ANZCO Foods CEO Update - August 2026

This week I’ve been travelling in North America, meeting with our teams and customers, and what’s stood out to me is the ongoing strength in protein markets and the resilient demand for New Zealand beef and lamb. It’s always valuable to spend time in-market and hear directly from customers about what they’re seeing and what they need from us. 

I know many of you will be interested in the progress of our proposed agreement to acquire the Greenlea Group. There is currently no update on the regulatory process, but we’ll keep you informed and share any news as it comes through. 

Next week I’m looking forward to attending our annual conference with our livestock representatives. The conference is a great opportunity to connect and check-in with the team that largely works independently to the wider business. They hold an important role connecting with our farmer suppliers, so the conference is a valuable opportunity to bring everyone together, discuss what we’re seeing across the industry and our markets, and make sure we continue to provide the best possible service and support to you. 

Last night was the grand final of the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice and Pact Packaging Young Butcher competitions, followed by the National Butchery Awards. Congratulations to Cody Burbery, who won the Butcher Apprentice competition, and runner-up Garett Smith. We also congratulate 2026 Pact Packaging Young Butcher winner Rhys Tamanui from Waipawa Butchery. Rhys won the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice competition in 2022 and went on to place third in the World Champion Butcher Apprentice competition in 2025. ANZCO Foods has supported the Butcher Apprentice competition for many years, and it’s encouraging to see the calibre of young people coming through the industry and developing the skills that will help ensure New Zealand continues to have a strong butchery sector into the future. There’s more on this later in the update. 

Finally, you will have seen our recent financial announcement. The result reflects the combined efforts of people right across our business and, importantly, the continued support of our farmer suppliers. 

Thank you, as always, for the role you play in supplying the high-quality livestock that enables us to produce products sought after by customers around the world.