's largest distributor of dairy products, offering a large range of cheeses, butter, margarines, milk, and fruit juices, through more than 750 retail outlets.