There’s no substitute for meeting customers face to face, so after several years of disruption it was great to get into market last week to attend Europe’s largest food innovation exhibition, SIAL. 

I had the opportunity to meet a number of our European and Middle Eastern customers there, and also to catch up with UK customers in the following days.

Our conversations painted a clear picture of markets under pressure from inflation, slowing economies, political upheaval in the UK, and building consumer uncertainty. But, despite these challenges front of mind, the feedback on our long-term strategy remains very positive and reaffirms the importance of our market-led investments – building greater resilience and value-stability through the inevitable economic ups and downs

Back home Silver Fern Farms held our first Livestock Connect Day with eight exceptionally passionate and enthusiastic Livestock Talent Programme candidates.

The Livestock Talent Programme has been designed to attract new team members, helping to grow their knowledge and develop skillsets alongside our existing Livestock Team to build a successful career as a Livestock Rep.

With over 100 applications to the Programme it was a great achievement for those that made the top eight. The day involved heading out on farm, getting into the yards at Finegand for beef assessments, and an interview panel. We’re looking forward to welcoming two successful applicants to the team in 2023.

In this week's report - read about our new TV partnership Cooks on Fire, and hear the latest insights from the markets. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

Ngā mihi,

Simon