Food prices rose 0.9 percent in the year to January, spurred by an 8.8 percent rise in the price of milk, 20 percent rise in butter prices, and a 4 percent increase for cheese, although dairy products saw price falls in the month of January. Statistics New Zealand data released this morning shows food prices rose 1.2 percent last month, …

Bob Ingham, former owner of Australia’s biggest poultry producer Inghams Enterprises, achieved a record profit from his New Zealand operations in 2013, the final year before private equity firm TPG acquired the Australasian business. Inghams Enterprises (NZ) lifted net profit by 19 percent to $27.2 million in the 12 months ended June 30, according to the annual report filed with …

Michael Hill International, the jewellery chain that bears the name of its founder, posted first-half earnings that met its guidance of last month after lifting sales while investing in a trial of bridal products at its North American outlets. Earnings before interest and tax was A$29.7 million in the six months ended Dec. 31, from A$28.6 million a year earlier, …