By Chris Hutching
Thursday 28th March 2002 |
Text too small? |
Barry Richardson |
Last year the West Coast's independent-minded dairyfarmers rejected Fonterra's overtures to join in the dairy mega merger. The 282 West Coast suppliers of Westland milk enjoyed a payout last year that was higher than Fonterra's and they wanted to retain their processing plant at Hokitika, producing butter, casein and milk powder.
The big challenge for Dr Richardson (55) is to develop a marketing strategy that will differentiate Westland Milk Products's ingredients products, develop more niche products, and build relationships with new customers.
The Westland board selected Dr Richardson partly on the strength of what he has achieved after 11 years working at smaller niche company Tatua of Morrinsville, developing a marketing strategy for that company's specialised protein and health products.
"The business I've been involved in at Tatua has been very customer focused and I believe Westland needs to be out in the international marketplace working with customers and focusing on future business strategies in the same way although not necessarily with the same products."
A more immediate issue for Dr Richardson is to manage the company through a mediated dispute with Fonterra over $85 million worth of shares.
The $85 million is the value of Westland Milk Products' 2.8% stake in the former Dairy Board.
No comments yet
TRU - WHO Agency UNITAID Features TRU in Tech Landscape Report
PaySauce Quarterly Market Update - September 2024
October 2nd Morning Report
Rua Releases Annual Report for Year Ended 30 June 2024
SCL - Settlement of orchard sales
The Warehouse Group 2024 ASM and Director Nominations
AIR - Update on Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer
Comvita Limited - Annual Report 2024
September 27th Morning Report
Spark announces departure of Finance Director