A2 Milk Co has agreed to make China State Farm Holdings Shanghai the sole importer of its a2Platinum infant formula while the milk marketer will take over the distribution in Asia’s largest economy. Under the deal, CSF will exclusively import the infant formula and provide government relations and advice, while the Auckland-based company will takeover distribution in China and expand its network, a2 …

Dairy product prices fell in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction to the lowest level in more than five years, led by declines in rennet casein and skim milk powder. The GDT average winning price slid 3.1 percent to US$2,561, the lowest level since August 2009, down from US$2,649 two weeks ago. Some 39,613 tonnes of product was sold, down from 45,499 …

The Commerce Commission inquiry into anti-competitive behaviour by Countdown supermarkets, alleged by former Labour Party MP Shane Jones, has found nothing to warrant prosecution, although it warns supermarkets to take care in the way they communicate\ with suppliers and that discussions with competitors “carry significant risks for all involved. The competition watchdog’s report, issued this morning, suggests much of the concern among …