Fonterra exports hit record in March

Fonterra has recorded its highest ever month for exports with 229,000 tonnes of its dairy products leaving New Zealand shores in March.

Gary Romano, Managing Director of Fonterra Trade & Operations, said the record shipments are the result of continued growth in global demand for high quality dairy products from New Zealand.

“Our supply chain team were effectively closing the door on an export container every 2.6 minutes. That’s equivalent to 560 containers a day.”

“As a result of this effort we expect the record month will inject around $1.2 billion into the New Zealand economy,” he said.

While it was a tough start to the dairying season with drought, floods and snow storms, recent warm wet weather has boosted dairy production in New Zealand.

“But the real driver for the export record is the ongoing strong demand from China, South East Asia and the Middle East,” Mr Romano said.

“In these regions, we are seeing the emergence of the middleclass with more discretionary income and a desire for more nutritious foods. Dairy fits the bill.”