Fonterra’s Brand Sale: Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Loss?

Fonterra’s decision to sell its brands business—home to household names like Anchor, Mainland, and Kapiti—to French-owned Lactalis for NZ$3.85 billion has sparked intense debate. While the deal promises a windfall for farmer-owners amid strong dairy prices, critics argue it represents a short-term tactical win but a long-term strategic failure. When Fonterra was formed, the vision…