Westland takes full control of yoghurt maker

Westland Milk Products now has an even larger stake in the dairy foods industry, completing its buy out of the yoghurt maker Easiyo.
The Hokitika-based dairy co-operative has held 75% shares in the yoghurt company since the 2007-08 season, and yesterday secured the remaining 25%.
Westland Milk Products chief executive Rod Quinn said owning the company outright gave the company a greater foothold in the value-add end of the milk products market.
The acquisition, the first of its kind for the dairy co-operative outside of standard milk processing, would auger well for future exports both within New Zealand and offshore, he said.
Easiyo was established in New Zealand in 1991 and has been making inroads in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Easiyo chief executive Paul O’Brien said the acquisition would assist with the company’s milk powder contract opportunities and expansion of its international markets including Asia, UK and Europe.
Westland Milk Products annually exports more than 70,000 tonnes of milk products to 40 countries.
“Easiyo has sales of $30 million a year, of which 75% is export-based. The UK and Australia are our biggest markets offshore and worth $20m in sales. The full integration of Westland Milk Products into the company will enhance the ability of Easiyo to provide premium quality finished product to a new range of customers.”
Easiyo is based in Albany, Auckland, and has recently doubled its capacity.