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Fonterra

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Industry Packaged Foods
Employees 10,000+
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FY2015 Annual Report · Fonterra
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FONTERRA  
DAIRY FOR LIFE

ANNUAL REVIEW 2015
FONTERRA CO-OPERATIVE GROUP LIMITED

 
THE 
CONTENTS

OUR  PRIORITIES

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN 

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

OUR GLOBAL BRAND FAMILY 

ANCHOR MAKING US PROUD 

OUR  PERFORMANCE

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

GROUP OVERVIEW 

INGREDIENTS 

CONSUMER AND FOODSERVICE 

INTERNATIONAL FARMING 

OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

A STRONG CO-OPERATIVE 

SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING 

OUR CUSTOMERS AND CONSUMERS 

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES 

OUR PEOPLE 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

FONTERRA MANAGEMENT TEAM 

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

STATUTORY INFORMATION 

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY 

NON-GAAP MEASURES 

GLOSSARY 

DIRECTORY 

2

10

14

20

22

24

28

34

40

42

45

49

50

54

56

64

66

68

88

89

90

92

93

94

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015THE YEAR 
IN  REVIEW

PAGE  2

A tough season for farmer shareholders 
with a $4.65 Cash Payout.

$4.65

per 
kgMS

PAGE  19

Our strength comes from 
having capable, confident 
and resilient people on 
both sides of the farm gate.

PAGE  22

PAGE  24

We delivered a strong rebound in profitability 
and this is expected to continue.

Normalised EBIT up 94 per cent to $974m with a 
strong contribution from New Zealand ingredients 
and Asia/China consumer businesses.

$974M

PAGE  44

Our farmers have continued to make 
progress with stock excluded from 98 per cent 
of defined waterways on mapped farms.

PAGE  50

Supporting communities 
where we live, work and farm 
is part of who we are.

98%

INTRODUCTION    |   1 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

LETTER FROM  
THE CHAIRMAN

The 2015 financial year has 
been difficult for global dairy 
and defining for our Co-op.

183%

NET PROFIT
AFTER TAX
Our net profit 
after tax is  
183 per cent 
higher at 
$506 million.

THE YEAR HAS BEEN 
DIFFICULT BECAUSE 
GLOBAL PRICES KEPT 
FALLING IN RESPONSE TO 
DIMINISHING DEMAND. 
DEFINING BECAUSE WE 
ARE ROUNDING OFF 
ONE OF THE BIGGEST 
PHASES OF CAPACITY 
DEVELOPMENT WE 
HAVE SEEN IN THE 
CO-OPERATIVE.

SUPPLY, 
DEMAND 
IMBALANCE
The GlobalDairy 
Trade™ index hit 
a five-year low.

We have put in place a strong platform for growth, 
including a strategic cornerstone in our key market 
of China, and this has set us up well for a turn in the 
market. We have seen early returns from this work, 
with the Co-operative turning in a credible result, 
despite the challenging environment.

But while we are building a much stronger Co-operative 
for the future, I am acutely aware this has not translated 
into financial gains for our farmers this year. 

The $4.40 kgMS Farmgate Milk Price reflects market 
prices which declined 36 per cent this year, largely as a 
result of the significant imbalance in global supply and 
demand amid geo-political concerns around the world.

Our good performance this year did not flow into the 
dividend. The 25 cent dividend reflects higher funding 
costs we have had because of around $900 million 
invested primarily in capacity and maintenance to 
support milk growth here in New Zealand. Added to 
that are the $364 million invested in completing our 
farm development in our key market of China, $750 
million in our partnership investment with Beingmate 
to expand into the infant nutrition market in China 
and finally, the costs of our higher Advance Rate early 
in the season. 

2  |  OUR PRIORITIES

05001,0001,500SEP 15APR 15NOV 14JUN 14JAN 14AUG 13FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

Maintaining our earlier Advance Rate, set at 64 per cent 
of our original forecast Farmgate Milk Price of $7.00 per 
kgMS, meant that at the half year we had effectively 
paid out 82 per cent of the revised forecast Farmgate 
Milk Price of $4.70 per kgMS made on 10 December 
2014. This added to funding costs due to higher 
working capital requirements. In total, interest costs 
on funding were up $95 million to $427 million, with 
an impact of around six cents per share.

The dividend this year is 65 per cent of our adjusted 
net profit after tax (NPAT) which is at the lower end 
of our dividend policy range of 65 to 75 per cent 
of adjusted NPAT over time. While conditions are 
challenging, it is important to ensure that we maintain 
a strong balance sheet and the financial discipline 
needed to underpin a strong Co-operative.

This is a year where a higher dividend would have 
been welcomed to help smooth the impact of a 
lower Farmgate Milk Price and overall reduced farm 
incomes. However this is a watershed year with 
significant investments made, including further 
capacity projects. Strengthening our Co-operative 
comes with short-term costs which are being felt this 
year, but there are long-term benefits, some of which 
will flow in the new season.

There are already positive signs that the investments 
in our strategy are paying off in our return on capital 
of 8.9 per cent. Our ingredients return on capital 
was 9.3 per cent and our consumer and foodservice 
business achieved a return on capital of 25.5 per cent. 
These returns were delivered despite the continued 
challenges we have faced in the Australian market, 
including the fire at our Stanhope cheese factory 
which was a defining factor in an adverse product mix, 
coupled with lower sales of nutritionals. This impacted 
our performance and improving our business results 
in Australia is a high priority for management with a 
clear plan in place.

We are seeing good growth in our consumer and 
foodservice businesses and the results of a major 
push in our ingredients business to offset low milk 
prices with improved margins.

Despite drought in some regions and floods late in 
the season, our farmer shareholders lifted production 
season-on-season. Milk collection across New 
Zealand for the 2014/15 season to 31 May 2015 was 
1,614 million kgMS, up two per cent. 

We expect the lift in profitability to carry through into 
the new season. This is factored into our 2016 financial 
year forecast earnings per share range of 40-50 cents, 
which will help offset the continued low level of global 
dairy prices. Our track record this year in growing 
consumer and foodservice, along with our ingredients 
margins, make us very confident in our forecast.

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   3  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015LETTER FROM 
THE CHAIRMAN

INFORMATION 
FASTER
We have made it our 
mission to get farmers 
information faster, 
in formats which are 
more convenient.

FINAL CASH PAYOUT
For the 2014/15 season we have a final Cash Payout 
of $4.65 per kgMS for a fully shared-up farmer. This 
includes the Farmgate Milk Price of $4.40 per kgMS 
and a 25 cent dividend. As detailed previously, the 
Farmgate Milk Price reflects market prices and the 
dividend reflects our higher funding costs, especially 
in New Zealand where we have a total investment of 
around $900 million primarily in capacity, as well as 
maintenance to enable us to process growth in supply. 
This investment formed part of the $2.1 billion spent 
since 2013 which expanded our processing capacity 
and will support a higher return on investment for 
our farmers’ capital.

Our investments in New Zealand have been critical 
to accommodating milk growth of 10 per cent from 
the 2012/13 season. Building the new plants has 
also been important for efficiency. We now have 
far more flexibility to switch production between 
products in favour of those delivering the best returns 
in any one season. This overcomes the product mix 
disadvantages, which have affected earnings in the 
past and will improve peak costs, which last season 
were $59 million, or four cents per kgMS. 

We have had an intensive period of capacity growth in 
Canterbury, Southland, Waikato and the lower North 
Island including both powders and premium products 
for consumer and foodservice.

Investments in New Zealand this year includes $167 
million to complete the Pahiatua dryer and distribution 
centre, and $132 million for the Anhydrous Milk 
Fat, Milk Protein Concentrate and reverse osmosis 
plants at Edendale, all commissioned in 2015. It also 
includes the $122 million of investment in the dryer 
at Lichfield due for commissioning in 2016. Combined 
they represent 8.2 million litres more capacity. With 
capacity now more in line with current expectations of 
milk growth, we have reduced the amount of capital 
expenditure considerably in 2016 to $900 million.

Globally we invested $364 million in farm development 
and livestock purchases in China as part of our 
commitment to the Chinese dairy industry and 
the creation of our own milk supply to support our 
consumer growth in this market. These are now 
well-performing farms achieving good levels of on-farm 
efficiency, but just like here in New Zealand, decisions 
have been made to lower costs and production at a 
time of low milk prices.

Now that we are completing the development phase 
we will move to establish partnerships in them. We 
also invested $750 million in our global partnership 
with Beingmate that provides a cornerstone from 
which to grow in the infant formula market. This 
partnership brings together specialty ingredients 
from our European business, nutritionals from our 
Australian plants and milk from New Zealand, sold 
through our own Anmum™ brand. Greater China 

4   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FOODSERVICE 
SUCCESS
Consumer and 
foodservice volumes 
increased by 27 per cent 
to 1.7 million MT. 

DIRA
The government 
review of the DIRA 
is underway and we 
have made several 
submissions. 

is a very important dairy market and we now have 
investments which link milk from our New Zealand 
farms to consumers and customers.

In any season, some parts of our Co-operative may 
perform better than others, depending on global 
pricing and in-market dynamics. By providing clear 
reporting on each of our business segments and 
each of our markets we are ensuring our farmer 
shareholders can see where we are doing well and 
clearly see the steps we are taking when performance 
needs improving. 

GENERATING HIGHER VALUE
Fonterra’s strategy emphasises shifting greater 
volumes of milk to higher returning products. 

In our ingredients business opportunities to achieve 
higher returns can be influenced by market conditions 
and prices. The product mix gross margin in our New 
Zealand ingredients business was up 24 per cent to 
$1.3 billion, as we successfully adjusted our product 
mix to take advantage of improved prices for cheese 
and casein relative to Whole Milk Powder. We 
also achieved premiums on the sale of specialised 
ingredients used in dairy applications, sports nutrition 
and medical applications. 

Our consumer and foodservice businesses in Asia 
and China achieved record performance helped by 
low milk costs and they maintained their strong 

contribution to the Co-operative’s normalised EBIT 
of $974 million. Consumer and foodservice volumes 
increased by 27 per cent to 1.7 million metric tonnes 
(MT) and this contributed to normalised EBIT of 
$408 million.

This result was helped by finalising the reorganisation 
of our Dairy Partners Americas (DPA) joint venture 
with Nestlé which gave us management control 
of DPA Brazil and the consumer business in 
Venezuela. Their consolidation into the consumer 
and foodservice segment contributed an additional 
324,650 MT of sales.

DAIRY INDUSTRY RESTRUCTURING 
ACT REVIEW
The Government is reviewing competition in the 
New Zealand dairy market and possible changes to 
the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA).

One of the triggers for a review is when the 
proportion of milk collected by independent 
processors exceeds 20 per cent. These processors 
are collecting 22 per cent of farm gate milk supply in 
the South Island and just over 14 per cent nationally. 
While they are collecting more volumes it’s important 
to note that total volumes produced in New Zealand 
have also grown from 1.2 billion kgMS in the 2001/02 
season to 1.9 billion kgMS in the 2014/15 season. 
Fonterra’s share of this higher total is 85.4 per cent.

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   5  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015LETTER FROM 
THE CHAIRMAN

FONTERRA 
FARM SOURCE™ REWARDS
There are more than 9,000 farmers 
benefiting from Fonterra Farm Source™ 
Rewards Dollars, $4 million of which 
have been accumulated to be redeemed 
for a range of products or vouchers.

MARKET 
SHARE UP
Fonterra Farm Source™ 
market share has 
increased since launch.

Our submission to the Commerce Commission says 
parts of DIRA contribute to a competitive, efficient 
dairy sector. These include the Milk Price regime and 
the obligation to supply Goodman Fielder and small 
niche processors with raw milk.

However, we believe other parts of DIRA are no longer 
necessary given the competitive market, such as 
the rule that we have to accept all new milk supply. 
We believe it is also time to end the requirement to 
provide milk to large processors establishing a foothold 
in New Zealand. They no longer need a regulatory 
leg-up, paid for by our farmers.

STRONGER TOGETHER
In recent years our farmers have made major 
investments in fencing waterways, nutrient 
management and compliance and capital works like 
effluent system upgrades. Farmers support the principle 
of sustainability and have increasingly embraced it to 
the point where we are world leading in areas such as 
managing nutrient impacts. Our farmers need to be 
applauded for their commitment and their investment 
which is not only improving the sustainability of their 
farms but also natural resources in their regions.

This year our Co-operative has stepped up our 
presence in these regions, providing more local 
contacts between farmers and their co-operative. We 
have focused on practical solutions like Fonterra Farm 
Source™, our comprehensive package of regional 

advice, digital tools, competitive discounts on farm 
necessities and financial options for managing farmers’ 
businesses. We now have more than 9,000 farmers 
benefiting from Fonterra Farm Source™ Rewards 
Dollars, $4 million of which have been accumulated to 
be redeemed for a range of products or Fonterra Farm 
Source™ vouchers.

Fonterra Farm Source™ stores market share has 
increased since launch, which confirms the value 
farmers place on the competitive discounts provided. 
Farmers have also commented positively on the stronger 
regional networks and support being provided to them.

We have moved key people away from head office 
and into the regions, so farmers can now call on one 
of seven regional heads who know their area, the 
conditions, local government requirements and how 
our Co-op can support them. Having senior eyes and 
ears on the ground enables our Co-op to get practical 
things done more quickly, such as rolling out our 
emergency response team during the lower North 
Island floods. Regional heads also have the depth of 
knowledge across our business to answer farmers’ 
questions and work with them to resolve any problems.

We have also made it our mission to get farmers 
information faster in formats which are more 
convenient, such as mobile apps delivering milk data, 
tanker arrival times and now Fonterra news direct to 
their smartphone. 

6   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA 
CO-OPERATIVE  
SUPPORT
Fonterra Co-operative Support 
is available for share-backed 
Fonterra farmers by way of a loan, 
interest-free until 31 May 2017. 

FONTERRA CO-OPERATIVE 
SUPPORT 
Fonterra Co-operative Support, developed for the 
2015/16 season, is another example of how we can step 
up for our farmers, using the strength of the Co-op.

We’re offering payment support equalling 50 cents 
per kgMS on share-backed production through an 
interest-free loan until 31 May 2017. Repayments 
are triggered when the Farmgate Milk Price exceeds 
$6.00 per kgMS. 

Fonterra Co-operative Support will help smooth the 
impact of the low Farmgate Milk Price on farming 
business cash flows, and has been made possible 
through the financial strength of the Co-op including 
working capital savings the business is currently making. 

With the support tied to share-backed production, it 
is not directly available to sharemilkers, but we expect 
many farmer shareholders will do what they can to 
help them using this initiative. This is dependent 
on the farmer – sharemilker relationship and 
arrangements which are unique to them.

OUTLOOK
Forecasting is difficult given the many influences on 
the market today. The political unrest in the Middle 
East, the refugee crisis, Europe’s farmer support 
packages announced in September of this year, plus 
slowing economies in China, Southeast Asia and Brazil 
all make for continued uncertainty in the short term.

However these short-term uncertainties do not 
mean today’s Farmgate Milk Price represents a 
permanent change in global dairy markets. Long-term 
demographics have not changed. The United Nations 
tells us that the global population will reach 9.7 billion 
by 2050. That includes middle class growth of three 
billion in emerging markets. By 2050 dairy consumption 
will be 50 per cent higher than current levels. 

Farmers reacted to extraordinarily high prices in 2014 
with significant growth in supply, but that supply is 
now declining. 

On the demand side the OECD-FAO outlook is for per 
capita consumption growth in dairy of between 1.4 
and two per cent per annum through to 2024, with 
increasing import demand supporting dairy prices 
over the next decade. 

What complicates forecasting are the market 
complexities, such as the geopolitical and economic 
shifts we have seen in these volatile times, especially 
those which destabilise populations.

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   7  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015LETTER FROM 
THE CHAIRMAN

ACCOMMODATING 
MILK GROWTH
Our investments have 
been critical for milk 
growth and flexibility 
to switch production 
between products.

There is no doubt that volatility is now the rule, not 
the exception. Our best approach as New Zealand 
farmers is to focus on a low cost base so we have the 
flexibility to adjust to this volatility. This is undeniably 
tough on our farm businesses and families, but it is 
important not to lose our critical point of difference. 
The more cost-effective we are, the more competitive 
we are compared to some of the high-input farming 
systems globally. This high quality pasture-fed milk, 
flowing through an efficient vertically integrated 
Co-operative, will put our milk in the forefront in 
meeting growing demand, with higher volumes 
going into higher value areas.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I want to thank our farmer shareholders for their 
support this year and especially their engagement with 
the Co-operative. With more difficult times, farmers 
want good, relevant information. We have stepped up 
to provide as much as we can by emails, technology 
and more regional contacts, but there are few good 
substitutes for local meetings. As I have gone around 
my own district and to meetings around the country 
I have been tremendously encouraged by the turnout 
and the questions.

8   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

I want to thank the management team for the pace, 
thoroughness and determination with which they have 
put in place changes to make our Co-op leaner, more 
focused and very single-minded on reducing costs and 
raising performance. Early benefits were promised and 
have come through. But the biggest change will be the 
longer term improvement in the business. 

This is not a knee-jerk reaction to low global prices. 
It is part of our evolution as a Co-operative so we stay 
competitive and capable of making the most of a rapidly 
changing market. This work recognises we need to be 
more agile, faster in our thinking and our actions. It is 
laying the groundwork for our next phase of growth. 

It is important to thank Sir Ralph Norris who has 
served as an Appointed Director since 2012 and retires 
at the Annual Meeting. Midway through his term, Sir 
Ralph skilfully led the Board’s review of the WPC80 
precautionary recall and its recommendations. The 
Board welcomes Leonie Guiney who succeeded Jim 
van der Poel as an Elected Director on his retirement.

We thank Ian Brown for his thoughtful chairmanship 
of the Shareholders’ Council, particularly during the 
period when Trading Among Farmers (TAF) was 
under development. He very ably represented and 
guarded the interests of shareholders through the 
TAF discussions and its implementation, and was not 
afraid to lay down challenges during this process. 
We congratulate Duncan Coull on succeeding Ian 
and look forward to working with him.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015DAIRY REMAINS A 
GREAT INDUSTRY
Dairy remains a great 
business to be in and I 
have full confidence that 
this will not change. 

On a personal note
All of us face a new season which will present us with 
some real challenges on our farms, in our finances 
and even in our families as we try to work through a 
hard year. It is important we all look beyond the farm 
gate to recognise the strength of the Co-operative we 
belong to and also recognise that the fundamentals of 
our industry have not changed. Dairy remains a great 
industry and business to be in and I have full confidence 
that this will not change. 

We have a unique strength coming from having a 
vertically integrated supply chain with scale, that 
connects high quality milk from pasture raised cows to 
consumers around the world.

More than ever before, it is critical that we stay on 
course and maintain our global position. We have 
a highly capable management team which has the 
Board’s support and a focused strategy. 

Fonterra was formed to set ourselves and our farmers 
up for the future. We have a vertically integrated 
Co-operative, operating ably across ingredients, 
consumer and foodservice and doing this from farm 
to market. We have built scale and market focus across 
the world. Now we’re focused on being faster on our 
feet in a market which can change more rapidly than 
we have seen before. Our farmers have concentrated 
on efficiency, quality and competitive costs. As we make 
even more of our pasture-based model, we can expect 
to see more gains in productivity. All of these qualities 
stand us in good stead.

John Wilson
Chairman

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   9  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
LETTER FROM THE  
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

When the fall-off in global demand and 
pricing forced us to reduce our Farmgate 
Milk Price forecast to $4.70 kgMS in 
December, I sent a clear, strong message 
to our Co-operative’s senior leaders. 

THIS IS FONTERRA
FRAMEWORK

With our purpose, story and values at the heart, 
our ‘This is Fonterra framework’ brings together 
our people, identity and strategy commitments 
to guide us ‘to be the world’s most trusted source 
of dairy nutrition’.

$974M

GROUP EBIT
Normalised EBIT  
was $974 million  
for the group,  
up 94 per cent.

WITH FARMERS FACING 
A REDUCED PAYOUT 
WE HAD TO IMPROVE 
OUR SALES MIX, 
ACHIEVE MORE 
EFFICIENCIES, MAXIMISE 
OUR GROSS MARGINS 
AND ACHIEVE OUR 
STRATEGIC GOALS FASTER.

10   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

Volume

Responsible 
Dairying

Value

Velocity

Our
Strategy

Our
Identity

To be
The World’s
Most Trusted
Source of Dairy
Nutrition

Nutrition 
for Life

Dairy 
Excellence

Inspiring 
Leaders

Our People

Getting
Better 
Every Day

All of Us
Together

OUR 
PURPOSE 
FRAMEWORK
The framework to 
achieve our purpose  
has three elements:  
Our Strategy, Our 
Identity and Our People. 

Our response paid off in the second half with a 
rebound in performance and profitability, although our 
Farmgate Milk Price remains the outcome of extreme 
volatility. Even with less demand we lifted total group 
volumes by nine per cent to 4.3 million MT, with 
consumer and foodservice volumes up a significant 
27 per cent to 1.7 million MT. These volumes 
contributed to normalised EBIT of $974 million for the 
group, up 94 per cent. 

This year’s market conditions were some of the most 
difficult I have known. Prices are often cyclical, but it 
is rare to see a combination of geopolitical turmoil in 
the Middle East and Russia, serious disease outbreaks 
such as Ebola in Africa, an economic slowdown in 
China and the sharp drop in oil and mineral prices 
all at the same time. These suppressed demand at a 
time when farmers all around the world had ramped 
up production in response to previous high prices. 
This resulted in an inevitable impact on pricing and 
all of these factors are making it difficult to forecast 
near-term conditions.

We will be more than ready when the market turns.
That’s because we have thoroughly reviewed our 
execution of strategy, our processes and working 
practices to embed long-term change. 

The V3 strategy is all about driving volume, value and velocity through our seven strategic paths:• Optimise New Zealand milk.• Build and grow beyond our current consumer positions.• Deliver on Foodservice potential.•  Grow our Anlene™ business.• Develop leading positions in paediatrics and  maternal nutrition.• Selectively invest in milk pools.• Align our business and organisation to enable the strategy. OUR STRATEGYResponsible Dairying• Committed to helping our dairying communities thrive.• Champion of the health of our farms and waterways.Nutrition for Life• Delivering superior products to improve health at key life stages.• Making dairy nutrition accessible.Dairy Excellence• Global leader in dairy safety and quality.• Innovation, expertise and openness.Inspiring Leaders• Trusted leaders inspiring exceptional performance.Getting Better Every Day• Simplicity, clarity and focus in everything we do.• Capable, passionate people, growing every day.• High performing teams who own our collective success.All of Us Together• A collaborative and connected culture.• Caring for our people and our consumers.• Accountable to our customers, communities and shareholders.OUR IDENTITYOUR PEOPLEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015I was challenged on this change by several of our 
people, who asked if our payout was higher, would 
we have done this review. The answer is yes. Progress 
demands that we are proactive, not reactive. We 
have a single-minded purpose to be the most trusted 
source of dairy nutrition.

Our ‘This is Fonterra’ framework has three elements: 
Our Strategy, Our Identity and Our People. We have 
made considerable progress with Our Strategy and 
Our Identity over the past three years, but less with 
Our People as we have worked our way through a 
series of challenges. We have a talented workforce 
but we haven’t always had the right environment to 
get the best from them.

To perform at their best, people need simplicity, focus 
and clarity and a collaborative and accountable working 
culture. Instead we had growing complexity that was 
beginning to get in the way of quick and clear decisions 
and actions. This meant opportunities were lost. 

By working together with a clear sense of purpose 
we will be able to move even faster on our volume 
and value priorities. We have unfortunately lost some 
good people as we have reduced roles, but this is not 
about jobs and cost cutting. It is about mindset. It is 
about focusing all our resources to make us faster,  
more efficient and more accountable for getting 
sustainable results.

Everyone with a stake in Fonterra wants to be 
confident we have actionable plans that will produce 
results. We do. Post balance date my leadership team 
signed off on a number of transformation initiatives. 
We are already well underway and are confident 
where we are heading, the opportunities available, 
and our ability to achieve real results and realise our 
Co-operative’s full potential.

STRONG REBOUND SUPPORTS 
FUTURE PROGRESS
Our results demonstrate the benefits of this continued 
focus despite the much tougher global market, 
supported by the valuable contribution made from 
important capital investments in three crucial areas.

We continued to strengthen our home base, with the 
added capacity to grow margins for ingredients and 
market share, volume and value across our consumer 
and foodservice channels. We invested for the long 
term in our key market of China, pushing ahead with 
farm developments and building our Beingmate global 
partnership. We helped our farmers manage their 
on-farm costs with Fonterra Farm Source™ discounts 
and deferred payment terms.

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   11  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015LETTER FROM THE 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

216 EBIT INCREASE

%

Consumer and 
foodservice normalised 
EBIT was up by 216 per 
cent to $408 million. 

Our New Zealand ingredients business delivered a 
solid performance and our consumer and foodservice 
businesses in Asia and China produced record results, 
contributing to a net profit after tax of $506 million, 
up 183 per cent.

Our $2.1 billion investment in growing and updating 
our capacity and asset base in New Zealand over the 
past three years is now delivering tangible benefits. 
Our new plants stand out in terms of efficiency gains 
and a more flexible product mix. In the second half we 
made the most of this flexibility, favouring production 
of products where we could secure higher prices and 
changing production from powders to cheese and 
casein to capture shifts in customer demand. 

Our $230 million investment in the past two years  
on capacity to support our consumer and foodservice 
performance is generating the volume and value 
growth we want, especially in Asian markets. This 
progress is further supported by an investment of 
approximately $30 million in our consumer packing 
plant in Indonesia. We also invested some $750 million 
in Beingmate in China to accelerate access to the 
infant formula market, from our milk pools in New 
Zealand, Australia and Europe.

12   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

STRONG VOLUME 
AND VALUE GROWTH
We achieved significant progress in our consumer  
and foodservice strategy, where we are aiming  
to win hearts, minds and especially market share  
in our eight strategic markets of New Zealand, 
Australia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Chile, China, Brazil and 
Indonesia. We already have leadership positions in key 
dairy categories in New Zealand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka 
and Chile. In China, Brazil, Australia and Indonesia we 
are building our market positions and operations to 
meet our strategic targets.

The results are clear, with consumer and foodservice 
normalised EBIT up 216 per cent to $408 million, 
achieving a return on capital of 25.5 per cent. 

While ingredients imports to China decreased, 
consumer and foodservice volumes were important 
contributors with volume growth of 27 per cent, 
or three per cent on a like-for-like basis, mainly from 
foodservice and higher Anchor™ sales. Our investment 
in UHT production capacity in New Zealand is paying 
off, as we are now one of the leading exporters of 
UHT to China, thanks to determined building of our 
Anchor™ UHT presence in the market, including 
Anchor™ Kids Milk.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015In Asia, strong volume growth was due to a turnaround 
in Sri Lanka and combined volume growth of 11 per 
cent in foodservice across the region, which also 
locked in double digit growth in Indonesia, Malaysia 
and the Philippines. Consumer volume growth in 
Indonesia is supported by our capacity investment 
in West Java.

Our first milk powder manufacturing plant had its 
first commercial run in June with the capacity to pack 
and blend 12,000 tonnes of milk powder products 
annually for the Anlene™, Anmum™ and Anchor™ 
Boneeto brands. 

Innovation and speed to market has helped achieve 
volume growth in New Zealand with the launch of 
new products, Anchor Uno™ yoghurt for children  
and Anchor™ Greek yoghurt into the market. 

USEFUL FACT
We have leadership positions 
in our consumer and foodservice 
business in key dairy categories 
in New Zealand, Malaysia, 
Sri Lanka and Chile.

UHT MARKET 
GROWTH
Our investment in 
expanding our UHT 
production capacity in 
New Zealand is paying off, 
with Fonterra now one 
of the leading exporters 
of UHT to China.

FOODSERVICE FLOURISHING
We have always believed in the potential of the 
foodservice sector and the competitive position we 
have built in it. This is based on our understanding 
of dairy and the profit drivers behind commercial 
kitchens of all scales.

This repeatable model offers a compelling combination 
of high-performing products and professional menu 
development support that improves demand and 
profitability. While markets remain tough, foodservice 
has made a valuable contribution to volume and 
value, giving us confidence in our aim to grow it into 
a $3.4 billion and 3.2 billion LME business by 2020.

Asia is important for foodservice growth and we are 
winning there with combined volume growth of 
11 per cent across the region. But our opportunities 
are not limited to Asia or Greater China, as Latin 
America, the United States and closer to home 
in Australia and New Zealand also offer growth 
opportunities. In Australia, our domestic foodservice 
business achieved 10 per cent volume growth 
compared to the same time last year after five years 
of flat volume. 

In China, the foodservice business was rolled out into 
13 new cities, taking the total to 40, and we launched 
our new foodservice application centre in Shanghai 
in November. 

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   13  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015OUR 
GLOBAL  
BRAND FAMILY

We have a portfolio of world-leading 
brands with breakthrough products 
that bring dairy nutrition to life, in new 
ways, at all life stages. 

We are passionate about dairy 
and what it can do for life. 
So we work hard to bring superior 
dairy-based nutrition with a taste 
advantage that’s more accessible 
and more engaging for more 
people – every day. 

MARKET POSITION 
IN CATEGORY:

#

1

#

1

NEW ZEALAND

SRI LANKA

TOTAL ANCHOR™ 
PERFORMANCE ACROSS  
ALL MEASURED CATEGORIES 
IN WHICH ANCHOR™ 
PARTICIPATES.

14   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015Putting mum at the centre of everything we do, 
with great products, innovative service/tools, 
and the community connections mum needs to 
raise amazing young minds.

MARKET POSITION  
IN CATEGORY:

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

2
#

#

5

TOTAL ANMUM™ PERFORMANCE FOR  
MATERNAL, PREMIUM, AND PREMIUM GUMP.

Freedom of movement starts 
with strong bones and strong bones 
start with Anlene™.

MARKET POSITION  
IN CATEGORY:

MALAYSIA

SRI LANKA

INDONESIA

#

1

#

1

#

1

TOTAL ANLENE™ PERFORMANCE FOR 
ADULT POWDERS (INCLUDING SUPER 
BEVERAGES).

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   15  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015LETTER FROM THE 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

FOODSERVICE 
GROWTH
In Asia, foodservice 
delivered volume growth 
of 11 per cent, mainly due 
to butter, UHT cream 
and cheese.

STRATEGIC MARKET UPDATE: 
GREATER CHINA
Our growing consumer and foodservice volumes in 
Greater China continue to highlight the opportunities 
in our largest market, despite the current softer 
demand for ingredients and the economic slowdown.

The market access provided through New Zealand’s 
Free Trade Agreement opened opportunities to build 
on the years invested in relationships. Even though this 
is a market with some difficulties today it is important 
we continue to build here for the future. We remain 
confident in our long-term potential and ability to 
grow demand. The volume growth achieved with 
Anchor™ UHT this year is a good example, especially 
Anchor™ Kids Milk that reached a 13 per cent market 
share in June.

Consumer and foodservice growth underlines the 
importance of our work to create an integrated business 
in China. Our seven farms in two hubs underpin this 
work and we now have 25,000 milking cows producing 
around 12 million kgMS for the year. The farms’ ability 
to produce safe, high-quality milk will support future 
growth, but currently International Farming is running 
at a loss because of low domestic liquid milk prices in 
the market and farm development costs. 

16   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

The farms are strategically important but owning them 
outright is not, so we are pursuing a partnership model. 
This will enable us to progress our milk pool strategy 
while recouping establishment and running costs.

We continue to make progress with our global 
partnership with Beingmate, which puts our Anmum™ 
brand and our high-quality dairy ingredients in a 
strong position to meet the needs of China’s growing 
infant formula market. Our investment in Beingmate 
has been secured and we are now selling Anmum™ 
through Beingmate channels in China. The joint 
venture proposal with Beingmate in relation to 
Fonterra’s Darnum plant in Australia is also progressing 
and we anticipate further developments in the 2016 
financial year.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015RECORD 
PERFORMANCE
Asia and China 
delivered volume 
growth and improved 
margins, supporting 
a 216 per cent increase 
in normalised EBIT 
from our consumer and 
foodservice platform.

STRATEGIC MARKET UPDATE: 
AUSTRALIA
Australia is a tough market. It is highly competitive, 
margins are squeezed and we have had some setbacks 
– Darnum is one and our fire at the Stanhope cheese 
factory is another. But our team is fully committed 
to progress an integrated model as part of our global 
multi-hub strategy and they are achieving some wins.

Our Australian team is also concentrating on increasing 
volumes and revenue in priority areas such as 
foodservice, while reviewing our options in crowded 
market areas such as yoghurt and dairy desserts.

We are retaining milk volumes in a competitive 
market and our 10-year partnership with Woolworths, 
which gives us certainty in the fresh milk market, is 
now underway with the successful commissioning  
of a state-of-the-art beverages plant.

We have a detailed plan to get back to acceptable 
performance, based on Australia’s important role in 
our multi-hub strategy. Ultimately the aim is to have 
Darnum and Dennington as the core of a growing 
nutritionals business while we improve our capacity 
in cheese through a potential rebuild of our Stanhope 
factory. The fire at Stanhope has constrained our 
cheese performance so we can expect some more 
short-term pain, but we are determined to move  
faster on achieving a superior and more profitable 
product portfolio. 

PROFITABLE PARTNERSHIPS
China and Australia are important to our global  
multi-hub strategy. This is designed to complement 
New Zealand supply with milk pools offshore, 
protecting our scale so we remain globally relevant.

Partnerships and joint ventures are important to  
this strategy. Our A-Ware partnership in the 
Netherlands is a prime example. Fonterra’s 
Heerenveen ingredients plant was commissioned in 
early 2015, producing high-quality whey and lactose 
ingredients for use in a range of consumer products 
including paediatrics and sports nutrition. It is 
adjacent to A-Ware’s new cheese plant on the same 
site and is part of our fully integrated global supply 
chain. The plant supports our ability to deliver high-
quality, advanced dairy nutrition to meet the needs 
of our priority markets and global customers. Our 
plant will produce 5,000 metric tonnes of whey 
protein plus 25,000 metric tonnes of lactose annually. 
We are also working towards infant-grade product as 
well as commissioning Fonterra’s uniquely functional 
WPC 515, used in sports protein bars.

Also in Europe our exclusive partnership with United 
Kingdom-based Dairy Crest markets and sells galacto-
oligosaccharides and demineralised whey powder for 
infant formula. We are the exclusive sales channel for 
Dairy Crest’s product, aligning to our strategy to develop 
a leading position in infant formula and growing-up 
milk in China and other international markets. 

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   17  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015LETTER FROM THE 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NZMP™ 
JOINT  
VENTURE
The joint venture with 
Faffa Foods will bring 
Anchor™ Fortified 
Milk Drink to the 
market in Ethiopia.

INTERNATIONAL 
FARMING
Our seven farms in China 
are well underway and we 
now have 25,000 milking 
cows and production 
volumes of 164,000 MT.

In Africa, our partnership with leading South African 
company Clover passed a 10-year milestone for 
marketing ingredients and foodservice products 
throughout the sub-Saharan region in Africa. 
Meanwhile our NZMP™ Ethiopia joint venture with 
local partner Faffa Foods will bring Anchor’s Fortified 
Milk Drink to the market, from the first ever milk 
powder dry blending plant in Ethiopia. We have worked 
with the Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia to 
specifically develop this affordable milk drink fortified 
with the right level of nutrients for local children. 

Reshaping our DPA joint venture with Nestlé in 
Latin America gives us control of DPA Brazil and our 
consumer business in Venezuela and opportunities for 
growth, especially in foodservice. With the businesses 
consolidated in our accounts for the first time, our 
consumer and foodservice business benefited from 
their contribution to volumes of 324,650 MT.

OUR PEOPLE
I began with our people and I want to end with our 
people. The rebound in our performance and the 
foundations laid for future growth are the results of 
their work. A great deal of this work was achieved at 
the same time as we reviewed our business, so they 
deserve real credit for managing uncertainty while 
achieving these results.

We have come through a difficult time and our priority 
now is to ensure these changes to both our structure 
and our way of working achieve the results we all 
want. We have great people. The direction is clear, 
the motivation is there, and the commitment to keep 
improving returns for our farmer shareholders and 
investors is certainly there.

18   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015On a personal note
Our Co-operative is our farmers and our people 
together, along with investors in the Fonterra 
Shareholders’ Fund, who believe in dairy. Our strength 
comes from having capable, confident and resilient 
people on both sides of the farm gate. By staying true 
to our shared values, putting our energy into our 
priorities and strategy and working collaboratively, 
we will achieve Fonterra’s full potential.

This includes ensuring our Co-operative is valued by 
our communities for doing what is right socially and 
environmentally. In New Zealand we continue to invest 
in the health of our young people, the environment and 
the sustainability of dairying and we continue to play 
our part in global communities where our knowledge  
of nutrition and dairy supports better health and  
better farming.

I remain confident about the future. Our farms and 
farmers are more adaptable to changing markets than 
those in Europe or the United States. Our pasture-based 
farming gives us a competitive edge so our farmers are 
not at the mercy of fluctuating feed prices. We have 
scale in ingredients, growing scale with our global 
brands in the markets that matter, and a repeatable 
and successful model in foodservice. We are not reliant 
on subsidies or farmer-friendly policies and are well 
beyond the trials of consolidation.

Our strategy is clear – higher volumes and generating 
more value from those volumes. It’s working and it will 
keep on working. I have one of the strongest teams ever 
in my 30 years in the dairy industry. They are all very 
aware of what farmers and investors expect from us. 
We will not let you down.

I believe in the Co-operative model. It works for the 
small farmer and the large, and treats them both 
equally. It recognises that scale comes from collective 
effort and the more effort we put in, the more we  
get back. 

It works for our people. The responsibility we have 
for our farming families’ livelihoods is huge, but it is 
also motivating and when we do our best, it is very 
rewarding. Only a Co-operative offers this, along with 
the opportunity to be part of the wider collective that  
is us and our farmer shareholders.

Theo Spierings
Chief Executive

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   19  

OUR   PRIORITIESFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015ANCHOR™ 
MAKING US 
PROUD

Anchor™ is teaming up with the  
All Blacks to show all New Zealanders 
that game time is milk time.

LIMITED EDITION  
ALL BLACKS BOTTLE

ANCHOR™  
SUCCESS

$1.5b

TOTAL 
DAIRY VALUE 
IN THE 
NEW ZEALAND 
GROCERY  
CHANNEL1, 3

#1

ANCHOR™ 
MARKET 
POSITION 
IN CATEGORY1, 2

11%

ANCHOR™ 
VALUE 
MARKET SHARE1, 3

5%

ANCHOR™ 
BRAND 
GROWTH 
PER YEAR1, 3

WE’RE PUTTING 
OUR ENERGY BEHIND 
OUR BIGGEST DAIRY 
CONSUMER BRAND. 

Anchor™ is New Zealand for dairy 
and as dairy champions we’re getting 
behind our brand, with new product 
lines and our total commitment to our 
All Blacks, with a great new campaign 
celebrating our heritage with the 
limited edition All Blacks bottle.

 >  Pour a little pride on your cereal. 
 >  Possession is everything. 

Image acknowledges Gilbert Meadows.

ANCHOR™ MILK REIGNITES  
1935 ALL BLACKS PARTNERSHIP
 >   80 years ago, the All Blacks and Anchor milk 

products were loaded onto the export ship Rangitiki 
and set sail for England. This marked the beginning 
of Anchor’s partnership with the All Black’s 
successful 1935 tour of Britain, Ireland and Canada.

 > The current campaign is developed to promote 

the limited edition black bottle in market through 
September and October.

1  Dairy refers to chilled dairy in the New Zealand grocery channel and excludes ice cream.
2  Total Anchor performance across all measured categories in which Anchor participates.
3  For the year ended 2 August 2015.

20   |   OUR  PRIORITIES

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015GO STRONG. 
GO ALL BLACKS.

The goodness in every 
bottle of Anchor™ milk is 
the same goodness that 
nourishes the All Blacks.

OUR  PRIORITIES    |   21  

#GOSTRONGANCHOR.CO.NZ/GOSTRONGPOSSESSION IS EVERYTHING.FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

FINANCIAL 
HIGHLIGHTS

NORMALISED  EBIT (NZD)

974$

M

WE DELIVERED A STRONG 
REBOUND IN PROFITABILITY 
AND THIS IS EXPECTED TO 
CONTINUE. HOWEVER, 
A LOW FARMGATE MILK PRICE 
THIS YEAR HAS BEEN DIFFICULT 
FOR OUR FARMERS. 

22   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

FINAL CASH  PAYOUT

MILK  COLLECTION

$4.65

1,614M KGMS

VOLUME (’000 MT)

REVENUE (NZD)

4,303MT

$18.8B

NET  PROFIT AFTER TAX (NZD)

DIVIDEND  PER  SHARE

$506M

25CPS

Fonterra refers to normalised segment earnings, normalised EBIT, EBIT, 
EBITDA, constant currency variances, normalisation adjustments and 
payout when discussing financial performance. These are non-GAAP 
financial measures and are not prepared in accordance with IFRS. 
Management believes that these measures provide useful information as 
they provide valuable insight on the underlying performance of the business. 
They are used internally to evaluate the underlying performance of business 

units and to analyse trends. These measures are not uniformly defined or 
utilised by all companies. Accordingly, these measures may not be comparable 
with similarly titled measures used by other companies. Non-GAAP financial 
measures should not be viewed in isolation nor considered as a substitute 
for measures reported in accordance with IFRS. Please refer to page 92 for 
the reconciliation of the NZ IFRS measures to the non-GAAP measures 
and for definitions of the non-GAAP measures used by Fonterra.

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   23 

OUR PERFORMANCEGROUP 
OVERVIEW

We delivered a strong rebound 
in profitability and this is expected 
to continue.

9 RETURN 

%

ON CAPITAL
The group return 
on capital of nine per 
cent reflects a strong 
rebound in performance.

OUR STRATEGY OF DELIVERING 
VOLUME AND VALUE ACROSS 
OUR LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC 
MARKETS RESULTED IN A 
STRONG IMPROVEMENT IN 
PROFITABILITY THIS YEAR.

24   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

$974M

NORMALISED 
EBIT
Normalised EBIT 
for the group was 
$974 million, 
almost double 
that of last year.

VOLUME
Sales volume increased nine per cent compared to last year, 
mainly as a result of strong volume growth in our consumer 
and foodservice segment, volume was up four per cent 
across Asia, up 33 per cent in Greater China and more than 
double in Latin America. This was offset to some extent by 
lower volumes in Australian yoghurts and dairy desserts. 

The strong volume growth in Greater China was mainly 
from foodservice and Anchor™ in mainland China with 
the rollout of foodservice across a number of new cities. 
In Asia, the strong volume growth was due to a turnaround 
of business performance in Sri Lanka and combined 
foodservice growth of 11 per cent across the region. 
In Latin America the growth was due to the consolidation 
of DPA Brazil and Venezuela. The growth in consumer 
and foodservice reflects our strategy of moving more 
milk into higher value products.

USEFUL FACT
Liquid milk equivalent (LME) is an 
additional measure of performance 
that allocates an amount of milk to 
dairy products based on the amount of 
fat and protein (milk solids) in the product 
relative to the amount of fat and protein in raw milk. 
Sales volume increased three per cent on an LME 
basis from 22.2 billion to 22.8 billion, with our 
consumer and foodservice segment increasing 
15 per cent to 4.5 billion LME.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015SRI LANKA 
RECOVERY
Part of our recovery plan 
in Sri Lanka involved 
playing a larger role in 
the local dairy industry.

NZD MILLION

Volume (LME, billion)

Volume (‘000 MT)1

Sales revenue 

Gross margin

Gross margin percentage

Operating expenses

Reported EBIT 

Normalised EBIT

Net finance costs

Tax credit

Net profit after tax

Earnings per share (cents)

Adjusted earnings per share2

Dividend per share (cents)

Gearing ratio3

Return on capital4, 5

YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

CHANGE

22.8

4,303

18,845

3,278

17.4%

(2,760)

942

974

(518)

82

506

29

39

25

49.7%

8.9%

22.2

3,965

22,275

2,462

11.1%

(2,210)

503

503

(366)

42

179

10

11

10

42.3%

4.7%

3%

9%

(15%)

33%

–

25%

87%

94%

42%

95%

183%

190%

255%

150%

–

–

1  Excluding consolidation of DPA Brazil and Venezuela of 324,650 MT, like-for-like volume growth was 0.3 per cent. 
2  Adjusted EPS excludes certain non-cash items
3  Gearing ratio is economic interest bearing debt divided by economic net interest bearing debt, plus equity, excluding cashflow hedge reserve.
4  Return on capital is calculated as normalised EBIT, less equity-accounted investees’ earnings, less a notional tax charge divided by capital employed. 

Capital employed excludes brands, goodwill and equity-accounted investments.

5  Return on capital, including brands, goodwill and equity-accounted investments was 6.9 per cent (2014: 4.1 per cent).

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   25 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015GROUP 
OVERVIEW

INCREASE 
IN VOLUME
In Greater China, 
sales volume increased 
by 33 per cent 
compared to last year.

ANCHOR™ 
UNO LAUNCH
New Zealand volume 
benefited from the launch 
of new yoghurt products 
such as Anchor™ Uno 
and Anchor™ Greek.

%

Operating expenses were up four per cent on a like-for-like 
basis, excluding the consolidation of DPA and one-off costs 
of around $100 million relating to the impairment 
of assets in Australia and restructuring across the group. 
The remaining increase was due to the expansion of our 
China business and investment in brands, growth in China 
Farms, increased storage and distribution costs in the 
ingredients business, and higher unallocated group costs 
required to support the global business.

USEFUL FACT 
The new milk powder dryer 
at Lichfield will process 700MT 
of Whole Milk Powder per day.

This was offset to some extent by savings in Australia 
and most markets across Asia where an increased focus 
on costs delivered significant reductions in operating 
expenses. Including the consolidation of the newly acquired 
businesses in Latin America, group operating expenses were 
25 per cent higher. 

33

VALUE
New Zealand ingredients delivered a solid performance 
with significantly improved margins as a result of effective 
optimisation of our mix of products. This resulted in 
normalised EBIT for the ingredients segment increasing 43 
per cent compared to last year1.

A record performance in Asia and China, with volume 
growth and improved margins, supported a 216 per cent 
increase in normalised EBIT from our consumer and 
foodservice segment. We also made good progress on 
building an integrated dairy business in China with a 
strong on-farm performance, in a challenging domestic 
milk price environment. 

Performance strengthened in the second half where 
normalised EBIT was $498 million higher than the second 
half last year. This resulted in normalised EBIT for the 
group of $974 million, almost double that of the prior year, 
and in line with more normal levels.

The group result was impacted by an adverse product mix 
in our Australian ingredients business and lower returns 
from our Australian consumer business. However, we 
made good progress delivering strong volume growth in 
domestic foodservice and we have implemented a number 
of initiatives across the Australian business to help 
improve margins. 

1  Normalised EBIT for Ingredients excludes unallocated costs.

26   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NZD

$ MILLION

CENTS

Normalised earnings before interest and tax

  DPA

Interest

  Other

Adjusted net profit after tax (NPAT)

  Financial instruments (non-cash finance costs)

 Australian yoghurt and dairy desserts 
(non-cash impairment)

  DPA and hyperinflation

Profit after tax attributable to equity shareholders

  Minorities (share of earnings)

Profit after tax attributable to equity shareholders

Dividend 65% of adjusted NPAT

974

100

(427)

(26)

621

(138)

(77)

60

466

40

506

–

61

6

(27)

(1)

39

(9)

(5)

4

29

3

32

25

PROFIT AVAILABLE 
FOR DISTRIBUTION
Our dividend policy 
is to pay out 65-75 per cent 
of adjusted net profit after tax 
over time. This is based on 
an adjusted earnings per share 
of 39 cents per share. 

The tax credit was higher than last year mainly due to the 
tax effect of a higher dividend this year, and also as a result 
of additional tax credits recognised in Australia. 

The group return on capital of 8.9 per cent reflects a 
strong rebound in performance. Despite the significant 
volatility in dairy prices, the ingredients business delivered a 
return on capital of 9.3 per cent. In addition, 
the consumer and foodservice segment delivered a 
return on capital of 25.5 per cent. This is well above the 
ingredients return, reflecting the improved margins this 
year as well as the strength of our global brands.

Our dividend policy is to pay out 65–75 per cent of 
adjusted NPAT over time. In the calculation of the 
dividend, NPAT has been adjusted for certain non-
cash items that were included in line with accounting 
standards. The total dividend payment for the year of 
25 cents per share is 65 per cent of adjusted NPAT 
of $621 million or 39 cents per share. 

STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS
We made a number of strategic investments during the 
year, building capacity in our home base of New Zealand 
and building a dairy business in China, our key market. 
These are positioning us well for the future.

Our investments include developing capacity and 
optionality in our home base with a spend of around 
$900 million, building an integrated dairy business 
in China, investing around $750 million in a global 
partnership with Beingmate and capital expenditure 
of $364 million for the development of new farms and 
livestock purchases.

We have also used the underlying strength of the 
Co-operative to support our farmers during tough times 
by accelerating the Advance Rate Payments, resulting in 
a higher proportion of the forecast Farmgate Milk Price 
being paid out at the balance date.

As a result of the Advance Rate, our debt at balance date 
was $900 million higher than it would have been and was 
the main reason for cash interest increasing by $95 million 
to $427 million. In addition, included in finance costs is a 
non-cash item relating to hedging interest in future periods. 

These initiatives have led to additional funding 
requirements, resulting in a gearing ratio of 49.7 per cent. 
This was in line with our expectations. Adjusting for the 
accelerated Advance Rate, which has only had a temporary 
impact on the balance sheet, gearing would have been 
46.4 per cent.

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   27 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
 
INGREDIENTS

The ingredients segment represents the 
ingredients businesses in New Zealand, 
Australia and Latin America. This segment 
also includes Fonterra Farm Source™ 
(formerly RD1), a rural supplies retailer 
in New Zealand.

$973M

NORMALISED 
EBIT
Ingredients segment 
normalised EBIT was 
up  43 per cent  
compared to last year.

OUR NEW ZEALAND 
INGREDIENTS BUSINESS 
DELIVERED A SOLID 
PERFORMANCE. THIS WAS 
MAINLY DUE TO IMPROVED 
MARGINS WHICH WERE 
UP $264 MILLION.

We adjusted our product mix away from 
reference products such as Whole Milk 
Powder towards non-reference products 
such as cheese and casein and took 
advantage of better pricing opportunities 
in Japan and the United States.

ADDITIONAL 
CAPACITY
We have invested  
our capital prudently, 
including at our Pahiatua 
and Edendale plants, 
both due for completion 
this year.

This, together with our differentiated product and service 
offerings, resulted in an improved second half and full-
year normalised EBIT for the ingredients segment of $973 
million, up 43 per cent compared to last year. This was 
partially offset by an adverse product mix in ingredients 
manufactured in Australia as a result of lower sales of 
nutritionals and the fire at our Stanhope cheese factory. 

Despite significant volatility in dairy prices, the ingredients 
segment delivered a return on capital of 9.3 per cent.

MILK COLLECTION 
Milk collection across New Zealand for the 2014/15 season 
to 31 May 2015 was 1,614 million kgMS, up two per cent 
compared to the previous season. New Zealand farmers 
experienced varied conditions across the country with the 
mild winter and spring ensuring that the season started 
well, but the hot summer resulted in a drought being 
declared in the South Island by mid-February. However, this 
was followed by rain in March supporting pasture growth 
ending the season with good growth in milk supply. 

Milk collection in Australia, our second largest milk pool, 
was up five per cent at 127 million kgMS. Tasmanian 
production grew by four per cent due to strong rainfall 
through the year and continued structural expansion in 
new farms and irrigation investment. Market share declined 
slightly in Northern Victoria as new entrants provided 
aggressive fixed price offers to suppliers.

28   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015PRODUCT MIX
We adjusted our 
product mix to take 
advantage of better 
pricing opportunities 
in the global 
marketplace.

NZD MILLION

Volume (LME, billion)

Volume (‘000 MT)

Revenue 

Total gross margin

– New Zealand product mix

New Zealand reference products

New Zealand non-reference products

– Australia ingredients

– Other gross margin

Normalised EBIT¹

Gross margin per MT 

Reference products ($ per MT)

Non-reference products ($ per MT)

Return on capital2

YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

CHANGE

21.5

2,982

14,341

1,562

1,343

729

614

(27)

246

973

376

980

9.3%

21.7

3,052

19,553

1,325

1,079

1,067

12

118

128

679

542

23

5.6%

(1%)

(2%)

(27%)

18%

24%

(32%)

–

–

92%

43%

(31%)

–

–

1   Normalised EBIT for Ingredients excludes unallocated costs.
2  Return on capital is calculated as normalised EBIT, less equity-accounted investees’ earnings, less a notional royalty charge for use of the group’s brands, less a notional tax charge, 

divided by capital employed. Capital employed excludes brands, goodwill and equity-accounted investments.

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   29 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015INGREDIENTS

NEW ZEALAND INGREDIENTS 
REVENUE AND VOLUME

YEAR 
ENDED 
31 JULY 2015

YEAR 
ENDED 

31 JULY 2014 CHANGE

Sales volume (‘000 MT)

Reference products

Non-reference products¹

Production volume (‘000 MT)

Reference products

Non-reference products

Revenue per MT NZD

Reference products

Non-reference products¹

1,939

626

2,009

682

3,826

5,831

1,970

(2%)

522

20%

2,037

593

(1%)

15%

5,386

(29%)

7,064

(17%)

1  Sales volume and revenue excludes bulk liquid milk. The annual bulk milk volume for 

the 2015 financial year was 67,000 MT.

PERFORMANCE
Our New Zealand ingredients business manufactures five 
commodity products that inform the Farmgate Milk Price. 
These are referred to as reference products and all other 
products are referred to as non-reference products. The 
relative difference between reference product prices and 
non-reference product prices can impact our gross margin.

Product mix in our New Zealand ingredients business includes 
the returns from both reference and non-reference products.

The ingredients segment sales volume was two per cent 
lower at three million MT as a result of lower sales of dairy 
ingredients to China, largely offset by higher sales in other 
regions. Revenue was 27 per cent down, reflecting the 
36 per cent lower dairy prices compared to last year. 

The product mix gross margin in our New Zealand 
ingredients business was up 24 per cent to $1,343 million, 
$264 million higher than last year. We successfully 
optimised our product mix by taking advantage of the 
change in relative commodity prices and adjusting our 
product mix away from WMP towards non-reference 
products such as cheese and casein. 

With the change in global demand dynamics, we increased 
sales to customers outside Greater China. We also 
successfully grew our volume of offshore government 
tenders. Gross margin increased, reflecting the value 
proposition of our ingredients products and services for 
global customers in various dairy applications. 

30   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

PRODUCT 
PERFORMANCE
Our New Zealand 
ingredients business 
delivered a solid 
performance.

Reference products delivered a gross margin of $729 million, 
which compares to $1,067 million in the prior year. Last year, 
reference product margins benefited significantly from the 
adjustment to the Farmgate Milk Price and without that, 
gross margin for reference products would have been higher 
than last year. In addition, significant falls in dairy prices had 
a negative impact on early season margins.

Gross margin for non-reference products increased 
significantly to $614 million compared to $12 million last 
year. This was mainly due to favourable relative pricing and 
the change in mix towards non-reference products. Last 
year, margins for non-reference products were extremely 
low due to unprecedented relative price movements of 
reference products compared to non-reference products. 

USEFUL FACT 
With the change in global demand 
dynamics, we increased sales to  
customers outside Greater China.  
We also successfully grew our volume  
of offshore government tenders.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
9.3

%

RETURN ON 
CAPITAL
The ingredients segment 
delivered a return on 
capital of 9.3 per cent.

Ingredients manufactured in Australia returned a gross 
margin loss of $27 million as a result of an adverse product 
mix due to lower sales of nutritionals and the fire at our 
Stanhope cheese factory in December 2014. In addition, 
the loss of production impacted our ability to match the 
market price for milk in Australia. The lower revenue 
was set against a relatively high domestic milk price in 
Australia, reflecting an intensely competitive market for 
milk supply. 

We are taking steps to address product mix issues, including 
investigating the rebuilding of the Stanhope cheese facility. 
Post balance date we also signed a paediatrics supply 
agreement with a customer for our Darnum plant. Together 
with our Beingmate partnership, this will ensure Darnum 
returns to producing higher-value nutritionals.

Other factors influencing gross margin includes liquid 
milk, global sourcing, Fonterra Farm Source™ stores, 
Prolesur, global supply chain and peak milk costs. Returns 
from liquid milk were higher than last year due to 
quarterly fixed pricing in a falling milk price environment. 
Strong milk production through the peak collection 
period, combined with capacity constraints, resulted in 
some additional transport costs and inefficient processing. 
However, these peak costs of $59 million were 21 per cent 
lower than last year as a result of additional investment in 
plant and operational efficiencies.

Operating expenses in New Zealand ingredients were 
$46 million higher primarily due to additional storage 
requirements in New Zealand and offshore. Our factory 
profit improvement plan in Australia has delivered 
$31 million in cost savings over the past two years.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
We have invested our capital prudently, spending around 
$900 million in our home base in New Zealand primarily 
on maintenance, additional capacity and optionality. 
This includes the Pahiatua powder dryer and the Edendale 
expansion, which includes a new Milk Protein Concentrate 
(MPC) plant, a reverse osmosis plant and an Anhydrous 
Milk Fat plant. Both expansions are due for completion 
this year. This additional capacity also benefits our 
consumer and foodservice business with investments 
in mozzarella at Clandeboye, slice-on-slice cheese at 
Eltham and ultra-heat treated (UHT) at Waitoa. 

USEFUL FACT 
Our factory profit improvement 
plan in Australia has delivered 
$31 million in cost savings over 
the past two years.

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   31 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NZMP™ 
INGREDIENTS
LEADERSHIP

We are the world’s largest exporter 
of dairy ingredients.

NZMP™ IS THE DAIRY 
INGREDIENTS BRAND 
OF FONTERRA. 

Fonterra is renowned for pure natural 
goodness, stringent quality assurance 
systems and world-leading expertise 
in agri-science.

Using the best of Fonterra know-how and 
processes, NZMP™ ingredients give our customers 
a natural advantage.

Trusted globally, NZMP™ ingredients can be found 
at the heart of some of the world’s most famous 
food and nutrition brands. 

32   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

THOUSANDS OF INGREDIENTS
NZMP™ has the broadest range in the dairy industry – 
we provide thousands of solutions to meet the needs 
of our customers every day. 

That range spans from highest-quality core ingredients, 
such as milk powders and butter through to functional 
ingredients, like specialised proteins for sports and 
nutritional products. 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015PIONEERING 
PARTNERS

NZMP™ captures a pioneering 
spirit that goes back more than 
40 years.

Today, our work with new and 
long-standing customers sees us 
export to more than 100 countries.

Our global availability gives 
customers access to supply security 
that only comes from partnering with 
the world’s largest dairy exporter.

Every day, our people, products 
and innovation combine to take 
the best of dairy to the world.

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   33 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CONSUMER AND 
FOODSERVICE

The consumer and foodservice segment 
represents the consumer brands businesses 
and foodservice businesses in Oceania, Asia, 
Greater China and Latin America.

$

NORMALISED EBIT
Our consumer and 
foodservice business 
delivered a strong result 
with normalised EBIT, 
up 216 per cent compared 
to last year.

M

OUR CONSUMER AND 
FOODSERVICE SEGMENT 
DELIVERED A STRONG RESULT 
WITH NORMALISED EBIT OF 
$408 MILLION, UP 216 PER CENT 
COMPARED TO LAST YEAR.

This performance resulted in a return 
on capital of 25.5 per cent, which was well 
above the return from our ingredients 
business, reflecting the contribution from 
the higher-value branded products. 

34   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

The growth in normalised EBIT was mainly due to a record 
performance from our key markets of Asia and Greater 
China, with a strong volume increase. In addition, lower 
input costs for Asia, Greater China and New Zealand (the 
regions that source their product from New Zealand) 
improved margins significantly. 

In Asia, foodservice delivered combined volume growth 
across the region of 11 per cent, mainly in butter, UHT cream 
and cheese. In Australia our domestic foodservice business 
increased volumes by 10 per cent after five years of flat volume.

We have implemented a number of initiatives to improve 
margins in our Australia consumer business. We have 
taken a $108 million write-down of the yoghurt and dairy 
desserts assets reflecting the continuing challenges in that 
business’s market environment.

VOLUME
In line with our strategy to increase volumes across our 
consumer and foodservice segment, we achieved like-for-like 
volume growth of three per cent. In Asia and Greater China 
volumes were up four per cent and 33 per cent respectively, 
contributing to a volume driven increase in normalised EBIT 
of $41 million. The strong volume growth in Greater China 
was mainly from foodservice and Anchor™ in China. The 
foodservice business was rolled out into 11 new cities in 
the second half in addition to the two new cities in the first 
half, taking the total to 40. The growth in foodservice was 
supported by the launch of our new foodservice application 
centre in Shanghai in November, and the development of 
three others across China. 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FOODSERVICE 
VOLUME 
GROWTH
In Asia, foodservice 
delivered combined 
volume growth of 11 per 
cent across the region, 
mainly in butter, UHT 

cream and cheese.%11

NZD MILLION

Volume (LME, billion)

Volume (‘000 MT)

Sales revenue 

Normalised EBIT

Return on capital1

YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

CHANGE

4.5

1,685

6,701

408

25.5%

3.9

1,325

5,321

129

5.9%

15%

27%

26%

216%

–

1  Return on capital is calculated as normalised EBIT, less equity-accounted investees’ earnings, less a notional royalty charge for use of the group’s brands, less a notional tax charge, 

divided by capital employed. Capital employed excludes brands, goodwill and equity-accounted investments.

NORMALISED EBIT: KEY PERFORMANCE DRIVERS1
NZD MILLION

Normalised EBIT year ended 31 July 2014

Volume

Price

Cost of goods sold

Operating expenses

Other

Normalised EBIT year ended 31 July 2015

NORMALISED EBIT

129

41

(67)

284

43

(22)

408

1  The impact on volume and revenue due to the consolidation of DPA Brazil and Venezuela is not included in the price, volume and COGS rows of the table, but is included in ‘other’ 

to ensure those reflect the underlying performance of the business.

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   35 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CONSUMER AND 
FOODSERVICE

CONSUMER AND FOODSERVICE PERFORMANCE

VOLUME (‘000MT)

NORMALISED EBIT ($M)

31 JULY 
2015

31 JULY 
2014

CHANGE

31 JULY 
2015

31 JULY 
2014

CHANGE

2015 
RETURN 
ON 
CAPITAL

Consumer and foodservice

1,685

1,325

Oceania

Asia

Greater China

Latin America

619

284

122

660

631

274

92

328

27%

(2%)

4%

33%

101%

408

51

202

45

110

129

(24)

51

8

94

216% 25.5%

–

5.0%

296%

463%

17%

96.2%

71.5%

18.6%

PERFORMANCE 
HIGHLIGHTS
Return on capital increased 
to 25.5 per cent reflecting 
a record performance from 
Asia and Greater China.

Volumes for the combined DPA Brazil and Venezuela 
businesses were 324,650 MT. DPA Brazil and our consumer 
business in Venezuela have been fully consolidated in our 
accounts for the first time. This inclusion is a key reason for 
the increase in volume and revenue compared to the prior 
period. In total volume was up 27 per cent compared to last 
year at 1.7 million MT. 

Our brands business in China is well-positioned both in-
store and in the top e-retailers such as T-mall. The rollout of 
Anchor™ in China continues with market share growth in the 
Yangtze River Delta region and in the North. The distribution of 
Anmum™ infant formula through Beingmate is now underway 
and the first shipments landed in China in June 2015. 
Beingmate has an extensive distribution and sales network 
with significant growth potential and the company continues 
to pursue a leading position in the China infant formula market.

In Asia, the strong volume growth was due to a turnaround 
of business performance in Sri Lanka and foodservice 
growth across all our markets. In key markets such as 
Indonesia, Middle-East and the Philippines, we achieved 
double digit growth. This reflects our successful foodservice 
strategy that is focused on three main channels across our 
leadership and strategic markets, with particularly strong 
growth in the Italian kitchen and Asian bakery channels.

This volume growth was offset somewhat by Oceania, 
with Australia having lower volumes in yoghurt and 
dairy desserts. Australia delivered some good volume 
growth in Western Star™ butter, up nine per cent, and 
Tamar Valley™ yoghurt, up 62 per cent. New Zealand 

had domestic volume growth from foodservice and the 
launch of new yoghurt products such as Anchor Uno™ and 
Anchor™ Greek.

Our Australian domestic foodservice business achieved 10 
per cent volume growth compared to the same time last year, 
after five years of flat sales. This is a strong result given the 
market’s maturity and aggressive competitive environment.

Our new beverages plant at Cobden has been commissioned 
and was officially opened in September. 

PERFORMANCE
Normalised EBIT for the consumer and foodservice segment 
was up 216 per cent to $408 million.

Our pricing strategy delivered higher margins while 
maintaining market share. In Latin America we managed price 
increases in Chile and the Caribbean while increasing volume 
in Chile and maintaining market share in the Caribbean. 
In China, trade spend is required to support the consumer 
business and grow volume and market share as competition 
increases and this impacted margins to some extent. 

The fall in dairy ingredients pricing benefited our consumer 
and foodservice businesses in Asia and China, where products 
are sourced from New Zealand. Input costs were significantly 
lower in these markets and in New Zealand consumer and 
foodservice, increasing gross margin by $284 million. 

This was offset to some extent by milk prices in Chile that 
were around two per cent higher on average than last year, 
as movements in raw milk prices in Chile tend to lag global 

36   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015ITALIAN KITCHEN
Our successful foodservice 
strategy is focused on three 
main channels across our 
leadership and strategic 
markets, with particularly 
strong growth in the  
Italian kitchen channel.

commodity prices. The local price was also impacted by the 
drought in the south of the country. Input costs in Latin 
America increased as a result of the cost of locally sourced 
products for Soprole, partially offset by the lower cost of 
New Zealand-sourced products into the Caribbean.

Although milk prices remained high in Australia, on 
average they were slightly lower than last year. The change 
in product mix in Australia consumer and foodservice 
meant that more product was sourced from New Zealand 
where input costs were more aligned to global dairy prices. 

USEFUL FACT 
In Australia, Fonterra was 
named #1 preferred supplier 
to Coles, climbing from 33.

Operating expenses were lower in Asia and Australia, 
where continued focus on spend led to further reductions 
in operating costs. This was offset to some extent by 
increased investment in our China consumer business, 
due to increased distribution, advertising and promotional 
spend to support business growth. 

In Asia, we made good progress on delivering our strategy. 
Part of our recovery plan in Sri Lanka involved our 
commitment to play a larger role in the local dairy industry 
and in May we launched a new flavoured Anchor™ UHT 

milk for children. The launch has been a great success 
helping us to generate additional volume and value in 
this growth segment. 

In Indonesia the powder blending and packaging plant in 
West Java was completed with the first commercial run 
in June 2015. The plant has the capacity to produce more 
than 100,000 packs per day of Anlene™, Anmum™ and 
Anchor™ Boneeto, and has the potential to expand to 
meet the fast-growing demand in Indonesia.

In Latin America a number of initiatives were implemented 
in Soprole to offset the negative impact of the economic 
environment in Chile. We also delivered ongoing cost 
reductions and expense control. In Brazil, we launched a 
number of new products including Chandelle Chantilly – 
Brazilian market innovation, Greek yoghurt unitary pots,  
and products within the children’s category. The launch  
was supported by a successful trade marketing roadshow. 

In Australia, we continued to improve on delivery to 
customers. A significant achievement was Fonterra 
being named the number one preferred supplier to 
Coles, climbing from a ranking of 33 last year. Australia 
foodservice was also rated as the top dairy supplier for 
one of our major customers. These were achieved as a 
result of improved cross-function collaboration resulting 
in improvements across key metrics such as delivered 
in full, on time, forecasting accuracy, reduction in days 
cover and sales growth. 

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   37 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015WE HAVE 
A WINNING 
FOODSERVICE MODEL

We have a winning foodservice 
model that has the potential to 
rapidly grow into a $3.4 billion 
business by 2020.

ASIA PACIFIC AND LATIN AMERICA ARE 
THE FASTEST-GROWING GEOGRAPHIES 
IN THE GLOBAL FOODSERVICE MARKET 
AND WE ARE THE LEADING DAIRY 
FOODSERVICE PROVIDER IN THE 
ASIA PACIFIC REGION WITH ABOUT 
15 PER CENT SHARE OF SALES. 

We have a growth strategy that focuses on solutions 
for three specific types of foodservice businesses.

Our sales to  
Global Quick 
Service Restaurant 
(QSR) brands are 
forecast to grow 
to $750 million 
by 2020.

 Italian kitchen 
sales are forecast 
to grow by nearly 
30 per cent per 
annum to 2020.

Our sales to 
Asian bakeries are 
forecast to grow to 
$1 billion by 2020.

Most of our Anchor™ 
foodservice products are 
derived from our New Zealand 
farmers’ milk. Anchor™ brings 
the goodness of natural 
New Zealand dairy to 
consumers throughout the 
Asia Pacific region.

38   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015TAKING 
OUR BEST TO  
THE WORLD

More than $150 billion of dairy 
products are purchased by 
foodservice businesses every 
year and with annual growth 
of six per cent it is growing faster 
than the overall food industry. 

GLOBAL QUICK SERVICE 
RESTAURANTS

>   Our dairy solutions are used in burgers, 
pizzas, soft-serve ice creams, frappes/
smoothies and coffee beverages for some  
of the leading global QSR brands.

>   These brands are benefiting from the 
growth in western-style dining across 
the emerging markets in Asia. We are the 
largest supplier of shredded mozzarella 
cheese and slice-on-slice processed 
cheese to global QSR brands in the Asia 
Pacific region.

ITALIAN KITCHEN

ASIAN BAKERY

>   Our products including Anchor™ Extra 

Yield Culinary Cream and Anchor™ Extra 
Stretch Mozzarella Cheese are used in 
pasta and pizzas, which are the core 
offerings in most Italian-style restaurants.

>   Pizza/pasta is the fastest growing 

>   Our products such as Anchor™ Bakery 
Butters, Anchor™ Cream Cheese and 
Anchor™ Extra Whip Cream are used 
in croissants, pastries, cheesecakes and 
cream cakes, which are core offerings 
in nearly every bakery in Asia.

western-style dining concept in Asia.

>   Asian bakeries are the largest dairy 

>   Our dairy solutions for Italian kitchen save 
operators’ time, and reduce wastage and 
variability during the cooking process. 

foodservice channel in Asia.

>   Fonterra dairy solutions deliver benefits 
including superior texture and improved 
taste in cheesecakes, cream cakes and 
pastries and higher whipping yields in 
cream cakes.

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   39 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015INTERNATIONAL 
FARMING

International Farming represents 
the international farming 
operations in China.

164,000MT

MILK 
VOLUME
Sales volume for 
the year increased 
by 64 per cent.

FARMING HUBS ARE 
A KEY COMPONENT TO 
OUR STRATEGY TO BECOME 
A MORE INTEGRATED BUSINESS 
IN CHINA.

We have two farming hubs with a total of seven farms 
producing safe, high-quality raw milk. A typical hub 
accommodates approximately 16,000 milking cows, 
consisting of three to five farms in one region. A single farm 
can accommodate up to 3,500 milking cows while a double 
farm has capacity of up to 7,000 milking cows. In total we 
have 25,000 milking cows, as well as 29,000 heifers and 
calves across all our farms in China, supporting our growth. 

China is a key strategic market 
for Fonterra and we are committed 
to participating in the development 
of the local dairy industry.

USEFUL FACT 
At full capacity the Ying hub 
and Yutian hub can each produce 
200 million litres per annum.

Sales volume of raw milk for the year increased to 164,000 
MT largely due to additional capacity coming online. This 
equates to 12 million kgMS of milk produced for the year. 

40   |   OUR PERFORMANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FARMING 
HUBS
We have made 
good progress 
in building an 
integrated dairy 
business in China.

The current result reflects both the development 
phase and adverse market conditions in the latter half 
of the financial year, with a normalised EBIT loss of 
$44 million. The main contributing factors were farm 
development costs, the fall in the milk price in China 
and a decrease in fair valuation in livestock, partially 
offset by significant operational efficiencies. As we develop 
farming hubs we benefit from economies of scale through 
purchasing of feed and staffing, both administration 
and farm management.

We are in a position where we can optimise our on-farm 
production. We are managing our farms to maximise 
profitability in the low milk price environment. 

In the prior period the livestock values saw a significant 
uplift reflecting milk price and the herd profile 
assumptions at the time. The revaluation gain in the prior 
period was not repeated this year. For the full year, there 
was a revaluation loss of $3 million.

Future investments in China farms may include funding 
from strategic partners as well as Fonterra, enabling future 
and continued integration.

In total, capital expenditure for the year was $364 million. 
These funds were used for the expansion of Fonterra’s Ying 
and Yutian Hubs in addition to the ongoing construction 
of the farm effluent treatment systems. The total spend 
includes the purchase of livestock.

NZD MILLION

Volume (LME, billion)

Volume (‘000 MT)

Sales revenue 

Normalised EBIT

YEAR 
ENDED 
31 JULY 2015

YEAR 
ENDED 

31 JULY 2014 CHANGE

0.2

164

141

(44)

0.1

100

103

21

100%

64%

37%

–

OUR PERFORMANCE    |   41 

OUR PERFORMANCEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

A STRONG 
CO-OPERATIVE

Throughout the year, our farmers 
have made the most of the unity 
and strength of our Co-op.

$

FONTERRA 
FARM SOURCE™ 
REWARDS 
DOLLARS
Currently, over 
9,000 farmers 
have generated 
$4 million Fonterra 
Farm Source™  
Rewards Dollars.

M

WE DEVELOPED AND 
ROLLED OUT FONTERRA 
FARM SOURCE™ THIS 
YEAR TO PROVIDE NEW 
LEVELS OF REWARDS, 
SERVICE, INFORMATION, 
FINANCIAL OPTIONS 
AND LOCAL SUPPORT 
FOR OUR FARMERS.

42   |   OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

CO-OPERATIVE 
SUPPORT 
Fonterra Co-operative 
Support provides 
50 cents for every 
share-backed kgMS 
produced.

Our aim was to help farmers take their farming business  
from strength to strength, to give them the benefit of local 
ears and eyes in their region and access to practical benefits, 
such as discounts on farming basics and access to group  
buying benefits. This is all about solutions, not problems, using 
the strength of the Co-operative to do more for our farmers.

At another level, we worked hard to simplify our farmers’ 
dealings with us. These include sharing-up options which 
give more time to back milk with shares, and a dividend 
reinvestment plan.

CONNECTING FARMERS
We have seven regional heads 
providing farmers with easy 
connections to their Co-operative.

We developed our Fonterra Co-operative Support package, 
which enables farmer shareholders to apply for an interest-free 
loan of 50 cents for every share-backed kgMS produced from 
1 June to 31 December 2015. The loan will be interest-free 
until 31 May 2017, after which Fonterra may charge interest. 
The loan will be repayable directly from milk payments, and 
automatic repayments will occur when Total Advance Rate 
Payments exceed $6.00.

SENIOR SUPPORT IN THE REGIONS
 > We have seven regional heads in place, working with 

farmers to provide accurate information on the Co-op and 
speeding up the decision-making process for our farmers.
 > These are senior people with extensive experience in the 
Co-operative and the skills to provide our farmers with 
the advice they need at a local level.

 > They lead the many people we have working with 

farmers from Area Managers, Service Centres, and the 
Vat Assets team, to staff in our stores and our Sustainable 
Dairying Advisors.

 > Feedback from farmers is that they value the new levels 
of support and advice the regional heads are providing.

INFORMATION AT 
FARMERS’ FINGERTIPS
 > Insights from the regions are helping us advance our digital 
strategy, so farmers can expect more facts, figures and 
useful information from us, direct to their smartphones.
 > Our Fonterra Farm Source™ app gives farmers easy access 
to farm production data, tanker arrival estimates, farm 
supply deals and Co-op updates.

 > We already have approximately 7,500 users.
 > We also rolled out our My Co-op app, which gives farmers 

instant access to Fonterra news via their mobile. 

THE FONTERRA 
FARM SOURCE™ 
APP
Our app gives 7,500 
farmers information 
at their fingertips. 

$4 MILLION IN REWARDS DOLLARS
 > Our Fonterra Farm Source™ store network has grown 
market share by offering very competitive terms on 
farming necessities and reward purchases.

 > Currently, over 9,000 farmers have generated $4 million 
Fonterra Farm Source™ Rewards Dollars, which can 
be redeemed for a range of products or Fonterra Farm 
Source™ vouchers.

 > Fonterra Farm Source’s ability to respond to farmer needs 
was stepped up as the payout declined, with support 
including interest-free extended credit on farm basics 
and concessions on feed contracts.

MYMILK™ – MORE MILK
 > The MyMilk™ initiative offers farmers the opportunity 
to supply Fonterra for up to five seasons before having 
the option to share up.

 > MyMilk™ is delivering on target.
 > Suppliers can shift to share ownership and full 

membership of the Co-op.

OUR   CO-OPERATIVE   |   43

OUR   CO-OPERATIVEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015SUSTAINABILITY 
AND SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY

For Fonterra and our farmers, operating 
responsibly means taking ownership for 
the impacts of our decisions on society 
and the environment.

%

STOCK  
EXCLUSION
98 per cent of defined 
waterways on mapped 
farms were stock-
excluded, up from 95 per 
cent reported last year.

IT’S ABOUT BEHAVING 
TRANSPARENTLY, 
ETHICALLY, AND  
THINKING FOR THE  
LONG TERM. 
IT’S ALSO ABOUT RESPECTING 
THE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES 
OF EVERYONE WHO HAS A 
LINK TO OUR CO-OPERATIVE, 
AND THE COMMUNITIES 
WHERE WE LIVE, WORK 
AND FARM.

Global demand for food is set to grow as the population is 
estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 20501. This demand growth 
must be met against a backdrop of limited resources, climate-
related changes to global ecosystems, and consumers who are 
increasingly interested in the way their food is produced. 

EMBEDDING A RESPONSIBLE 
AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
During the past year we have further embedded our approach 
to monitoring our sustainability performance globally. 

This has reinforced a range of topics that matter both to our 
stakeholders and our Co-operative success, including water, 
nutrition, food safety, climate change, efficient use of natural 
resources, and biosecurity.

We found many areas where we’re already performing well, 
or where improvement plans are in place. In other areas we 
now have an enhanced register of target improvements. 
Times are tough, but operating responsibly and sustainably 
is a necessity. We may need to adjust the pace of investment 
and change, but our commitment is clear – our responsibilities 
must be embedded in the way we do things.

1  United Nations World Population Prospects, 2015.
2  This includes approximately 535km of waterways and 35 stock crossing points 

with dispensations, primarily due to management plans achieving stock exclusion 
through a temporary or natural barrier. Taranaki farms are excluded from these 
statistics as they are covered by the Regional Council programme. 99 per cent  
of all other farms have been mapped.

3  OVERSEER® is owned by the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Fertiliser 

Association and AgResearch.

44   |   OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015SUSTAINABLE 
SUPPORT
We’re actively 
supporting our 
farmers’ sustainable 
farming practices 
with our Supply 
Fonterra programme.

76%

PARTICIPATION
76 per cent of our 
farmers participated in 
nutrient management 
assessment.

SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING
New Zealand
Our farmers are committed to building an industry that’s 
sustainable and resilient, particularly when faced with 
challenges. Together, we continue to use New Zealand’s dairy 
expertise and natural resources to produce dairy products that 
are trusted around the world. This will benefit our farmers and 
the Co-operative, and deliver an industry that is an asset to 
New Zealand and the countries in which we farm.

Supply Fonterra
We are supporting our farmers’ sustainable farming practices 
with our Supply Fonterra programme. It supports farmers in 
future-proofing their farming operations by helping them to 
meet regulatory requirements and achieve environmental, 
food safety and animal welfare expectations. 

Annual Farm Dairy and Environmental Assessments measure 
each farm’s sustainability performance. These demonstrate the 
real progress and investment made by our farmers. In some 
cases, where further improvements are needed, plans are 
developed with our farmers to help them get there.

Over the 2014/15 season, our farmers continued to make clear 
progress and total identified risks reduced by nine per cent. 

Waterway Management
We are signatories to the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord, 
an industry-wide commitment to a set of national benchmarks 
aimed at lifting environmental performance on dairy farms. 

The Accord has targets for effluent management, nutrient 
management, water use efficiency and waterway management, 
including stock exclusion and riparian management.

Our farmers have continued to make progress towards the 
commitment to have stock excluded from 100 per cent of all 
defined waterways by 31 May 2017. At the end of July 2015, 
98 per cent (24,352 kilometres) of defined waterways on 
mapped farms were stock-excluded2, up from 95 per cent 
reported last year. In addition, 99.4 per cent of regular water 
crossings have now been bridged or culverted. 

Nitrogen Management
Nitrogen Management aims to reduce the impact of dairying 
on ground and surface water. In the past year our farmers have 
taken the time to record detailed information that allows us to 
produce farm reports for them using the OVERSEER® nutrient 
management tool3. These reports detail nitrogen leaching risk, 
nitrogen conversion efficiency and let farmers compare their 
performance to other farms in the region. 

We have seen strong participation from our farmers, with 76 
per cent completing an assessment in the past year, up from 
59 per cent in the 2013/14 season. Our farmers continue to 
demonstrate leadership and their commitment in this area. 
While behind the target timeline, our Sustainable Dairying 
Advisors have provided an enhanced service this year to 
help with the process. This includes identifying potential 
efficiency gains and scenario analysis to predict the positive 
impact of farmer-driven changes on nitrogen loss, helping the 
environment and saving on-farm costs.

OUR   CO-OPERATIVE   |   45

OUR   CO-OPERATIVEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015SUSTAINABILITY 
AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

0.7

0.6

0.65

M
C
P
F
G
K
/
e
-
2

O
C
G
K

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0

0.64

0.63

0.64

0.62

0.11

0.12

0.03

0.12 0.12

0.05

0.11

0.12

0.04

0.12

0.13

0.05

0.11

0.12

0.04

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

GREENHOUSE GAS 
EMISSION TRENDS 
NZ MILK PRODUCTION
kg/CO2-e/kgFPCM

The 2013/14 full lifecycle 
estimate of greenhouse gas 
animal emissions intensity was 
the lowest result in  10 years.

Animal emissions

Other on-farm

Land use change

Brought-in feeds

Sustainable dairying in Australia
In Australia, we have around 1,200 farmer suppliers across 
New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Through Fonterra 
SupportCrew™ we make a team of specialists available to 
farmers, with experience across sustainability, finance, nutrition 
and agronomy, human resource management and milk quality.

Since launching in 2013, SupportCrew™ has identified an 
average annual saving of AUD$2,400 per farm for 285 farmers 
through electricity tariff reviews; completed 238 on-farm 
environmental projects; and initiated a further 44. 

Once these projects are completed, almost 25 per cent of our 
Australian suppliers will have participated in at least one on-farm 
environmental project. Benefits include energy and water savings 
from automation, soil health improvement, effluent recovery 
or milk cooling optimisation. To deliver these projects, farmers’ 
investments have been supported by the Australian Government’s 
Carbon Farming Futures programme, Barwon Water and 
Natural Resource Management (NRM) North in Tasmania.
Carbon footprint of New Zealand milk
The 2013/14 full lifecycle estimate of greenhouse gas emissions 
for New Zealand milk to the farm gate was 0.90 kilograms 
of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of fat-and-protein-
corrected milk (kg CO2-e/kg FPCM), or 11.68 kilograms of 
carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of milk solids (kg 
CO2-e/kg MS). This was a four per cent decrease from the 
2012/13 season and at 0.62kg CO2-e/kgMS, was the lowest 

animal emissions intensity in 10 years. The reduction was 
primarily associated with increased productivity on farm, 
including increased milk production per cow, but also due to 
a small decrease in the emissions associated with nitrogen 
fertiliser use, supplementary feeds and land use change4.

SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
Fonterra’s largest manufacturing footprint is in New Zealand, 
with Australia our second largest asset base. Together these 
represent more than 95 per cent of our raw milk supply.

Efficiently managing our raw materials and waste means 
we can minimise our environmental impacts, better protect 
our food safety and quality, and will also lead to production 
efficiencies and reduced costs.
New Zealand and Australia
Emissions
Our manufacturing greenhouse gas emission intensity reduced 
0.4 per cent from 0.6125 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent 
per tonne of production in 2013/14 to 0.609 tonnes CO2-e/
tonne in 2014/15.

While our overall energy intensity performance is similar to 
last year, a shift in product mix towards lower energy intensive 
products has helped our emissions intensity performance. 

4  Figures reported for previous years have been revised down by approximately two per 
cent due to adopting a new and internationally accepted method for land use change 
associated with Palm Kernel Expeller (Blonk, 2014. Direct Land Use Change Assessment 
Tool). There was also a slight revision to the land use change results due to updated 
statistics from the Ministry of Primary Industries.

46   |   OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
 
RESOURCE 
EFFICIENCY
As we build new capacity, 
we are committed to 
investing in resource-
efficient plants.

Energy
The efficient use of energy remains a major contributor 
towards our goal of reducing emissions. Energy use per tonne 
of production in New Zealand and Australia (called ‘energy 
intensity’) increased 0.2 per cent from 8.336 GJ/tonne in 
2013/14 to 8.35 GJ/tonne in 2014/15.

Water
Our New Zealand operations, including our consumer 
business, used 45.6 million cubic metres of water, an increase 
of 3.4 million cubic metres on the prior year, due to increased 
production and the change in product mix. We recycled or 
reused 5.6 per cent of the total water used compared to 

In New Zealand operations, improvements were observed 
due to a change in product mix towards lower energy 
intensity products such as UHT milk and the use of the reverse 
osmosis plant at Longburn to offset transport energy use. 
Our consumer business in New Zealand remains committed 
to reducing energy intensity but showed a slight increase due 
to product mix and under-use of some plant.

In Australia, a combination of product mix (including shifting 
to lower energy intensity powders due to a factory fire at 
Stanhope) and the implementation of energy efficiency 
projects gave an overall reduction in energy intensity.

We have one of the longest-running energy efficiency 
programmes in New Zealand. Since it began in 2003, we have 
achieved a 16.8 per cent reduction in manufacturing energy 
intensity for our New Zealand operations. This reduction in 
Fonterra’s energy intensity is equivalent today to a saving 
of more than double the annual electricity usage of all the 
households in Wellington City.

This year, we have been improving boiler efficiency and 
reliability, and working at individual sites to remove 
unnecessary energy use. We expect further improvement  
next season with the installation of a condensing economiser 
as part of our expansion at Pahiatua.

DID YOU KNOW 
Since 2003, the reduction in Fonterra’s 
energy intensity is equivalent to a 
saving of more than double the annual 
electricity usage of all the households 
in Wellington City.

6.1 per cent last year. Our water reuse in New Zealand 
has remained largely stable over the past few years at 
approximately 2.5 million cubic metres, primarily due to 
existing factory capabilities, so as production increases, the 
proportion we are able to recycle is reduced. As Fonterra  
builds new capacity we are committed to investing in  
resource-efficient plants. 

5  This was reported as 0.62 tonne CO2-e/tonne in the 2014 Annual Report. Due to the 

timing of reporting some estimates for July are used and updated in the following year. 
Furthermore, the emissions factors for FY14 were subsequently updated.

6  This was reported as 8.37 GJ/tonne in the 2014 Annual Report. Due to the timing  
of reporting some estimates for July are used and updated in the following year.

OUR   CO-OPERATIVE   |   47

OUR   CO-OPERATIVEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015SUSTAINABILITY 
AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

FOOD  
SAFETY AND  
QUALITY
We have conducted 
comprehensive 
food safety and quality 
audits of every Fonterra 
manufacturing 
site globally.

As the expansion at Pahiatua goes live this season we expect 
to see a significant improvement there, as the site allows all 
evaporator condensate from the new drier to be reused. 

Our Australian operations used 2.9 million cubic metres of 
water in the period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, compared to 3.2 
million cubic metres of water in the prior period. This reduction 
in water use has seen the water intensity (the amount of water 
used per tonne of production) reduce by 4.8 per cent, primarily 
due to changes in product mix.

Waste
In our New Zealand operations, including our consumer 
businesses, we reused or recycled 94 per cent of the solid 
waste. For the fifth consecutive year we have surpassed our 
target to reuse or recycle at least 90 per cent of our solid waste.

In the past year, in association with ecostore, we launched two 
portable consumer recycling stations as part of a recycling 
trial. Throughout the trial, stations have been moved between 
Auckland, Whangarei and Tauranga, and positioned in schools, 
community centres and businesses. The stations provide a 
drop off location for selected Fonterra and ecostore products. 

The aim of the recycling stations is to encourage recycling and 
collect a clean stream of packaging that can be recycled locally 
into new products. If the trial is successful, Fonterra will look to 
work with other companies, councils and community groups to 
broaden the approach and create more drop-off locations for 
other products. 

TRUST IN SOURCE
Our Fonterra Food Safety and Quality System ensures that 
we have a clear and consistent framework to deliver safe, 
quality products and services all over the world. It enables 
oversight of product quality from farm to customer, including 
rigorous testing, verification and auditing regimes that starts 
on farm and run through the supply chain. In addition to our 
own testing, independent and external tests provide further 
reassurance on the quality and safety of our products. 
2015 performance achievements
We have conducted comprehensive food safety and quality 
audits of every Fonterra manufacturing site globally to identify 
any food safety risks to our business. These audits were 
completed in December 2014 and we have action plans in 
progress to make further improvements.

Our Food Safety and Quality System is also subject to regular 
scrutiny from third-party audits by regulators, key account 
customers and certification bodies. This year we have started 
the process to certify all Fonterra manufacturing plants against 
the latest globally recognised standards: FSSC22000 or BRC7. 
These standards are considered global benchmarks in food 
safety and quality management. All New Zealand ingredient 
sites achieved FSSC22000 certification this year.

Over the past year we have deployed a new tamper-evident 
solution for Anmum™ infant milk formula to give families 
added confidence across South East Asia and China. It gives 

7  FSSC is Food Safety System Certification; BRC is the British Retailer Consortium.

48   |   OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CUSTOMER 
SATISFACTION
In our Global Ingredients 
annual customer survey, 
our product performance 
achieved a score of 8.3, 
which is considered 
best in class.

consumers a clear visible indication of product tampering that 
could occur post-packing. The solution was introduced by our 
Canpac factory in New Zealand in June and is to be deployed 
within our Malaysian and Indonesian operations later in 2015, 
delivering a global rollout across all Anmum™ markets. 
Hard-wiring food safety and quality
Embedding food safety and quality as a shared value across 
our organisation is vital. Comprehensive food safety and 
quality standards must be supported by a strong food safety 
culture that starts at the top and permeates through every 
level of the organisation. 

This year we reinforced our food safety culture through a 
comprehensive suite of activities including refreshing our  
food safety and quality expectations, communications, 
capability building and learning programmes.  

In our annual series of roadshow events with Fonterra farmers 
and employees, senior executives presented our strategy, 
priorities and progress for food safety and quality and gave  
the opportunity for detailed questioning. 

For our own staff, we have also added food safety and 
quality as a fundamental part of the induction process for all 
employees, not just those directly involved in manufacturing.

For our vendors, we have strengthened our Approved 
Vendor Programme by including new food safety and 
quality requirements for vendors of packaging, ingredients, 
warehousing and co-manufacturers.

OUR CUSTOMERS AND CONSUMERS
We operate in a global market that is rapidly evolving 
and highly competitive. Our customers and consumers 
increasingly want to make informed choices about the 
products and services they select, including considerations 
of environmental, social and nutritional impacts. So we can 
optimise their experience of our products and services, we 
need to listen to and understand their concerns and needs. 
Communicating openly, regularly checking their satisfaction 
with our performance, and responding positively to their 
feedback are essential to earning their trust.

Since 2009, Global Ingredients has been using Fonterra’s 
annual customer value management survey to assess 
performance and act as a guide for improvement. In 2015  
our overall product performance continues to be very strong 
and we achieved a score of 8.3, up on 8.1 for 2014, and for 
the sixth consecutive year we achieved a value above 8.0, 
which is considered best in class.

In the same assessment survey by our customers we achieved 
an overall value performance score of 7.8, significantly up on 
7.5 last year, the highest score since our tracking began and 
considered to be ahead of the competition.

OUR   CO-OPERATIVE   |   49

E
V
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T
A
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E
P
O
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C

-

R
U
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FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
 
 
SUSTAINABILITY 
AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

FONTERRA MILK 
FOR SCHOOLS
Preliminary results  
from two research  
projects suggests that  
it’s already having a 
positive impact on the 
dairy consumption of 
children and supporting 
healthy growth and 
development.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES
Supporting the communities where we live, work and 
farm is part of who we are. We aim to improve livelihoods 
and support thriving communities by understanding their 
needs and expectations.

At the heart of our commitment to our communities is our 
desire to share what we do best: our excellence in dairy. 

Fonterra Milk for Schools
Our Fonterra Milk for Schools programme contributes to the 
health of future generations of New Zealanders and this year 
marks its first full year of national operation. 

Participation remains strong, with more than 1,490 schools 
involved, which means approximately 170,000 primary-aged 
school children are able to drink milk every school day.

Preliminary results from two research projects suggests that it’s 
already having a positive impact on the dairy consumption of 
children and supporting healthy growth and development.

The programme is also building a connection between school 
children and the dairy farms where the milk comes from 
through visits from schools to farms, and visits to schools 
by our farmers and tankers.  

Case study – Forging long-term partnerships 
through innovative solutions
The Operations Master Plan is a joint initiative between 
Nestlé and Fonterra that was kicked off two years ago to grow 
our relationship with a focus on product quality, operational 
performance and customer service. Nestlé demands 
compliance to exacting product quality standards and  
business ways of working from all its suppliers. 

Working together over the past two years, we have 
introduced improvements such as warehouse hubs in key 
regions to improve our service delivery and overall we have 
seen a lift in our delivery performance. In line with our own 
Trust In Source programme, our New Zealand supplying farms 
and manufacturing facilities have successfully passed the 
stringent responsible sourcing requirements set by Nestlé. 
In addition, our customer service team has focused on 
providing prompt resolutions to any issues that have been 
raised. All of these improvements have resulted in a 
substantial lift in customer satisfaction.

USEFUL FACT 
More than 1,490 schools are participating 
in our Fonterra Milk for Schools 
programme, which means approximately 
170,000 primary-aged school children 
are able to drink milk every school day.

50   |   OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015LIVING WATER
Key achievements of the 
programme this year included field 
days to demonstrate how to build 
low-cost wetlands on farm, trialling 
passive filter systems, re-vegetation 
at all sites and drain rehabilitation.

KickStart Breakfast
The KickStart Breakfast programme provides a healthy 
breakfast of Weet-Bix and Anchor™ milk to New Zealand 
school children. Started in 2009 as a partnership between 
Fonterra and Sanitarium, it was expanded in 2013 from 
two days to five when the New Zealand Ministry of Social 
Development joined as a partner. 

In the past year, we welcomed new schools, with more than 800 
KickStart Breakfast clubs, run by volunteers, now active across 
the country, serving more than 100,000 breakfasts per week.

Living Water Partnership with the 
Department of Conservation
Living Water is a 10-year, $20 million partnership with the 
Department of Conservation. Established in 2013, Living Water 
is focused on five sensitive water bodies: Kaipara Harbour, 
Tı-kapa Moana/Firth of Thames, and three Waikato peat lakes, 
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and Awarua/Waituna Lagoon.

The vision for the partnership is for a sustainable dairy industry 
as part of healthy functioning ecosystems that together enrich 
the lives of all New Zealanders. Over the past year we have 
been working to bring this vision to life through a number of 
start-up projects, and through working collaboratively with our 
communities to put three-year strategic plans in place. 

Key achievements of the programme this year included field 
days to demonstrate how to build low-cost wetlands on 
farm, trialling passive filter systems, re-vegetation at all sites, 
drain rehabilitation, and completing baseline assessments of 
freshwater quality and biodiversity.

Sustainable Business Council
We are an active member of the Sustainable Business 
Council in New Zealand, a Global Network Partner of the 
World Business Council for Sustainable Development. 
This year, we have led a working group to improve business 
engagement on water in New Zealand and completed a 
pilot ecosystem services review project.

Fonterra China
Increasing understanding of the dairy sector and encouraging 
the development of young talent in agriculture is an 
important aspect of our community involvement in China. 
This year we have hosted a series of activities for students 
from Beijing Guang’ai School, a charitable school for 
disadvantaged children, including donating Anchor™ milk 
and school stationery. For World Milk Day and International 
Children’s Day this year, winners of a painting competition 
at the school, themed ‘Farm in my heart’, were invited to 
visit one of our farms in China and experience life on a real 
working farm.

This year, we have also started a project at the Shandan 
Bailie school. This school was founded by the New Zealander 
Rewi Alley and has trained many professionals in the field 
of animal husbandry and agricultural science, and played a 
key role in promoting the development of local economy. 
In partnership with the Chinese People’s Association for 
Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), we have set 
up scholarships for students from poverty-stricken areas. 

OUR   CO-OPERATIVE   |   51

OUR   CO-OPERATIVESUSTAINABILITY 
AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

ISLAND 
RESTORATION
The Fonterra Grass Roots 
Fund has supported the native 
bird sanctuary on Motuihe Island. 
Gorse clearing has helped with 
restoration of habitat for birds 
including the little spotted kiwi.

DISASTER RELIEF
When unseasonal heavy 
rains caused devastating 
floods in Northern Chile, 
we were quick to donate 
7,500 litres of bottled 
water and 6,500 litres of 
milk to the community.

Together with our existing Fonterra Scholarship scheme where 
we partner with the China Song Ching Ling Foundation, and 
our Anchor™ Scholarship for outstanding western cuisine and 
pastry students, this means that more than 300 students have 
benefited this year.

Fonterra Latin America
As Chile’s leading dairy company, Soprole is committed to the 
education of future dairy professionals who will help the long-
term economic contribution of dairy to Chile and its regions. 
To enable this, in 2012, through our subsidiary Prolesur and the 
not-for-profit training organisation Codesser, we established 
a programme at the Vista Hermosa Agricultural School. This 
year the programme included funding transport for students 
from rural regions to and from the school each week and three 
scholarships for top-performing students to continue their 
studies at the Universidad Austral de Chile. Soprole has also 
continued its long-running support of school sports in Chile, 
including the granting of eight scholarships this year for the 
best participants to further their education in sport.

Soprole is always attentive and committed to the community 
and its consumers, especially when they need it the most. 
That’s why, when a disaster strikes, the company is one of the 
first to react and donate food to distressed households. For 
example, in March 2015 when unseasonal heavy rains caused 
devastating floods in the cities of Copiapó and Chañaral in 
Northern Chile, we were quick to donate 7,500 litres bottled 
water and 6,500 litres of milk to the community.

The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund
Since 2007, our Fonterra Grass Roots Fund has helped clever 
initiatives happen in our rural communities. Community 
groups apply for grants of up to $5,000, and this year 
approximately $600,000 was provided to more than  
300 New Zealand community organisations.

In the past year we expanded the scheme to Sri Lanka. The 
Sri Lankan Fund is supporting community projects that have 
positive social, economic and environmental impacts. In its first 
nine months the fund has invested in important school and 
community facilities. These investments have a wide-spread 
and sustainable impact, with more than an estimated 5,000 
people enjoying ongoing benefits. 

A newly formed partnership between Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka 
and the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Sri Lanka’s largest 
and oldest community organisation, has led to the opening of 
two newly renovated Early Childhood Development centres 
in the Hanwella area. The renovations included exterior 
improvements such as significant roof repairs, upgrades to the 
building interior, and equipping the centres with items such as 
first-aid kits and educational materials for the children. In the 
coming months the two parties will be working together on 
more projects to enhance local dairy communities. 

Food Banks
Through our businesses across the world we are supporting 
families in need through the donation of short-dated product 
to charities. In the Auckland region we proudly support six 
food banks, including the Auckland City Mission, the Salvation 

52   |   OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA GRASS 
ROOTS FUND
The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund 
has helped more than 300 New 
Zealand community organisations, 
including providing essential 
equipment for Land Search and 
Rescue (LSAR).

MAKING A 
DIFFERENCE
Through Dairy Development 
we aim to make a tangible 
difference to people’s 
livelihoods by improving 
milk productivity, quality 
and income.

Army and Presbyterian Support and in the past year donated 
more than 80 tonnes of product. In Australia, we are a 
provider to Foodbank’s Milk programme, and in 2014–15, 
helped deliver 2.5 million litres of milk to Australians in  
need. In Chile, Soprole has been in partnership with ‘Red  
de Alimentos’ since 2011, supporting multiple charities to 
reduce hunger and improve Chilean’s nutrition.
Dairy Development
Through Dairy Development we aim to make a tangible 
difference to people’s livelihoods by improving milk 
productivity, quality and income. Building on our history of 
working with local communities and stakeholders around the 
world, we are committed not only to ensuring sustainable 
returns for our farmers, but also to contributing responsibly 
to key markets where we operate such as China, Sri Lanka, 
Indonesia and Malaysia.  

We employ different models that reflect local operations and 
dairy development needs. For example, in Indonesia, we work 
in partnership with the Government and other partners on 
the Fonterra Dairy Scholarship programme for dairy farmers, 
dairy extension officers and dairy service providers to enable 
them to improve their dairy knowledge. 

In China, our largest export market, we run farms with 25,000 
milking cows employing about 1,000 locally recruited and 
trained staff.  

We also support training programmes with the Ministry 
of Agriculture, the China-New Zealand Dairy Exchange 

Centre and the China National Research Institute of Food 
& Fermentation Industries under the Ministry of 
Industry & Information Technology in Beijing to develop 
the skills of local dairy practitioners and promote Dairy 
Development. These programmes have trained nearly 
3,000 farmers and processing workers in two years.
Case study – Dairy Development in Sri Lanka
Fonterra has supported the development of the Sri Lankan 
dairy industry since 1997. We buy milk from several thousand 
local farmers, for sale under Fonterra brands, including 
Anchor™ Newdale. 

In the past year, we have significantly expanded local milk 
sourcing and the level of our commitment to working with 
local farmers. The local Dairy Development team has been 
strengthened to include six Supplier Relationship Officers  
who share knowledge and expertise with the farmers. We 
began construction of our first Demonstration Farm and 
Training Centre at Pannalla, and added three further  
Fonterra-operated Milk Collection Centres to our network.

USEFUL FACT 
In the Auckland region alone 
this year, we have donated more than 
80 tonnes of product to food banks.

OUR   CO-OPERATIVE   |   53

OUR   CO-OPERATIVEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015SUSTAINABILITY 
AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

)
S
R
U
O
H
K
R
O
W
N
O
I
L
L
L
I
M
R
E
P
(
R
F
I
R
T

20.00

15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00

18.20

14.30

12.70

8.80

9.80

8.10

F10

F11

F12

F13

F14

F15

TOTAL RECORDABLE 
INJURY FREQUENCY 
RATE
TRIFR (per million work hours)

We achieved our 
lowest recorded TRIFR, 
a 17 per cent reduction 
in the employee injury rate 
for the hours worked. 

OUR PEOPLE
Everything about our Co-operative’s success, both now and in 
the future, starts with our people. The shared passion, diversity 
and experiences of our worldwide team give us a competitive 
edge, propel us forward and mean we can better deliver 
according to our purpose and strategy. We have a strong sense 
of responsibility to our people – to protect their safety and 
foster their development. 

We see real value in creating an environment where people 
with diverse experiences and ways of thinking are encouraged 
and enabled. 

To achieve a culture of encouragement and tolerance, we do 
not tolerate unlawful discrimination, bullying, harassment 
or victimisation. To help us identify and resolve any issues 
we provide a confidential hotline service operated by an 
independent organisation.

We are taking an increasingly global view of labour and human 
rights across our workforce, and we have increased awareness 
of key principles, such as those in the ILO8 conventions and in 
our agreement with the International Union of Food. This year, 
we have also continued to collaborate with unions, including 
on staff development programmes such as He Tangata (see 
below) and food safety and quality.

 ILO is the International Labour Organisation, a United Nations agency.

8 
9  For the purposes of reporting we are counting graduates who originally started  

in one of the companies that formed Fonterra in 2001.

10  Serious harm injuries are injuries that cause temporary or permanent loss  

of body function.

54   |   OUR  CO-OPERATIVE

Health and safety performance
Health and safety is a top priority for our Co-operative, right 
across the globe. We want all of our people to be healthy, to 
live with balance, and to go home from work safely every day.

Sadly, this year two people lost their lives on our sites: an 
employee in Chile and a contractor in China. Having achieved 
our lowest recorded level of serious harm injuries10 last year of 
22 globally, this year we saw an increase to 38. For all fatalities 
and serious harm injuries we conduct investigations to identify 
the root causes and implement corrective actions and share 
learnings across the business.

USEFUL FACT 
Through coaching, health monitoring  
and environment design, injuries  
to our 1,500 tanker drivers have  
been reduced by 31 per cent.

During the year, 370 of our employees required medical 
treatment, restricted work duties or time away from work as 
a result of an injury. This represents a 17 per cent reduction in 
the employee injury rate for the hours worked, from 9.8 total 
injuries per million hours worked last year to 8.1 this year.  
This is our lowest recorded level and a total reduction of  
55 per cent since 2010. 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
 
 
 
EXERCISE HELPS 
PRODUCTIVITY
Our employees 
walked over one million 
kilometres in the 10,000 
Steps challenge. That’s 
more than to the moon 
and back.

603

GRADUATES
603 graduates have 
passed through our 
graduate programmes 
and two graduates are 
now on the Fonterra 
Management Team.

This year we have continued to focus on the most significant 
risks to our staff. We have built on work completed last year 
identifying these risks on sites, taking steps this year to reduce 
the exposure of our staff. In addition, our health and safety 
team have performed comprehensive audits on 18 of our sites 
to ensure that our defined practices for health and safety  
are being followed. These audits have continued to show 
improved resilience.

An important initiative this year has been targeting the 
safety of our 1,500 tanker drivers in New Zealand. Our drivers 
have had a high rate of injury and faced increased risks. The 
project included using vehicle data to coach drivers, enhanced 
health monitoring and the design of critical aspects of their 
environment, such as the unloading bays on sites. Overall, 
injuries have decreased by 31 per cent last year and tanker 
driver safety has been further improved. 

For the second year our staff participated in the 10,000 Steps 
programme, a challenge to improve wellbeing by walking an 
average of at least 10,000 steps per day for a six-week period. 
This year 3,094 employees across the globe participated in the 
challenge and on completion of the programme, 75 per cent of 
respondents reported that they had made permanent exercise 
changes and felt their productivity had increased. This is a 
great global initiative for sustainable wellbeing.

Training and development
Getting the best people for the job is essential for the  
Co-operative to deliver on strategy. We are always looking to 
source the best talent to join us and help us achieve our goals.
Our Graduate Programme has been operating in New Zealand 
for more than 40 years and was introduced to China in 2013. 
Since inception 603 staff have passed through the programme 
with more than 200 still working for the Co-operative. 
Notable participants include two members of the current 
Fonterra Management Team, Kelvin Wickham and Alex 
Turnbull, and three graduates are still with us after 40 years  
of service: Clive Bleaken, Dave Packer and Ian Peacock9. 
Targeted at building capability and engagement in our 
New Zealand operations team, our He Tangata: It is People 
programme has three distinct streams. ‘He Tangata: Leadership’ 
develops leadership skills and 503 managers completed the 
first three modules this year. ‘It’s all about you’ is focused on 
individual development and resilience. 
Since February 2015, more than 3,500 staff have completed  
the two-day course in sessions facilitated by a team of 100 of 
our own specially trained staff. Finally, our Dairy Apprenticeship 
and Skills Recognition stream is the first step in establishing 
an apprenticeship programme for dairy factory operators in 
New Zealand with almost 200 apprentices joining this year. 
Having worked with industry training organisations and the 
New Zealand Qualifications Agency (NZQA) to develop this 
programme, it not only gives the apprentices the opportunity 
to gain a recognised NZQA qualification, but also allows 
experienced operators to have their experience recognised 
and assessed to gain the qualification too.

OUR   CO-OPERATIVE   |   55

OUR   CO-OPERATIVEFONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTENTS

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

FONTERRA MANAGEMENT TEAM 

57 

64

66

56   |    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

The Board and Management of Fonterra are 
committed to achieving the highest standard 
of corporate governance and leadership.
To support our role as a Board, we have developed 
governance systems that reflect Fonterra’s unique 
characteristics and requirements as a significant 
New Zealand-based co-operative competing in 
the global dairy market.

CHANGES TO THE FONTERRA BOARD
There were changes to the Fonterra Board during the financial 
year ending 31 July 2015. In November 2014, Jim van der Poel 
retired as a Farmer Director following 12 years of service and 
Leonie Guiney was elected as a Farmer Director. In May 2015 
Sir Ralph Norris, an Independent Director, indicated he will not 
seek to continue his term on the Board following the Annual 
Meeting on 25 November 2015. 

COMPLIANCE WITH BEST PRACTICE 
GOVERNANCE STANDARDS
The Fonterra Board’s governance framework takes into 
consideration contemporary standards in New Zealand and 
Australia, incorporating the Corporate Governance in New 
Zealand Principles and Guidelines issued by the Financial 
Markets Authority in December 2014, the Corporate 
Governance Best Practice Code issued by NZX Limited (NZX) 
for the Fonterra Shareholders’ Market (FSM) and the third 
edition of the ASX Limited (ASX) Corporate Governance 
Council Principles and Recommendations (ASX Principles). 
These are guidelines designed to maximise company 
performance and accountability in the interests of farmer 
shareholders, unitholders and the broader community.

Fonterra complies with the Fonterra Shareholders’ Market 
Corporate Governance Best Practice Code.

We focus on governance in a way 
that promotes: 
 > the interests of our farmer shareholders and other key 

stakeholders

 > Fonterra’s Co-operative philosophy, which is largely 
expressed through our Co-operative principles

 > transparency, giving our farmer shareholders, Fonterra 

Shareholders’ Fund (FSF) unitholders and other 
stakeholders the information they need to assess our 
performance

 > effective risk management to ensure that Fonterra meets 

its business objectives and all legal requirements

 > an appropriate balance between the roles and functions of 

the Board and Management

 > communication with important stakeholder groups, 

including farmer shareholders, employees, customers, 
unitholders, debt investors, governments and the 
communities Fonterra works in.

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE    |   57  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

Principle 1: Ethical Standards 
Ethics framework
Fonterra expects its Directors, officers and employees to 
maintain high ethical standards. The Board is committed 
to maintaining high ethical standards across the group, 
in all aspects of the business in all parts of the world. 
The Group Ethical Behaviour Policy and the Board Charter 
set out these standards. These documents are reviewed 
and approved annually. 

Fonterra’s Code of Business Conduct – The Way We Work – 
provides practical guidelines on how to apply Fonterra’s values 
in everyday work situations and when working with customers, 
farmer shareholders, suppliers and the wider community. 

The Way We Work is available in several languages, to 
facilitate its accessibility to Fonterra’s global employee base. 
The document has been written in simple, straightforward 
language. An independently run telephone, email and web-
based Hotline provides individuals with a confidential channel 
to raise ethical issues. In the 2015 financial year, 31 calls were 
raised globally with the Hotline. 

All were fully investigated and appropriate action taken, 
including managing issues through other HR processes.

Employee training is provided on both the Group Ethical 
Behaviour Policy and The Way We Work. Individuals are 
assessed to ensure understanding of group policies and an 
annual compliance certification process promotes compliance. 

Principle 2: Board Composition 
and Performance
Our Board
The Constitution of Fonterra provides for not more than 13 
directors and sets out how they are appointed. 

In accordance with the Constitution, not more than nine 
directors are elected by farmer shareholders from the 
shareholder base, and not more than four directors are 
appointed by the Board. The People, Culture and Safety 
Committee oversees the process for identifying and 
recommending potential appointees, and makes appropriate 
recommendations to the Board. The Board of the Fonterra 
Shareholders’ Fund is also consulted in relation to the 
appointment of Appointed Directors. 

The Appointed Directors are selected to enable the Board to 
access a full complement of skills and competencies needed 
to lead an enterprise of Fonterra’s size, sophistication and 
complexity. They bring to the Board perspectives, experience 
and skills to augment the direct industry knowledge and other 
expertise provided by the Farmer Directors. 

Farmer Directors must be qualified as farmer shareholders 
under section 12.3 of the Constitution and are therefore not 
considered Independent Directors.

58   |    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Director independence
The rules of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Market require 
Fonterra to have a minimum of two Independent Directors. 

In order to be an Independent Director, a Director 
must not be an executive officer of Fonterra, or have a  
disqualifying relationship. 

A Director has a disqualifying relationship where he or she 
has a direct or indirect interest or relationship that could 
reasonably influence, in a material way, the Director’s decisions 
in relation to Fonterra. The FSM Rules contain specific 
examples of what may give rise to a disqualifying relationship. 
Appointed Directors cannot be shareholders and are expected 
to maintain independence for the length of their term. 

At 31 July 2015, Simon Israel, David Jackson, Sir Ralph Norris 
and John Waller each did not have (and continue not to have) 
any disqualifying relationship in relation to Fonterra and are 
therefore Independent Directors. 

The Board has determined that Simon Israel, David Jackson, Sir 
Ralph Norris and John Waller (being the Directors appointed 
by the Board in accordance with Fonterra’s Constitution) are 
Independent Directors under the FSM Rules as at 31 July 2015. 

John Wilson, who is a Farmer Director, is the Board-elected 
Chairperson. Following good governance, the Chairperson 
and Chief Executive roles at Fonterra are not exercised by the 
same individual.

Board Charter 
The Board Charter, which sets out the responsibilities, roles and 
obligations of the Board and Directors is reviewed annually and 
was last approved by the Board in December 2014. The Board 
Charter and the Charters of the Board Committees are available 
on fonterra.com. The Board considers it important that there 
is a good balance of experience on the Board. To help achieve 
this, the Board Charter prescribes the qualifications and skills 
required of Directors, and contains principles in relation to the 
tenure of Directors. The Board Charter also contains details 
of the delegation of authority to management, the Board’s 
procedures, the training provided to Directors and the process 
for assessing the Board’s performance. 

Board meetings
The Board meets formally at least seven times a year and has 
regular and ad hoc teleconferences to ensure the Board is 
kept informed, and to deal with specific issues as they arise. 
Between full Board meetings, the Board uses committees to 
advance its work programme and to enhance the efficiency 
and effectiveness of its decision making.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015Independent professional advice
Any Director of the Board is entitled to seek independent 
professional advice relating to the affairs of Fonterra or to his 
or her other responsibilities as a Director. Fonterra will pay the 
reasonable cost of independent professional advice.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Fonterra has a Board-approved People Policy that 
encompasses the Group’s policy on diversity and inclusion. 
Fonterra is committed to creating and maintaining an 
environment where people with diverse experiences and ways 
of thinking are encouraged and enabled. Fonterra recognises 
that diversity is not solely a matter of compliance; it means 
respecting differences and making those differences count. 
The People Policy requires that all policies, standards and 
guidelines support the intent of diversity and inclusion. 
Fonterra proactively identifies and maximises local talent pools 
to improve participation. This includes increasing gender ratios 
in leadership, and access for people with disabilities, and those 
representing different cultures and ethnicities. To give effect 
to our People Policy, Fonterra is looking to develop targets to 
enable diversity and inclusion to be appropriately monitored.

As at 31 July 2015, the gender composition of the Board 
comprised 11 male Directors and two female Directors (2014: 
1 of 13). The nine Farmer Directors on the Fonterra Board are 
elected by postal ballot of the farmer shareholders conducted 
by the Shareholders’ Council, and the four Appointed Directors 
are appointed by the Board and ratified by farmer shareholders. 
Of 16 officers who reported directly to the Chief Executive at 31 
July 2015, four were female (2014: 3 of 12).

Information for the Board
It is important that all members of the Board are appropriately 
informed of the group’s activities.

Directors are supplied with detailed monthly performance 
reports and analysis in advance of all Board meetings, together 
with papers on any significant commercial initiatives, and 
information on the group’s competitive position, industry 
updates and general economic indicators.

The Directors also make a point of meeting away from head 
office on a semi-regular basis so that they can broaden their 
understanding of the business through direct contact with 
managers and customers. Directors regularly visit key markets 
to gain a better understanding of the global dairy market.

Director training
Following appointment to the Board, Directors undertake an 
induction programme to familiarise themselves with the group. 
Areas covered include:
• business strategy and planning
• an overview of key financial metrics to monitor 

business performance

• an overview of material areas of the Fonterra business, 

including through meetings with key executives

• the Fonterra Constitution and other governance systems.
Directors are expected to keep themselves abreast of changes 
and trends in the business and in Fonterra’s environment 
and markets, and trends in the economic, political, social and 
legal climate generally. As a group the Board holds several 
workshops on relevant subjects each year, and Directors are 
also expected to keep up to date with governance issues.

Nomination Committee
The People, Culture and Safety Committee oversees the process 
for appointments to the Board. To the extent the Board is 
responsible for appointing Directors, the People, Culture and 
Safety Committee satisfies the role of a nomination committee.

Performance assessment
Directors formally assess the performance of the Board as 
a whole each year. A regular programme of peer review of 
individual Directors also occurs. The Shareholders’ Council 
reviews the Board’s Statement of Intentions against the 
performance and operation of the group and reports on this 
to farmer shareholders annually. The Board is responsible for 
reviewing the Chief Executive’s performance.

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE    |   59  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

Principle 3: Board Committees
Fonterra has a number of permanent Board Committees, 
as detailed in the table below. Additional Board Committees 
will be formed when it is efficient or necessary to facilitate 
efficient decision-making by providing for a sub-group of 
Directors to focus on particular areas or issues and to develop 
recommendations to the full Board. 

The Fonterra Board Committees have a standard Terms of 
Reference and each committee has a charter, which defines the 
scope and responsibilities of that committee and is approved 
by the Board annually. The minutes for each of the Board 
Committees’ meetings are supplied to the Board for review.

COMMITTEE OR GROUP  MEMBERSHIP AS AT 31 JULY 2015

PURPOSE

David Jackson (Chair)
Ian Farrelly
Leonie Guiney

Michael Spaans
Nicola Shadbolt
John Waller

To assist the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities in 
relation to Fonterra’s financial reporting, audit activities, Treasury 
matters, financial risk management and internal control frameworks.

Audit and Finance 
Committee 

People, Culture and 
Safety Committee 

John Wilson (Chair)
Ian Farrelly
John Monaghan

Simon Israel
Sir Ralph Norris
David Jackson (observer)

Co-operative Relations 
Committee 

John Monaghan (Chair)
Malcolm Bailey
David MacLeod

Ian (Blue) Read
Michael Spaans

Risk Committee 

Malcolm Bailey (Chair)
David Jackson
Ian Farrelly

Leonie Guiney
Ian (Blue) Read
John Waller

Board and Committee attendance

John Wilson

Malcolm Bailey

Ian Farrelly

Leonie Guiney (elected 12 November 2014 – 7 meetings)

Simon Israel

David Jackson

David MacLeod

John Monaghan

Sir Ralph Norris

Blue Read

Nicola Shadbolt

Michael Spaans

Jim van der Poel (retired 12 November 2014 – 3 meetings)

John Waller²

TOTAL MEETINGS 

To assist the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities 
in relation to the recruitment, retention, remuneration and 
development of Directors, executives and other employees, 
and to promote a safe and healthy working environment.

To assist the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities 
in relation to the supply of milk from Fonterra suppliers, and 
to seek to resolve supplier complaints before reference to the 
Milk Commissioner.

To assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance 
responsibilities relating to Fonterra’s management of key 
enterprise-wide risks. This includes strategic and operational risks, 
through Fonterra’s enterprise-wide risk management framework, 
the behaviours required of its people and its guidelines, policies 
and processes for monitoring and mitigating enterprise-wide risks.

BOARD 
REGULAR

10/10

10/10

10/10

7/7

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

9/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

3/3

7/7

10

AFC

–

–

7/7

4/7¹

–

7/7

3/7¹

–

3/7¹

–

7/7

4/7¹

–

5/5

7

PCS

6/6

–

6/6

–

6/6

6/6

–

6/6

4/6

–

–

–

–

–

6

CRC

–

5/6

–

–

–

–

6/6

6/6

–

5/6

–

4/6

–

–

6

RC

–

3/3

1/3¹

0/3¹

–

3/3

–

2/3

1/3¹

1/3¹

–

–

2/3

2/2

3

1  Committee memberships were reviewed in February 2015 and memberships changed. Directors’ attendances may reflect serving on committees for only part of the year.
2  Mr Waller was on a leave of absence for part of the financial year.

60   |    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015Audit and Finance Committee
There is an established Audit and Finance Committee as 
described on the previous page. 

The Audit and Finance Committee comprises two Appointed 
Directors and four Farmer Directors. The committee is chaired 
by David Jackson, who is an Independent Director and a Fellow 
of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. 

Principle 4: Reporting and Disclosure
Fonterra is committed to high standards of reporting and 
disclosure. The Board has overall responsibility for the financial 
statements and the Audit and Finance Committee, as described 
on the previous page, plays an important role in overseeing the 
financial reporting processes used by management. 

Financial reporting 
The Audit and Finance Committee reviews the financial 
statements and recommends approval of the financial 
statements to the Board. The committee considers whether 
the financial statements are complete, whether they reflect 
appropriate accounting policies, any major judgement areas, 
any legal matters that may significantly impact the financial 
statements and any complex transactions. 

The CEO and CFO provide the Board with management 
representations that the Fonterra financial statements give 
a true and fair view, in all material respects, of Fonterra’s 
financial position and financial performance for each financial 
reporting period. 

The Audit and Finance Committee oversees the Internal 
Assurance function and reviews the annual Internal Audit 
work plan. Internal audits provide assurance to the Board 
and management that the internal control framework is 
operating effectively. 

Milk Price Panel
The Board has created the Milk Price Panel for the purpose 
of providing assurances as to the governance of the Farmgate 
Milk Price and the proper application of the Farmgate Milk 
Price Manual and the Milk Price Principles. 

The Panel does not determine the Farmgate Milk Price, as this 
is a decision for the Board.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (New Zealand) 
requires that the Chair and a majority of the members of the 
Panel (including the Chair) are independent. The Panel consists 
of two Appointed Directors, one Farmer Director and two 
appropriately qualified persons nominated by the Shareholders’ 
Council, at least one of whom must be independent. The Chair 
must be one of the Appointed Director members. The Panel 
is currently chaired by John Waller. Other Board members 
are David Jackson and Michael Spaans. The Shareholders’ 
Council appointees are Patrick Boyle and Bill Donaldson. The 
Board confirms that at 31 July 2015, John Waller, David Jackson 
and Patrick Boyle are considered to be Independent Members 
of this panel.

Continuous Disclosure Regime 
Fonterra is committed to promoting a well-informed and 
efficient market in its shares, units issued by the Fonterra 
Shareholders’ Fund and debt securities. The Board has 
approved a Group Disclosure Policy to ensure compliance with 
the FSM, the NZX Main Board and ASX listing rules regarding 
disclosure. The Group Disclosure Policy governs Fonterra’s 
communications with investors and market participants, 
and the disclosure of information relevant to Fonterra. 

Fonterra has established a Disclosure Committee that holds 
regular and ad hoc meetings to oversee Fonterra’s continuous 
disclosure obligations. The Disclosure Committee has overall 
responsibility for reviewing, monitoring and implementing the 
Group Disclosure Policy. 

Fonterra and the Manager of the Fonterra Shareholders’ 
Fund have entered into an arrangement to co-operate with 
each other and take all steps reasonably required to ensure 
that information to be disclosed by either of them under the 
listing rules of the FSM, the NZX Main Board or the ASX (as 
the case may be) is disclosed simultaneously to the Fonterra 
Shareholders’ Market, the NZX Main Board and the ASX. 
It is intended that where NZX, as market operator of the 
Fonterra Shareholders’ Market, receives information provided 
by Fonterra for release under the Fonterra Shareholders’ 
Market, NZX will simultaneously release the information 
under the code relating to the Fund. This process is intended 
to be automatic. Fonterra simultaneously discloses relevant 
information on ASX.

Securities trading policy
Fonterra has adopted a Securities Trading Policy that details 
the rules for trading in units and/or shares. The policy applies 
to Directors, officers, employees and contractors of Fonterra 
and members of the Shareholders’ Council and Milk Price 
Panel, and is additional to legal prohibitions on insider trading 
in New Zealand and Australia. All Directors comply with the 
legislative requirements for disclosing interests and with the 
Securities Trading Policy, which regulates both Directors and 
management in their personal dealings with Fonterra securities 
and those of related companies.

Principle 5: Remuneration
Fonterra’s remuneration framework is designed to attract, retain 
and motivate high-quality Directors and senior management. 

The Constitution modifies the discretion of the Board to set 
remuneration of Directors. In accordance with the Constitution, 
farmer shareholders elect an independent committee of six 
farmer shareholders to consider and make recommendations to 
the Annual Meeting on Farmer Director remuneration.

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE    |   61  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

The members of the Directors’ Remuneration Committee as 
at 31 July 2015 were Rodney Wilson (Chair), David Gasquoine, 
Murray Holdaway, Scott Montgomerie, Philip Wilson and 
Gerard Wolvers.

The Board has full discretion over the remuneration of Appointed 
Directors. The details of the Directors’ remuneration are 
contained on page 57 of the Annual Financial Results document. 

The remuneration framework for management is outlined on 
page 50 of the Annual Financial Results document. 

Principle 6: Risk Management
Risk management
There is an established Risk Committee as described 
previously. The Audit and Finance Committee oversees 
financial risk management and the Risk Committee covers 
all other aspects of risk including ensuring a strong risk 
management culture in Fonterra.

The Risk Committee comprises two Appointed Directors and 
three Farmer Directors. The Committee is chaired by Malcolm 
Bailey, who is a Farmer Director. It is a requirement that the 
Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee is also a 
member of the Risk Committee.

Fonterra has a global Risk Management Policy, the purpose 
of which is to embed an enterprise-wide risk management 
capability within Fonterra to provide a consistent method 
for the identification, assessment, control, monitoring and 
reporting of risks faced by the organisation. The policy 
recognises that risk represents both opportunity and threat 
and that risk is an integral part of business.

Fonterra’s tolerance for risk is defined in the Risk Management 
Framework, which requires the reporting of material risks 
as appropriate to the Fonterra Management Team, the Risk 
Committee and the Board.

Fonterra’s Risk Management Policy was reviewed by the 
Board in June 2015 and is aligned with the ISO31000 Risk 
Management Standard. The Policy is supported by a detailed 
Group Risk Management Standard and Guidelines that define 
the mandatory requirements relating to risk management for 
businesses. The Risk Management Policy provides a consistent 
methodology and approach for the execution of these 
mandatory requirements by specifying processes for:
• identifying existing and potential risks that may impact upon 

business objectives

• assessing the consequence and likelihood of risks identified
• identifying key controls in place to address risks
• evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of controls 

in mitigating risks to an acceptable level

• generating action plans to improve controls where required
• regularly monitoring risks and tracking progress against 

action plans.

62   |    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Risk reporting to the Board for review occurs on a regular basis. 
This includes Fonterra’s top 20 risks, and changes in risks and 
emerging risk areas. This process is supported by a formal annual 
evaluation of the top risks by all material business units along 
with a six-monthly review and update of this risk assessment 
material. The six-monthly review process also includes 
management’s self-assessment of the effectiveness of key 
controls relied upon to manage the top risks. A summary of the 
results of this assessment is reported to the Risk Committee.

Fonterra’s Internal Audit function is accountable for formally 
reviewing the effectiveness of the group’s risk management 
processes, including using the outputs of risk assessments to 
compile its audit plan and performing independent validation 
of the control environment.

Principle 7: Auditors 
The Audit and Finance Committee is responsible for making 
recommendations to the Board regarding the appointment 
of the external auditor. The auditor is appointed by the 
shareholders at the Annual Meeting.

The Audit and Finance Committee reviews the independence 
of the auditor and reviews the external audit fees, the terms of 
engagement and annual audit plan. 

Fonterra encourages the rotation of the lead external audit 
partner in the relationship in accordance with best practice. 
Fonterra has a Group Audit Independence Policy, for certain 
activities the auditor may undertake for the group. This policy 
is prescriptive as to the types of activities that the auditor 
may undertake, those the auditor may only undertake with 
the approval of the Audit and Finance Committee, and the 
types of activities that are not permitted. The Audit and 
Finance Committee will not approve the auditor performing 
any tasks that have the potential to create a conflict except 
in exceptional circumstances and then only if appropriate 
safeguards are in place.

The Audit and Finance Committee Chairman communicates 
regularly with the external auditor and the Audit and 
Finance Committee meet with the external auditor without 
management at least annually. 

Principle 8: Shareholder Relations
Shareholders’ Council
One of the Board’s most important relationships is with the 
Shareholders’ Council. The Council, which is established 
under the Fonterra Constitution, is independent of the 
Board and comprises 35 farmer shareholders elected as 
councillors, representing 35 wards across New Zealand. The 
functions of the Council are set out in the Constitution. The 
Council reviews the Board’s statement of intentions for the 
performance and operations of the group and publishes an 
annual report, commenting on these matters. The Council and 
the Board meet regularly, as do the Chairs of the Board and the 
Council and the Chairs of their respective committees.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015Annual Report
The group’s Annual Report including financial statements and 
an annual review, together with the half-year reports and other 
material announcements, are designed to present a balanced 
and clear view of Fonterra’s activities and prospects and are 
available on fonterra.com.

Other disclosures
Information on the group’s performance, annual and half-
year financial results, Director changes, and other significant 
matters, is advised to the market through the NZX and ASX 
in accordance with the Disclosure Policy. Farmer shareholders 
and other stakeholders receive regular updates on these and 
other issues relevant to them.

Principle 9: Stakeholder Interests
The Board has policies in place for the governance and 
management of Fonterra’s relationships with key stakeholders. 
The Co-operative Relations Committee (CRC) of the Board 
specifically provides governance oversight of the management 
of Fonterra’s relationships with key external stakeholders in 
New Zealand and all other key markets, including, but not 
limited to, its government, non-government (NGO) and 
community relationships. This includes oversight of Fonterra’s 
community initiatives in support of its social responsibility 
and identity objectives. Examples of this activity are detailed 
in the social responsibility reporting section of this report. Of 
particular significance are the approaches to relationships with 
the Shareholder’s Council, farmer shareholders and farmer 
suppliers. These approaches are detailed at Principle 8.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
BEST PRACTICE CODE
The Board has also reviewed compliance with Appendix 5 
to the FSM Rules Corporate Governance Best Practice Code. 
While the Board believes it complies with the Code, there is 
a point of divergence from specific principles.

Audit Committee membership (Principle 3.1). The majority 
of members are not independent, due to the proportion of 
Farmer Directors on the Board.

FSM waivers
There have been no FSM waivers granted.

Farmer communications
Fonterra is committed to maintaining and improving dialogue 
with our farmer shareholder base to ensure that the objectives 
of both the group and farmer shareholders are understood. An 
extensive farmer shareholder and supplier relations programme 
is managed by the Group Director Co-operative Affairs. 
Channels for electronic communication are provided through 
the fonterra.com and Fonterra Farm Source™ websites and the 
My Co-op smartphone app introduced this year.

Fonterra’s communications with farmer shareholders include 
regular face-to-face meetings, Sky broadcasts, the Global Dairy 
Update, Farm Source publication and a regular Chairman’s 
email. As described above, Fonterra releases to the relevant 
stock exchanges all material information, and will comply with 
the Fonterra Shareholders’ Market, NZX Main Board and ASX 
Listing Rules with respect to shareholder communications.

Farmer meetings
A schedule of regular meetings with farmer shareholders, 
sharemilkers and farm workers is held across the country 
at least twice a year. Often these are run in conjunction with 
the Shareholders’ Council, Area Managers and the Fonterra 
Farmer Network.

Directors also regularly attend other farmer meetings during 
the year on specific topics.

In addition, the Board consults with farmer shareholders on 
specific issues as they arise.

Fonterra.com and Fonterra Farm Source™ website
Presentations on the development of the business are available 
on the fonterra.com website. The group also uses email alerts, 
including regular updates from the Chairman and regular 
farmer shareholder updates. 

The Fonterra Farm Source™ website enables Fonterra 
shareholders, their employees and business partners to 
transact online with Fonterra and access information and tools 
on milk production and quality, online statements and up-to-
the-minute news and weather. This site is also used to provide 
information on the business to farmer shareholders.

Annual Meeting
The Board views the Annual Meeting of farmer shareholders, 
which is held at a different venue around New Zealand each 
year, as an opportunity to communicate directly with farmer 
shareholders and ensures that adequate time is provided at 
these meetings for farmer shareholders to raise issues or ask 
questions from the floor. 

Notices of meetings will be sent to farmer shareholders at least 
10 working days before the meeting.

The Constitution describes the process whereby a farmer 
shareholder can raise a proposal for discussion or resolution at 
the next meeting of farmer shareholders at which the farmer 
shareholder is entitled to vote.

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE    |   63  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

64   |    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

11

12

13

1.  JOHN WILSON
2.  MALCOLM BAILEY
3.  IAN FARRELLY
4.  LEONIE GUINEY 
5.  SIMON ISRAEL
6.  DAVID JACKSON
7.  DAVID MACLEOD
8.  JOHN MONAGHAN
9.  SIR RALPH NORRIS KNZM
10. BLUE READ

11.  NICOLA SHADBOLT
12. MICHAEL SPAANS

13.  JOHN WALLER 

1. JOHN WILSON
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Chairman, 
and Chair of the People, Culture and Safety Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2003, last re-elected 2012 
John Wilson was elected to the Fonterra 
Board in 2003 and became Chairman in 2012. 
Previously he served as the inaugural Chairman 
of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council. John 
is a Director of Turners & Growers Limited 
and he serves on the Executive Board of the 
New Zealand China Council. He is a chartered 
member of the Institute of Directors in New 
Zealand. John lives on his dairy farm near Te 
Awamutu and jointly owns a dairy farming 
business based near Geraldine, 
South Canterbury.

B.Agr.Sc

2. MALCOLM BAILEY
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Chair of the Risk Committee and Member of the 
Co-operative Relations Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2004, last re-elected 2013 
Malcolm Bailey was elected to the Fonterra 
Board in 2004. Malcolm represents Fonterra 
on the Dairy Companies Association of New 
Zealand. He is a Director of Westpac New 
Zealand Limited, Hopkins Farming Group 
Limited and Gleneig Holdings Limited. He is 
also the Independent Chair of the Red Meat 
Profit Partnership. Malcolm’s dairy farming 
interests are as a shareholder in Hopkins 
Farming Group Limited.

B.Agr.Econ

3. IAN FARRELLY
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Member of the Audit and Finance Committee, the People, 
Culture and Safety Committee and the Risk Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2007, last re-elected 2013 
Ian Farrelly was elected to the Fonterra Board 
in 2007. Ian had a 20-year career in the banking 
industry including 15 years as head of ASB’s 
Rural Division. Ian is also a Director of First 
Mortgage Managers Limited, Spectrum Dairies 
Limited, Fortuna Group Limited and is an 
Advisor to Waikato Stud. He owns and runs a 
400-hectare 10,000 animal calf rearing farm 
in Te Awamutu, and has ownership interests in 
dairy farms in Canterbury and the Waikato.

B.Agr.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
4. LEONIE GUINEY 
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Member of the Audit and Finance Committee and the 
Risk Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2014
Leonie Guiney was elected to the Fonterra 
Board in 2014. Leonie has worked in the 
agriculture sector for 25 years in a number of 
positions including lecturer in Dairy Production 
at Lincoln University, consultant on the BNZ 
Growth Programme for farmers and has held 
roles with Golden Vale Dairy Co-operative 
in Ireland, LIC and FarmRight South Island. 
Leonie was the 2014 winner of the low input 
New Zealand Dairy Business of the year and 
the 2006 Canterbury Sharemilker of the year. 
Leonie and her husband began farming in 
Canterbury in 2002 and she is now a Director 
and shareholder of four Canterbury farms.

5. SIMON ISRAEL
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Appointed Director, 
Member of the People, Culture and Safety Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Appointed 2013 
Simon Israel was appointed to the Fonterra 
Board in 2013. Simon currently chairs Singapore 
Telecommunications Limited and is a Director 
of CapitaLand, one of Asia’s largest real estate 
companies. He was an Executive Director of 
Temasek Holdings for six years and President 
from 2010 to 2011. Simon was a Director of 
Fraser & Neave, Neptune Orient Lines, Asia 
Pacific Breweries, Griffin Foods and Frucor 
Beverage Group. He had 10 years’ experience 
in the dairy industry with Danone as a Senior 
Vice President and member of the Group 
Executive Committee. He was conferred 
Knight in the Legion of Honour by the French 
Government in 2007.

Diploma of Business Studies 

6. DAVID JACKSON
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Appointed Director, 
Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, 
Member of the Risk Committee and Milk Price Panel, 
Observer of the People, Culture and Safety Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Appointed 2007 
David Jackson was appointed to the Fonterra 
Board in 2007. David also serves on the boards 
of Nuplex Industries Limited and Mitre 10 (New 
Zealand) Limited and was previously Chairman 
of The New Zealand Refining Company 
Limited. David spent more than 30 years with 
accounting firm Ernst & Young in a variety of 
roles, and served as Chairman of the board of 
management for the firm in New Zealand from 
1999 to 2002. 

M.Com(Hons), FCA, FInstD

7. DAVID MACLEOD
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Member of the Co-operative Relations Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2011, last re-elected 2014 
David MacLeod was elected to the Fonterra 
Board in 2011. David also serves on the boards 

of Port Taranaki Limited and A.J. Greaves 
Electrical Limited. He is Chairman of the 
Taranaki Regional Council. David lives near 
Hawera in South Taranaki and is a director 
of P.K.W. Farms GP Limited, one of Fonterra’s 
largest shareholders, and is a shareholder of 
Far South Farms Limited, which owns a dairy 
farm in Southland.

8. JOHN MONAGHAN
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Chair of the Co-operative Relations Committee and 
Member of the People, Culture and Safety Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2008, last re-elected 2014 
John Monaghan was elected to the Fonterra 
Board in 2008. Prior to joining the Fonterra 
Board John was Chairman of the Fonterra 
Shareholders’ Council for a three-year period. 
He is also a Director of Centre Port Limited 
and Centre Port Properties Limited, and is a 
trustee of the Wairarapa Irrigation Trust 
and the Eketahuna Charitable Trust. John has 
dairy farming interests in the Wairarapa and 
Otago regions.

9. SIR RALPH NORRIS KNZM
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Appointed Director, 
Member of the People, Culture and Safety Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Appointed 2012 
Sir Ralph Norris was appointed to the Fonterra 
Board in 2012. Sir Ralph also serves on the 
boards of the Manager of the Fonterra 
Shareholders’ Fund, Origin Energy Limited and 
is Chairman of Fletcher Building Limited and 
Chairman of RANQX Holdings Limited. He is a 
member of the University of Auckland Council 
and the New Zealand Treasury Advisory Board. 
He was Chief Executive of the Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia for six years until 2011 and 
prior to that served as Chief Executive and 
Managing Director of Air New Zealand Limited 
from 2002 to 2005. Sir Ralph had a 40-year 
career in banking and served as the Managing 
Director and Chief Executive of ASB Bank 
Limited from 1991 to 2001. Sir Ralph was made 
a Knight Companion of the New Zealand 
Order of Merit in 2009 and a Distinguished 
Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit 
for services to business in 2006. In 2012, he had 
conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate of 
Business by the University of New South Wales.

FNZIM, FNZCS

10. BLUE READ
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Member of the Co-operative Relations Committee 
and the Risk Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2012 
Blue Read was elected to the Board in 2012. 
Blue was the Chairman of the Fonterra 
Shareholders’ Council from 2007 to 2010, 
having been a Shareholders’ Councillor since 
2001 and Deputy Chairman from 2003 to 
2007. Blue is Chairman of the Governance and 
Representation Review Committee and led a 

Water Policy Project Team reporting through 
to the Co-operative Relations Committee. Blue 
has previously been Chairman of Cooperative 
Business New Zealand, Taranaki Dairy Section 
of Federated Farmers and Chairman of the 
New Zealand Sharemilkers Association. Blue 
has interests in two dairy equity partnerships in 
the lower Waikato, and he lives and farms near 
Urenui in Northern Taranaki.

11. NICOLA SHADBOLT
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Member of the Audit and Finance Committee
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2009, last re-elected 2012 
Nicola Shadbolt was elected to the Fonterra 
Board in 2009. Nicola is a Professor of Farm and 
Agribusiness Management at Massey University, 
serves on the Boards of the Manager of the 
Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund, the International 
Food and Agribusiness Management Association, 
and Hopkins Farming Group Limited. She 
represents New Zealand in the International Farm 
Comparison Network in Dairying. Nicola and 
her husband live in the Pohangina Valley in the 
Manawatu, which is the base for the five farming 
and forestry equity partnerships they run, which 
include two dairy farms.

B.Sc(Hons), M.AgrSc(Hons), DipBusStud 
(Accountancy), FNZIPIM (Reg), FAICD

12. MICHAEL SPAANS
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Farmer-elected Director, 
Member of the Audit and Finance Committee, the Co-
operative Relations Committee and the Milk Price Panel
TERM OF OFFICE Elected 2013
Michael Spaans was elected to the Fonterra 
Board in 2013. He was a member of the 
Fonterra Shareholders’ Council since its 
formation in 2001 until 2008. Michael serves on 
the board of ASB Bank Limited and is a Director 
of Shoof International Limited. Michael’s family 
farm is in the Waikato near Te Aroha where he 
milks a 500-cow herd. 

Graduate Diploma Finance

13. JOHN WALLER 
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Appointed Director, 
Chair of the Milk Price Panel, Member of the Audit 
and Finance Committee and the Risk Committee 
TERM OF OFFICE Appointed 2009 
John Waller was appointed to the Fonterra 
Board in 2009. He retired as Chairman of 
the Bank of New Zealand and as a Director 
of National Australia Bank Limited in July 
2015. John serves on the boards of Haydn 
& Rollett Limited, Sky Network Television 
Limited, Property For Industry Limited and 
Donaghys Limited. John was a partner at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers for more than 20 
years. He was also a member of their board and 
led their advisory practice for many years.

BCom, FCA

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE    |   65  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FONTERRA 
MANAGEMENT 
TEAM

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1.  THEO SPIERINGS

2.  LUKAS PARAVICINI

3.  JACQUELINE CHOW

4.  MAURY LEYLAND

5.  JOHAN PRIEM

6.  ROBERT SPURWAY

7.  ALEX TURNBULL

8.  KELVIN WICKHAM

66   |    CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

1. THEO SPIERINGS
Chief Executive
Theo Spierings sets Fonterra’s overall direction 
and leads the Fonterra Management Team. 
He is focused on building on Fonterra’s 
strengths and securing future growth for the 
Co-operative. Theo joined Fonterra in 2011, 
bringing with him extensive experience from 
across the dairy industry, particularly in Asia, 
Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and 
Europe. Theo has 30 years’ experience in 
the global dairy industry in a variety of roles 
including general management, operations and 
supply chain, and sales and marketing positions. 
He was previously the acting CEO of Royal 
Friesland Foods, a Dutch dairy co-operative 
and, in 2008, led the Dutch dairy co-operative 
through a merger with Campina. Before taking 
up his leadership role at Fonterra, Theo ran 
his own company in the Netherlands focusing 
on corporate strategy, and mergers and 
acquisitions, in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods 
(FMCG). Theo has a Bachelor of Arts in Food 
Technology/Biotechnology and a Master of 
Business Administration.

2. LUKAS PARAVICINI
Chief Financial Officer
Lukas Paravicini joined Fonterra as CFO in 2013 
after 22 years with Nestlé. Most recently Lukas 
was General Manager for Nestlé Professional 
Europe. Before this role he held a number 
of senior finance positions including CFO of 
Nestlé Brazil, Nestlé’s fourth largest market, 
Vice President of Global Business Services 
and CFO of Nestlé Professional, and Nestlé’s 
globally managed Out-of-Home business. He 
has an in-depth understanding of dairy and has 
lived and worked in some of Fonterra’s most 
strategically important markets. Lukas holds a 
Business and Administration degree from the 
University of Zurich, Switzerland, and speaks 
five languages.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 20153. JACQUELINE CHOW
Chief Operating Officer Velocity
As Chief Operating Officer Velocity, effective 
1 June 2015, Jacqueline leads the next stage 
in Fonterra’s evolution, working across the 
Co-operative to push forward the business 
transformation part of our strategy and deliver 
the best possible performance. Jacqueline was 
previously Managing Director Fonterra Global 
Brands and Nutrition, responsible for Fonterra 
Group’s customer and consumer brands 
portfolio. Prior to joining Fonterra in 2013, 
Jacqueline was Australia and New Zealand 
General Manager for Arnott’s, one of Asia 
Pacific’s largest food companies. She has also 
held executive marketing and innovation roles 
at Campbell’s and the Kellogg Company. She 
has extensive FMCG and marketing experience 
garnered from a 20 year career in global 
blue-chip multinationals. Jacqueline holds a 
Bachelor of Science (First Class Honors) and 
an MBA in International Business Strategy and 
Finance. She is also a graduate of the Australian 
Institute of Company Directors. The remit of 
Managing Director Fonterra Global Brands 
and Nutrition includes global strategic 
leadership for the Co-operative’s nutritional 
platforms ensuring group-wide alignment on 
strategies, brands, marketing and innovation for 
Fonterra products. It also includes leadership 
for the company’s Food Safety and Quality 
agenda, Fonterra brand stewardship, global 
planning and insights, research and 
development, and science and technology.

Since June 2015 René Dedoncker has been 
acting in the role of the Managing Director 
Global Brands and Nutrition.

4. MAURY LEYLAND
Managing Director People, Culture and Strategy
As Fonterra’s Managing Director – People, 
Culture & Strategy, Maury Leyland leads an 
integrated global team. Maury has worked at 
Fonterra since 2005 in a variety of leadership 
roles across strategy, supply chain and Trading 
Among Farmers. Maury is responsible for 
driving Fonterra to deliver on its people, Health 
& Safety, property and risk strategies and has 
significant experience in crisis management 
and operational excellence. Prior to joining 
Fonterra, she spent nine years with The Boston 
Consulting Group. Originally an engineer, 
Maury was a member of Team New Zealand 

during the successful 1995 America’s Cup 
campaign. Professional awards include: Joint 
Winner as a Member of Team New Zealand 
of Sports Team of the Year and Sailor of the 
Year (1996), Merit Award Winner, IPENZ Young 
Engineer of the Year (1996), and Merit Award 
Winner, NZIM Young Executive of the Year 
(2002). Maury holds a First Class Honours 
Degree in Engineering Science, is a Fellow of 
the Institution of Professional Engineers New 
Zealand, a member of the Institute of Directors 
in New Zealand and has also served on the 
Board of Spark New Zealand Limited.

5. JOHAN PRIEM
President Greater China and Managing Director Asia, 
Middle East, Africa (AsiaAME)
As President Greater China and Managing 
Director Asia, Middle East, Africa (AsiaAME), 
Johan Priem directs the development of 
Fonterra’s businesses across a number of 
priority markets. Johan has a strong background 
in the global dairy industry and has held a 
number of leadership positions across Fonterra. 
He has been leading the Co-operative’s China 
operations for 12 months before which he was 
focused on enhancing Fonterra’s approach 
to food safety and quality, corporate social 
responsibility and sustainability. Before joining 
the Co-operative, Johan was on the Board of 
Management at Royal Friesland Foods (which 
later became Royal FrieslandCampina). At 
various times he was responsible for branded 
consumer businesses in Europe, Asia, the 
Middle East and West Africa, as well as the 
Corporate Marketing and Research and 
Development functions.

6. ROBERT SPURWAY
Managing Director Global Operations
Robert Spurway joined Fonterra in 2011. 
As Managing Director Global Operations, 
Robert leads Fonterra’s global operations 
business, responsible for the Co-operative’s 
manufacturing and supply logistics operations 
in New Zealand and around the world. In his 
previous role he was responsible for overseeing 
milk collection, manufacturing and logistics for 
the Co-operative’s New Zealand milk supply. 
Prior to that, he was Fonterra’s South Island 
Regional Operations Manager. In this role, he 
oversaw the greenfield development of the 
Co-operative’s Darfield site. Robert has more 
than 20 years’ experience in the food and dairy 

industries. After managing the Northland Dairy 
Company’s Dargaville site, he moved to Australia 
in 1999, where he held various roles in Goodman 
Fielder Australia. From 2008 to 2011 he led two 
Australian food companies before returning 
to New Zealand. Robert holds a Bachelor of 
Engineering (Chemical and Materials).

7. ALEX TURNBULL
Managing Director Latin America
Alex Turnbull leads Fonterra’s business in the 
fast-growing markets of Argentina, Brazil, the 
Caribbean, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Mexico 
and Venezuela. Alex has more than 20 years’ 
experience in the dairy industry, having joined 
one of the Co-operative’s predecessors in 1990. 
Alex has extensive experience in key senior 
sales and general management roles within 
Latin America and New Zealand, and also in 
the leadership of Fonterra’s global paediatrics 
business. He is fluent in Portuguese, having 
spent almost a decade living in Brazil. Alex holds 
a Diploma of Dairy Science and Technology and 
a Chemical and Materials Engineering Degree.

8. KELVIN WICKHAM
Managing Director Global Ingredients
Kelvin Wickham leads the sale of all Fonterra 
ingredients globally, delivering solutions to our 
global customers, ensuring tactical optimisation 
of demand and supply (S&OP), and managing 
the NZMP™ brand. Kelvin has more than 25 
years’ experience in the dairy industry and has 
played a key role in building markets, customer 
relationships and partnerships. His previous role 
of President Greater China and India focused 
on directing the development of Fonterra’s 
business in these expanding markets, during 
which he oversaw a period of rapid growth. 
Prior to that, he led Fonterra’s Supplier and 
External Relations team, and was Managing 
Director of Fonterra’s Global Trade overseeing 
the launch of GlobalDairyTrade. From 2005 
to 2007 he was the Director of Sales and 
Operations Planning. Kelvin holds a Chemical 
and Materials Engineering Degree, a Master of 
Management and a Diploma of Dairy Science 
and Technology.

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE    |   67  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015SUMMARY 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 July 2015

CONTENTS

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT 

INCOME STATEMENT 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

CASH FLOW STATEMENT 

NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

69 

70

71

72

73

74

75

88

68   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

The Directors hereby approve and authorise for issue the summary financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015 presented on pages 70 
to 87. For and on behalf of the Board:

JOHN WILSON 
CHAIRMAN 
23 September 2015 

DAVID JACKSON
DIRECTOR
23 September 2015

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (Fonterra or the Co-operative) is a co-operative company incorporated and domiciled in New Zealand. 
Fonterra is registered under the Companies Act 1993 and the Co-operative Companies Act 1996, and is an FMC Reporting Entity under the 
Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. Fonterra is also required to comply with the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001.

These summary financial statements are those of Fonterra and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group) and include the Group’s 
interest in its equity accounted investees. They have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard No. 43: Summary Financial 
Statements and have been extracted from the Group’s full financial statements. The Group’s full financial statements comply with International 
Financial Reporting Standards. They also comply with New Zealand Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards and have been 
prepared in accordance with New Zealand Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The Board has elected to present summary financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015 as part of the Annual Review sent to Shareholders. 
These summary financial statements include notes setting out key information.

These summary financial statements are presented for the year ended 31 July 2015. The comparative information is for the year ended 31 July 2014. 
These summary financial statements of the Group have been prepared using the same accounting policies and measurement basis as the Group’s 
full financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015. 

The full financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015, approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 23 September 2015, have been 
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers and given an unqualified opinion.

The Group is primarily involved in the collection, manufacture and sale of milk and milk derived products and is a profit-oriented entity. These 
summary financial statements are presented in New Zealand Dollars ($ or NZD), which is Fonterra’s functional and presentation currency, and 
rounded to the nearest million, except where otherwise stated.

The summary financial statements cannot be expected to provide as complete an understanding of the financial affairs of the Group as the full 
financial statements, which are available from Fonterra’s registered office at 9 Princes Street, Auckland, New Zealand or on Fonterra’s website, 
www2.fonterra.com.

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   69  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

Revenue from sale of goods

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Other operating income

Selling and marketing expenses

Distribution expenses

Administrative expenses

Other operating expenses

Net foreign exchange gains

Share of profit of equity accounted investees

Profit before net finance costs and tax

Finance income

Finance costs

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Tax credit

Profit after tax

Profit after tax is attributable to:

Equity holders of the Co-operative

Non-controlling interests

Profit after tax

Earnings per share:

Basic and diluted earnings per share

GROUP $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

2

11

18,845

(15,567)

3,278

288

(693)

(700)

(874)

(493)

70

66

942

39

(557)

(518)

424

82

506

466

40

506

22,275

(19,813)

2,462

139

(593)

(499)

(762)

(356)

39

73

503

13

(379)

(366)

137

42

179

157

22

179

GROUP $

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

0.29

0.10

The accompanying notes form part of these summary financial statements.

70   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

Profit after tax

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Cash flow hedges:

 – Net fair value (losses)/gains

 – Transferred and reported in revenue from sale of goods

 – Tax credit/(expense) on cash flow hedges 

Net investment hedges:

 – Net fair value (losses)/gains on hedging instruments

 – Tax credit/(expense) on net investment hedges

Available-for-sale investments:

 – Net fair value (losses) on available-for-sale investments

Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) attributable to equity holders

Foreign currency translation reserve transferred to income statement

Hyperinflation movements attributable to equity holders

Share of equity accounted investees’ movements in reserves

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Foreign currency translation (losses) attributable to non-controlling interests

Hyperinflation movements attributable to non-controlling interests

Total items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

Total other comprehensive (expense) recognised directly in equity

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income is attributable to:

Equity holders of the Co-operative 

Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive income

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

506

179

(1,361)

501

241

(164)

46

(2)

385

78

20

4

(252)

(6)

13

7

(245)

261

214

47

261

732

(505)

(63)

25

(7)

(1)

(207)

–

–

(11)

(37)

(4)

–

(4)

(41)

138

120

18

138

The accompanying notes form part of these summary financial statements.

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   71  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 JULY 2015

GROUP $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables 

Inventories

Tax receivable

Derivative financial instruments 

Assets held for sale

Other current assets 

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Equity accounted investments 

Livestock

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Available-for-sale investments

Derivative financial instruments

Other non-current assets 

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Bank overdraft

Borrowings

Trade and other payables 

Owing to suppliers

Tax payable

Derivative financial instruments

Provisions

Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments 

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Subscribed equity

Retained earnings

Foreign currency translation reserve

Cash flow hedge reserve

Other reserves

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Co-operative

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

The accompanying notes form part of these summary financial statements.

72   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

342

2,322

3,025

22

44

90

232

6,077

6,159

1,185

331

3,273

732

74

373

111

12,238

18,315

39

1,681

1,984

159

39

993

77

59

5,031

5,879

415

186

109

36

6,625

11,656

6,659

5,814

1,289

(110)

(537)

17

6,473

186

6,659

340

1,950

3,701

20

303

58

112

6,484

5,091

388

202

2,791

231

74

154

114

9,045

15,529

21

1,534

1,638

1,771

18

30

47

74

5,133

3,364

415

65

5

13

3,862

8,995

6,534

5,807

1,059

(455)

82

(1)

6,492

42

6,534

5

6

5

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE

SUBSCRIBED 
EQUITY

RETAINED 
EARNINGS

FOREIGN 
CURRENCY 
TRANSLATION 
RESERVE

CASH FLOW 
HEDGE 
RESERVE

OTHER 
RESERVES

NON-
CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS

TOTAL

GROUP $ MILLION

As at 1 August 2014

Profit after tax

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

5,807

–

–

–

1,059

466

4

470

Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:

Dividend paid to equity holders of the Co-operative

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Equity instruments issued

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

–

–

7

–

(240)

–

–

–

As at 31 July 2015

As at 1 August 2013

Profit after tax

Other comprehensive (expense)/income

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

5,807

1,249

–

–

–

157

(11)

146

Transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders:

Dividend paid to equity holders of the Co-operative

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

–

–

(336)

–

As at 31 July 2014

5,807

1,059

(455)

(455)

–

345

345

–

–

–

–

82

–

(619)

(619)

–

–

–

–

(266)

–

(189)

(189)

–

–

(82)

–

164

164

–

–

82

(1)

6,492

–

18

18

–

–

–

–

17

–

–

(1)

(1)

–

–

(1)

466

(252)

214

(240)

–

7

–

6,473

6,708

157

(37)

120

(336)

–

6,492

42

40

7

47

–

120

–

(23)

186

40

22

(4)

18

–

(16)

42

TOTAL 
EQUITY

6,534

506

(245)

261

(240)

120

7

(23)

6,659

6,748

179

(41)

138

(336)

(16)

6,534

5,814

1,289

(110)

(537)

The accompanying notes form part of these summary financial statements.

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   73  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before net finance costs and tax
Adjustments for:
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses
Depreciation and amortisation
Movement in provisions
Other 

Decrease/(increase) in working capital:
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Amounts owing to suppliers
Payables and accruals
Other movements 
Total
Cash generated from operations
Net taxes paid
Net cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash was provided from:
 – Proceeds from sale of business operations
 – Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
 – Proceeds from sale of livestock
 – Other cash inflows
Cash was applied to:
 – Acquisition of business operations
 – Acquisition of available-for-sale investments
 – Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
 – Acquisition of livestock
 – Acquisition of intangible assets
 – Other cash outflows
Net cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash was provided from:
 – Proceeds from borrowings
 – Interest received
 – Other cash inflows
Cash was applied to:
 – Interest paid
 – Repayment of borrowings
 – Settlement of borrowing derivatives
 – Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
 – Dividends paid to equity holders of the Co-operative
Net cash flows from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Reconciliation of closing cash balances to the statement of financial position:
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdraft
Closing cash balances

The accompanying notes form part of these summary financial statements.

74   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

942

(70)
561
(157)
(63)
271

809
182
(1,612)
104
27
(490)
723
(55)
668

62
20
30
36

(771)
–
(1,189)
(121)
(104)
(3)
(2,040)

7,470
8
–

(427)
(5,443)
–
(23)
(233)
1,352
(20)
319
4
303

342
(39)
303

503

11
538
132
(41)
640

(757)
(111)
1,060
111
(28)
275
1,418
(51)
1,367

46
12
13
8

(18)
(78)
(791)
(88)
(102)
(11)
(1,009)

4,241
13
8

(332)
(3,894)
(24)
(16)
(336)
(340)
18
329
(28)
319

340
(21)
319

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PRESENTATION

Fonterra is pleased to present a new structure for our summary financial statements. The new structure has been designed to improve the clarity 
and usefulness of this report. The report has been structured under the following categories:

•  Performance

•  Debt and equity

•  Working capital

• 

Investments

•  Financial risk management

•  Other

PERFORMANCE

1 

SEGMENT REPORTING 

a)  Operating segments
The Group has five reportable segments that reflect the Group’s management and reporting structure as viewed by the Fonterra Management Team.

During the year ended 31 July 2014, transactions between segments were based on estimated market prices adjusted for the difference between the 
Farmgate Milk Price calculated in accordance with the Farmgate Milk Price Manual and that determined by the Board. During the year ended 31 July 
2015, transactions between segments were based on estimated market prices.

REPORTABLE SEGMENT

DESCRIPTION

Global Ingredients and Operations 
(formerly New Zealand Milk Products 
(NZMP))

Represents the collection, processing and distribution of New Zealand milk, global sales and marketing 
of New Zealand and non-New Zealand milk products (including North Asia), Global Brands and 
Nutrition, Co-operative Affairs and Group Services.

Oceania

Asia

Greater China

Latin America

Represents Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) businesses in New Zealand (including export to the Pacific 
Islands) and all FMCG and ingredients businesses in Australia (including Milk Supply and Manufacturing). 
It includes foodservice sales in Australia and New Zealand, and Fonterra Farm Source stores.

Represents FMCG and foodservice businesses in Asia (excluding North Asia and Greater China), Africa 
and the Middle East.

Represents FMCG, foodservice and farming businesses in Greater China.

Represents FMCG and ingredients businesses in South America and the Caribbean. 

From 1 August 2014, Greater China has been reported separately from Asia. In addition, Fonterra’s organisational structure was realigned and as 
a result the Taiwanese ingredients business has moved out of Greater China into Global Ingredients and Operations. Comparatives have been 
restated to reflect these changes.

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   75  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

a)  Operating segments continued

Segment income statement

Year ended 31 July 2015

External revenue

Inter-segment revenue

Revenue from sale of goods

Cost of goods sold

Segment gross profit

GROUP $ MILLION

GLOBAL 
INGREDIENTS AND 
OPERATIONS

OCEANIA

ASIA

GREATER 
CHINA

LATIN 

AMERICA ELIMINATIONS

TOTAL 
GROUP

11,497

2,802

1,575

483

13,072

3,285

1,551

181

1,732

807

–

807

2,188

–

18,845

2

(2,241)

–

2,190

(2,241)

18,845

(11,576)

(2,873)

(1,224)

(599)

(1,516)

2,221

(15,567)

1,496

412

508

Selling and marketing expenses

Distribution expenses

Administrative and other operating expenses

Segment operating expenses

Net other operating income

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Share of profit of equity accounted investees

Segment earnings before net finance costs and tax

Normalisation adjustments

(109)

(217)

(773)

(1,099)

120

83

62

662

37

(141)

(164)

(296)

(601)

40

(1)

7

(143)

119

Normalised segment earnings before net finance costs 
and tax

699

(24)

(176)

(33)

(105)

(314)

2

(4)

–

192

3

195

Normalisation adjustments

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit before tax

Profit before tax includes the following amounts:

Depreciation

Amortisation

Normalisation adjustments consist of the following amounts:

Net gain on Latin America strategic realignment¹

Impairment of assets in Australia²

Restructuring and redundancy provisions³

Time value of options⁴

Total normalisation adjustments

Segment asset information:

As at and for the year ended 31 July 2015

Equity accounted investments 

Capital expenditure⁵

(321)

(77)

(66)

(25)

(10)

(3)

(19)

(1)

–

–

17

20

37

276

930

–

108

11

–

119

42

93

–

–

3

–

3

–

36

208

(135)

(10)

(81)

(226)

18

–

(5)

(5)

1

(4)

–

–

1

–

1

674

(132)

(276)

(162)

(570)

158

(8)

2

256

(128)

128

(37)

(2)

(129)

–

1

–

(128)

858

382

9

90

(20)

3,278

–

–

50

50

(50)

–

–

(20)

–

(20)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(693)

(700)

(1,367)

(2,760)

288

70

66

942

32

974

(32)

39

(557)

424

(453)

(108)

(129)

108

33

20

32

1,185

1,531

1   Of the $129 million normalisation adjustment, $141 million relates to other operating income, $4 million to cost of goods sold and $8 million to other operating expenses. 

Refer Note 7.

2   Of the $108 million normalisation adjustment, $58 million relates to other operating expenses and $50 million to cost of goods sold. This relates to impairment losses 
recorded by Fonterra during the year ended 31 July 2015 in relation to the Australian yoghurt and dairy desserts business. This impairment reflected the continuing 
challenges in that business’s market environment.

3   The $33 million normalisation adjustment relates to administrative and other operating expenses.

4   The $20 million normalisation adjustment relates to net foreign exchange losses.

5  Capital expenditure comprises purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, and net purchases of livestock.

76   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015a)  Operating segments continued

Segment income statement

Year ended 31 July 2014

External revenue

Inter-segment revenue

Revenue from sale of goods

Cost of goods sold

Segment gross profit

Selling and marketing expenses

Distribution expenses

Administrative and other operating expenses

Segment operating expenses

Net other operating income

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

Share of profit of equity accounted investees

Segment earnings before net finance costs and tax

Finance income

Finance costs

Profit before tax

Profit before tax includes the following amounts:

Depreciation

Amortisation

Segment asset information:

As at and for the year ended 31 July 2014

Equity accounted investments 

Capital expenditure¹

GROUP $ MILLION

GLOBAL 
INGREDIENTS AND 
OPERATIONS

OCEANIA

ASIA

GREATER 
CHINA

LATIN 

AMERICA ELIMINATIONS

TOTAL 
GROUP

16,160

2,979

1,915

621

18,075

3,600

1,415

195

1,610

618

–

618

(17,032)

(3,017)

(1,224)

(436)

1,043

(106)

(184)

(673)

(963)

96

50

54

280

583

(137)

(182)

(255)

(574)

18

(1)

5

31

(323)

(75)

(72)

(22)

218

602

36

93

386

(187)

(31)

(110)

(328)

4

(12)

–

50

(8)

(3)

–

32

1,103

58

1,161

(894)

267

(52)

(95)

(51)

182

(111)

(7)

(56)

(174)

(198)

22

–

–

30

(8)

–

–

198

26

2

14

111

(26)

(1)

134

44

–

22,275

(2,789)

–

(2,789)

22,275

2,790

(19,813)

1

–

–

27

27

(27)

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

2,462

(593)

(499)

(1,118)

(2,210)

139

39

73

503

13

(379)

137

(437)

(101)

388

969

1  Capital expenditure comprises purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, and net purchases of livestock.

There were no normalisation adjustments for the year ended 31 July 2014.

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   77  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

b)  Strategic platforms
The Group also presents financial information that reflects Fonterra’s strategic platforms. These strategic platforms are organised on a different 
basis than the Group’s operating segments presented in section a) of this note. The basis of presentation is explained in the table below. 

Fonterra considers this information is useful as it provides more clarity on the financial performance of the ingredients, consumer and 
foodservice, and international farming businesses.

PLATFORM

Ingredients 

Consumer and foodservice

 – Oceania

 – Asia

 – Greater China

DESCRIPTION

Represents the Global Ingredients and Operations reportable segment, the ingredients businesses in 
Australia and South America, and Fonterra Farm Source stores, and excludes the foodservice businesses 
in Asia and Greater China and unallocated costs.

Represents the Oceania reportable segment, excluding the ingredients business in Australia and 
Fonterra Farm Source stores.

Represents the Asia reportable segment and the Asia foodservice business reported in Global 
Ingredients and Operations.

Represents the Greater China reportable segment, excluding International Farming and including the 
foodservice business in Greater China reported in Global Ingredients and Operations.

 – Latin America

Represents the Latin America reportable segment excluding the ingredients businesses in South America.

International Farming 

Represents China farming operations.

GROUP

31 JULY 2015

INGREDIENTS

CONSUMER AND FOODSERVICE

OCEANIA

ASIA

GREATER 
CHINA

LATIN 
AMERICA

INTERNATIONAL 
FARMING

UNALLOCATED 
COSTS AND 
ELIMINATIONS

TOTAL

0.2

164

141

(44)

594

(3.4)

22.8

(528)

4,303

(2,338)

18,845

(363)

974

(757)

9,487

TOTAL

4.5

1,685

0.6

660

2,033

6,701

110

403

408

1,058

Volume1 (liquid milk equivalents, billion)

Volume1 (metric tonnes, thousand)

Sales revenue1 ($ million)

Normalised EBIT ($ million)

Capital employed2 ($ million)

Return on capital3 (%)

21.5

2,982

1.7

619

1.6

284

14,341

2,021

1,918

973

8,592

51

465

202

145

0.6

122

729

45

45

9.3%

5.0% 96.2% 71.5% 18.6% 25.5%

(7.3)%

8.9%

For the year ended 31 July 2015 the Group’s return on capital including intangible assets, goodwill and equity accounted investments, was 6.9 per cent.

GROUP

31 JULY 2014

INGREDIENTS

CONSUMER AND FOODSERVICE

INTERNATIONAL 
FARMING

UNALLOCATED 
COSTS AND 
ELIMINATIONS

TOTAL

OCEANIA

21.7

3,052

1.8

631

ASIA

1.2

274

19,553

2,102

1,811

679

9,403

(24)

294

51

154

GREATER 
CHINA

LATIN 
AMERICA

0.4

92

560

8

(23)

0.5

328

848

94

220

TOTAL

3.9

1,325

5,321

129

645

5.6% (15.0)% 17.0%

N/A

24.6%

5.9%

0.1

100

103

21

288

7.1%

(3.5)

22.2

(512)

3,965

(2,702)

22,275

(326)

503

(1,843)

8,493

4.7%

Volume1 (liquid milk equivalents, billion)

Volume1 (metric tonnes, thousand)

Sales revenue1 ($ million)

Normalised EBIT ($ million)

Capital employed2 ($ million)

Return on capital3 (%)

For the year ended 31 July 2014 the Group’s return on capital including intangible assets, goodwill and equity accounted investments, was 4.1 per cent.

1 

Includes sales to other strategic platforms. Total column represents total external sales.

2  Capital employed excludes brands, goodwill and equity accounted investments.

3  Return on capital is calculated as normalised EBIT, less equity accounted investees’ earnings, less a notional royalty charge for use of the Group’s brands, less a notional tax 

charge, divided by capital employed.

78   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
c)  Geographical revenue

Geographical segment external revenue:

REST OF 

CHINA

ASIA AUSTRALIA

NEW 
ZEALAND

USA

EUROPE

LATIN 
AMERICA

REST OF 
WORLD

TOTAL

GROUP $ MILLION

Year ended 31 July 2015

Year ended 31 July 2014 

2,111

5,537

5,222

5,787

1,560

1,666

1,882

2,162

1,198

1,014

725

946

3,113

1,802

3,034

18,845

3,361

22,275

Revenue is allocated to geographical segments on the basis of the destination of the goods sold.

d)  Non-current assets

GROUP $ MILLION

GLOBAL INGREDIENTS 
AND OPERATIONS

NEW 
ZEALAND

REST OF 
WORLD

OCEANIA

NEW 

ZEALAND AUSTRALIA

ASIA

GREATER 
CHINA

LATIN 
AMERICA

TOTAL 
GROUP

Geographical segment reportable non-current assets:

As at 31 July 2015 

As at 31 July 2014 

4,783

4,300

464

391

1,394

1,387

814

1,022

822

705

1,751

410

1,105

445

11,133

8,660

Reconciliation of geographical segment non-current assets to total non-current assets:

Geographical segment non-current assets 

Deferred tax assets

Derivative financial instruments 

Total non-current assets

2 

COST OF GOODS SOLD 

Opening inventory

Cost of Milk:

 – New Zealand sourced

 – Non-New Zealand sourced

Other purchases

Closing inventory

Total cost of goods sold

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT
31 JULY 2015

AS AT
31 JULY 2014

11,133

732

373

12,238

8,660

231

154

9,045

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

3,701

3,078

7,121

1,151

6,619

(3,025)

15,567

13,226

1,192

6,018

(3,701)

19,813

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   79  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

DEBT AND EQUITY

3 

SUBSCRIBED EQUITY INSTRUMENTS 

Co-operative shares, including shares held within the Group
Co-operative shares may only be held by a shareholder supplying milk to the Company (farmer shareholder), by former farmer shareholders for 
up to three seasons after cessation of milk supply, or by Fonterra Farmer Custodian Limited (the Custodian). Voting rights in the Company are 
dependent on milk supply supported by Co-operative shares¹.

Balance at 1 August 2014

Shares issued²

Shares surrendered

Balance at 31 July 2015

CO-OPERATIVE SHARES  
(THOUSANDS)

1,597,834

1,260

–

1,599,094

1  These rights are also attached to vouchers when backed by milk supply (subject to limits).

2  1,260,116 shares with a total value of $7 million were issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan during the year ended 31 July 2015.

No shares were issued or surrendered during the year ended 31 July 2014.

The rights attaching to Co-operative shares are set out in Fonterra’s Constitution, available in the ‘About/Our Governance’ section of Fonterra’s website.

Units in the Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund 
The Custodian holds legal title of Co-operative shares of which the Economic Rights have been sold to the Fund on trust for the benefit of the Fund. 
At 31 July 2015, 105,480,366 Co-operative shares (31 July 2014: 109,777,717) were legally owned by the Custodian, on trust for the benefit of the Fund.

Balance at 1 August 2014

Units issued

Units surrendered

Balance at 31 July 2015

Balance at 1 August 2013

Units issued

Units surrendered

Balance at 31 July 2014 

UNITS
 (THOUSANDS)

109,778

21,906

(26,204)

105,480

107,969

13,116

(11,307)

109,778

The rights attaching to units are set out in the Trust Deed constituting the Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund, available in the ‘Financial/Trading Among 
Farmers’ section of Fonterra’s website.

Capital management and structure
The Board’s objective is to maximise equity holder returns over time by maintaining an optimal capital structure. As part of the key financial risk 
management activities undertaken by the Group, Trading Among Farmers (TAF) was launched in November 2012 to support the establishment of 
the Fonterra Shareholders’ Market. The establishment of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Market eliminates redemption risk and provides a permanent 
capital base for the Co-operative.

The Group provides returns to farmer shareholders through a milk price, and to equity holders through dividends and changes in the Company’s share price. 

The Fund is subject to the issue and redemption of units at the discretion of Fonterra and Fonterra’s farmer shareholders. Fonterra has an interest 
in ensuring the stability of the Fund and has established a Fund Size Risk Management Policy, which requires that the number of units on issue 
remain within specified limits and that within these limits, the number of units is managed appropriately. Fonterra may use a range of measures 
to ensure the Fund size remains within the specified limits, including introducing or cancelling a dividend reinvestment plan, operating a unit 
and/or share repurchase programme and issuing new shares.

80   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 20154  DIVIDENDS PAID 

DIVIDENDS

2015 Interim dividend – 10.0 cents per share¹

2014 Final dividend – 5.0 cents per share²

2014 Interim dividend – 5.0 cents per share³

2013 Final dividend – 16.0 cents per share⁴

$ MILLION

YEAR ENDED 
31 JULY 2015

YEAR ENDED 
31 JULY 2014

160

80

–

–

–

–

80

256

1  Declared on 24 March 2015 and paid on 20 April 2015 to all Co-operative shares on issue at 10 April 2015. The Dividend Reinvestment Plan applied to this interim dividend.

2  Declared on 23 September 2014 and paid on 20 October 2014 to all Co-operative shares on issue at 9 October 2014.

3  Declared on 25 March 2014 and paid on 17 April 2014 to all Co-operative shares on issue at 10 April 2014.

4  Declared on 24 September 2013 and paid on 18 October 2013 to all Co-operative shares on issue at 10 October 2013.

Dividends declared after balance date
On 23 September 2015, the Board declared a final dividend of 15 cents per share, to be paid on 20 October 2015 to all Co-operative shares on 
issue at 8 October 2015. 

Fonterra has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan, where eligible shareholders can choose to reinvest all or part of their future dividend in additional 
Co-operative shares. The Dividend Reinvestment Plan does apply to this dividend. Full details of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan are available on 
the financial section of Fonterra’s website.

5 

BORROWINGS 

Commercial paper

Bank loans

Finance leases

Capital notes

NZX listed bonds

Medium-term notes

Total borrowings

Included within the statement of financial position as follows:

Total current borrowings

Total non-current borrowings

Total borrowings

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2015

AS AT 
31 JULY 2014

473

1,717

169

35

500

4,666

7,560

1,681

5,879

7,560

464

437

180

35

948

2,834

4,898

1,534

3,364

4,898

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   81  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

5 

BORROWINGS CONTINUED

Leverage  ratios
The Board closely monitors the Group’s leverage ratios, which include the gearing ratio and debt coverage ratios (debt payback and interest 
coverage ratios). The primary debt payback ratios comprise funds from operations divided by economic net interest bearing debt, and economic 
net interest bearing debt divided by EBITDA. The gearing ratio is calculated as economic net interest bearing debt divided by total capital. 
Economic net interest bearing debt is calculated in the table below. Total capital is calculated as equity, as presented in the statement of financial 
position (excluding the cash flow hedge reserve), plus economic net interest bearing debt. The gearing ratio as at 31 July 2015 was 49.7 per cent 
(31 July 2014: 42.3 per cent). The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

Economic net interest bearing debt
Economic net interest bearing debt reflects the effect of debt hedging in place at balance date. 

Net interest bearing debt position

Total borrowings

Cash and cash equivalents

Interest bearing advances included in other non-current assets

Bank overdraft

Net interest bearing debt

Value of derivatives used to manage changes in hedged risks and other foreign exchange 
movements on debt

Economic net interest bearing debt

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2015

AS AT 
31 JULY 2014

7,560

(342)

(65)

39

7,192

(72)

7,120

4,898

(340)

(81)

21

4,498

234

4,732

Liquidity risk
The Group manages its liquidity by retaining cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding from an adequate amount of committed 
credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. Fonterra’s funding facilities are reviewed at least annually, which is one of the key 
financial risk management activities undertaken by the Group to ensure an appropriate maturity profile given the nature of the Group’s business. 
At balance date the Group had undrawn lines of credit totalling $2,520 million (31 July 2014: $3,215 million).

WORKING CAPITAL

6  OWING TO SUPPLIERS

The Board uses its discretion in establishing the rate at which Fonterra will pay suppliers for the milk supplied over the season. This is referred to 
as the advance rate. The following table provides a breakdown of the advance payments made to suppliers:

Final milk price for the season

Of this amount:

 – Total advance payments made during the year

 – Total owing as at 31 July

Amount advanced during the year as a percentage of the milk price for the season ended 31 May

The total amount owing to suppliers at 31 July 2015 is $159 million (31 July 2014: $1,771 million).

AS AT 
31 JULY 2015

$4.40

$4.33

$0.07

98%

AS AT 
31 JULY 2014

$8.40

$7.30

$1.10

87%

82   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015INVESTMENTS

7 

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On 1 August 2014, the Group acquired additional voting shares in DPA Brazil (Dairy Partners Americas Brasil Limitada – from 50 per cent to 
51 per cent, with Nestlé holding the balance) and DPA Venezuela (Lacven Corporation – 25 per cent to 60 per cent, with a local partner holding 
the balance). These equity accounted investments became consolidated subsidiaries from that date.

On 1 October 2014, the Group’s equity accounted investments in Ecuador (Ecuajugos S.A.) and DPA’s milk powder manufacturing business 
(DPA Manufacturing Holdings Limited) were sold to Nestlé.

The fair value of consideration transferred at the acquisition date is:

Carrying value of existing interest

Gain/(loss) on remeasuring to fair value¹

Fair value of existing interest

Cash paid

Fair value of consideration transferred

Represented by:

Share of identifiable acquired net assets

Goodwill on acquisition

Gain on bargain purchase²

Total

GROUP $ MILLION

BRAZIL

VENEZUELA

TOTAL

106

165

271

2

273

97

176

–

273

23

(6)

17

–

17

41

–

(24)

17

129

159

288

2

290

138

176

(24)

290

1   The gain/(loss) on remeasuring the previous equity accounted interests is determined with reference to the fair value determined by independent experts.

2   Gain on bargain purchase arises on the consolidation of Venezuela into the Group. The business was no longer a strategic fit for another owner, and therefore the Group 

was able to negotiate a favourable purchase price for the additional 35 per cent.

The cash inflow on acquisition is:

Net cash acquired with subsidiary

Cash paid

Net consolidated inflow on acquisition

GROUP $ MILLION

BRAZIL

VENEZUELA

TOTAL

9

(2)

7

17

–

17

26

(2)

24

The contribution of the acquired entities to the Group’s revenue and profit for the year ended 31 July 2015 is:

Revenue

Profit after tax

GROUP $ MILLION

BRAZIL

VENEZUELA

TOTAL

495

4

673

45

1,168

49

The Group has recorded a one-off gain relating to the business combinations, sale of equity accounted investments and the settlement of other 
relationships with the parties.

Fair value gain/(loss) revaluing existing interest

Foreign currency translation reserve transferred to income statement 

Gain on bargain purchase

Gain on sale of equity accounted investment

Other items

Total gain¹

GROUP $ MILLION

BRAZIL

VENEZUELA

OTHER

TOTAL

165

(39)

–

–

–

126

(6)

(15)

24

–

–

3

–

(24)

–

5

19

–

159

(78)

24

5

19

129

1  The gain is included in other operating income ($141 million), cost of goods sold ($4 million expense) and other operating expenses ($8 million expense).

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   83  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

7 

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS CONTINUED

The fair values of the major classes of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are:

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Other assets

Total assets

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Other liabilities¹

Total liabilities

Fair value of identifiable net assets

GROUP $ MILLION

BRAZIL

VENEZUELA

TOTAL

159

111

328

115

713

(119)

(193)

(112)

(101)

(525)

188

64

83

12

59

218

(95)

(37)

(6)

(10)

(148)

70

223

194

340

174

931

(214)

(230)

(118)

(111)

(673)

258

1  Provisions of $80 million have been recognised for contingencies relating to tax and legal matters arising in the normal course of business. The timing and amount of the 

future obligations are uncertain, as they are contingent on the outcome of a number of administrative and judicial proceedings. The amount recognised has been based on 
management’s best estimate of the amount that will be required to settle the obligations. The outcome of most of the obligations is not expected to be determined within 
the next year and therefore the provisions are classified as non-current.

8  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Darnum manufacturing plant – Australia
On 16 March 2015, Fonterra acquired an 18.8 per cent shareholding in Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co., Ltd. (Beingmate). In conjunction with 
this investment, Fonterra and Beingmate confirmed their intention to establish a partnership to purchase the Darnum manufacturing plant in 
Australia. The sale of the plant to the partnership is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete within one year of balance date. 
Accordingly the Darnum manufacturing plant is classified as held for sale at 31 July 2015.

9 

EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS 

The Group’s significant equity accounted investments are listed below. The ownership interest in these entities is 50 per cent or less and the 
Group is not considered to exercise a controlling interest.

EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEE NAME¹

COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION²

DMV Fonterra Excipients GmbH & Co KG

Dairy Industries (Jamaica) Limited

DairiConcepts, L.P.

DairiConcepts Management, L.L.C.

Dairy Partners Americas Brasil Limitada3

Lacven Corporation3

Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co., Ltd

International Nutritionals Limited

Germany

Jamaica

USA

USA

Brazil

Barbados

China

New Zealand

OWNERSHIP INTERESTS (%)

AS AT 
31 JULY 2015

AS AT 
31 JULY 2014

50

50

50

50

–

–

18.8

50

50

50

50

50

50

25

–

50

1  Except for International Nutritionals Limited, all investees have balance dates of 31 December. International Nutritionals Limited has the same balance date as the Group.
2  This is also the principle place of business.
3  On 1 August 2014, the Group purchased additional voting equity interests in DPA Brazil (Dairy Partners Americas Brasil Limitada) and DPA Venezuela (Lacven Corporation). 

These entities became consolidated subsidiaries from that date. Please refer to Note 7 for further information.

84   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

10  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Overview
Global financial and commodity markets remain volatile. The nature of Fonterra’s business is such that managing risks in the foreign exchange, 
interest rate, commodity, credit and liquidity markets is critical to minimising the volatility in returns to equity holders.

The Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s financial risk management framework. The Board:

 – has established financial risk management policies and procedures to identify, analyse and, where appropriate, manage the financial risks faced 

by the Group;

 – has approved a Treasury Policy that covers appropriate financial risk limits and controls (including, but not limited to, delegated authority levels 

and authorised use of various financial instruments); and 

 – monitors financial risks and adherence to approved limits.

The Group’s overall financial risk management programme focuses primarily on maintaining a prudent financial risk profile that provides 
flexibility to implement the Group’s strategies, while ensuring the optimisation of the return on assets. Financial risk management is centralised, 
which supports compliance with the financial risk management policies and procedures set by the Board. Fonterra manages financial risk, 
including foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and commodity price risk.

Key financial risk management activities

Capital structure 
The Board’s objective is to maximise equity holder returns over time by maintaining an optimal capital structure. For further detail refer to Note 3.

Bank facility renewal 
Fonterra’s banking facilities are reviewed at least annually, which is one of the key financial risk management activities undertaken by the Group 
to ensure an appropriate maturity profile. For further detail refer to Note 5.

Leverage ratios
The Board closely monitors the Group’s leverage ratios, which include the gearing ratio and debt coverage ratios (debt payback and interest 
coverage ratios). For further detail refer to Note 5.

OTHER

11  TAXATION

Taxation – income statement
The total taxation credit in the income statement is summarised as follows:

Current tax expense

Prior period adjustments to current tax

Deferred tax movements:

 – Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Tax credit

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

97

–

(179)

(82)

54

(2)

(94)

(42)

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   85  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

11  TAXATION CONTINUED

The taxation charge that would arise at the standard rate of corporation tax in New Zealand is reconciled to the tax expense/(credit) as follows:

Profit before tax

Prima facie tax expense at 28%

Add/(deduct) tax effect of:

 – Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 

 – Non-deductible expenses/additional assessable income

 – Non-assessable income/additional deductible expenses

 – Prior year over provision

Tax expense before distributions and deferred tax

Effective tax rate before distributions and deferred tax¹

Tax effect of distributions to farmer shareholders

Tax credit before deferred tax

Effective tax rate before deferred tax¹

Add/(deduct) tax effect of:

 – Origination and reversal of other temporary differences

 – Losses of overseas Group entities (recognised)/not recognised

Tax credit

Effective tax rate1

Imputation credits

Imputation credits available for use in subsequent reporting periods 

Tax losses

Gross tax losses available for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised

1  The effective tax rate is the tax charge on the face of the income statement expressed as a percentage of the profit before tax.

12  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, PROVISIONS AND COMMITMENTS

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

424

119

(31)

44

(71)

–

61

14.4%

(107)

(46)

(10.8)%

2

(38)

(82)

137

38

(13)

31

(36)

(2)

18

13.1%

(38)

(20)

(14.6)%

(45)

23

(42)

(19.3)%

(30.7)%

20

55

20

201

Contingent liabilities
In the normal course of business, Fonterra, its subsidiaries and equity accounted investees, are exposed to claims and legal proceedings that may 
in some cases result in costs to the Group. 

In early August 2013, Fonterra publicly announced a potential food safety issue with three batches of Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC80) 
produced at the Hautapu manufacturing site and initiated a precautionary product recall. 

In late August 2013, the New Zealand Government confirmed that the Clostridium samples found in WPC80 were not Clostridium botulinum and were 
not toxigenic, meaning the consumers of products containing the relevant batches of WPC80 were never in danger from Clostridium botulinum. 

In January 2014, Danone formally initiated legal proceedings against Fonterra in the High Court of New Zealand and separate Singapore 
arbitration proceedings against Fonterra in relation to the WPC80 precautionary recall. The New Zealand High Court proceedings have been 
stayed pending completion of the Singapore arbitration. The hearing of the arbitration is scheduled to occur in February 2016. 

Based on current information available and the claims made to date in both proceedings, Fonterra will vigorously defend its position in these 
proceedings. Uncertainty exists regarding the outcome of the proceedings. Fonterra has provided $11 million (31 July 2014: $11 million) in respect 
of the Danone claims, which represents the maximum contractual liability to Danone.

The Directors believe that these proceedings have been adequately provided for and disclosed by the Group and that there are no additional claims 
or legal proceedings in respect of this matter that are pending at the date of these financial statements that require provision or disclosure.

The Group has no other contingent liabilities as at 31 July 2015 (31 July 2014: nil).

86   |    SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 201513  NET TANGIBLE ASSETS PER SECURITY

Net tangible assets per security¹

$ per listed debt security on issue

$ per equity instrument on issue

Listed debt securities on issue (million)

Equity instruments on issue (million)

1  Net tangible assets represents total assets less total liabilities less intangible assets.

GROUP

AS AT 
31 JULY 2015

AS AT 
31 JULY 2014

5.62

2.12

603

1,599

3.55

2.34

1,053

1,598

   SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    |   87  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF FONTERRA CO-OPERATIVE GROUP LIMITED

REPORT ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have audited the accompanying Group summary financial statements of Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (“the Company”) on 
pages 70 to 87 which comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 July 2015, the income statement, statement of comprehensive income, 
statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and the notes to the financial statements, which are derived 
from the audited financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 July 2015. The Group comprises the Company and the entities it 
controlled at 31 July 2015 or from time to time during the financial year.

The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required for full financial statements under generally accepted accounting 
practice in New Zealand. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements 
of Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited.

Directors’ Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible on behalf of the Company for the preparation of the summary financial statements in accordance with FRS-43: 
Summary Financial Statements (“FRS-43”).

Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance 
with International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) 810: Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.

Our firm carries out other assignments for the Group in relation to other advisory, other assurance and attestation services. Partners and 
employees of our firm may deal with the Group on normal terms within the ordinary course of trading activities of the Group. These matters have 
not impaired our independence as auditors of the Group.

Opinion on the Group’s Financial Statements
Our audit of the financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2015 was completed on 23 September 2015 and our unmodified opinion was 
issued on that date. 

Opinion on the Summary Financial Statements
In our opinion, the summary financial statements have been correctly derived from the audited financial statements of Fonterra Co-operative 
Group Limited for the year ended 31 July 2015 and are consistent, in all material respects, with those financial statements, in accordance with 
FRS-43.

RESTRICTION ON DISTRIBUTION OR USE

This report has been prepared for inclusion in the Fonterra Annual Review report. We disclaim any responsibility for reliance on this report or the 
amounts included in the summary financial statements, for any purpose other than that for which they were prepared.

Chartered Accountants
Auckland 
23 September 2015

88   |    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015 
 
STATUTORY INFORMATION   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

CURRENT CREDIT RATING STATUS

Standard & Poor’s long term rating for Fonterra is A with a rating outlook of CreditWatch negative. Fitch’s long and short term default rating is 
AA- with a rating outlook of stable. Retail Bonds have been rated the same as the Company’s long term rating by both Standard & Poor’s and 
Fitch. Capital Notes which are subordinate to other Fonterra debt issued are rated A- by Standard & Poor’s and A+ by Fitch.

EXCHANGE RULINGS AND WAIVERS

NZX Limited (NZX) has ruled that Capital Notes do not constitute “equity securities” under the NZX Main Board/Debt Markets Listing Rules 
(Rules). This means that where Capital Notes are quoted on NZX’s Debt Market (NZDX), the Company is not required to comply with certain 
Rules which apply to an issuer of quoted equity securities. 

NZX has granted waivers from NZDX Rule 11.1.1 to enable Fonterra to decline to accept or register transfers of Capital Notes or Retail Bonds 
(NZDX listed debt securities FCGHA, FCG020 and FCG030) if such transfer would result in the transferor holding or continuing to hold Capital 
Notes or Retail Bonds with a face value or principal amount of less than $5,000 or if such transfer is for an amount of less than $1,000 or not a 
multiple thereof. The effect of these waivers is that the minimum holding amount in respect of the Capital Notes and Retail Bonds will at all times 
be $5,000 in aggregate and that Retail Bonds can only be transferred in multiples of $1,000.

NZX has also granted a waiver from NZDX Rule 5.2.3 in respect of Retail Bonds FCG020 and FCG030 to enable these Retail Bonds to be quoted on the 
NZDX market even though they did not meet the requirement that at least 500 members of the public held at least 25 per cent of the Retail Bonds 
being issued.

NZX TRADING HALTS

On 10 March 2015, NZX Regulation (NZXR) placed a trading halt on the following Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited securities: FCG, FCG010, 
FCG020 and FCGHA. This halt was part of an industry-wide action taken by NZXR to place all listed issuers within the dairy industry on a trading 
halt as a result of the infant formula contamination threat. Following the public release of a Ministry for Primary Industries announcement 
regarding the contamination threat, NZXR then lifted the trading halt on Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited and other industry participants’ 
securities. The trading halt was in place between 3.21pm and 4.17pm on 10 March 2015.

   STATUTORY INFORMATION    |   89  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015FIVE YEAR SUMMARY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2015

SHAREHOLDER SUPPLIER RETURNS

Payout 

Farmgate Milk Price (per kgMS)1

Dividend (per share)

Cash payout2

Retentions (per share)3

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Average commodity prices (US$ per MT FOB)

Whole Milk Powder4

Skim Milk Powder4

Butter4

Cheese5

Average NZD/USD spot exchange rate applying throughout the year6

Fonterra’s average NZD/USD conversion rate7

Revenue ($ million)

Ingredients and other revenue

Consumer revenue

Total revenue

Dairy ingredients manufactured in New Zealand (000s MT)

Total ingredients sales volume (000s MT)8 

Segment earnings ($ million)9

Global Ingredients and Operations

Oceania

Asia

Greater China

Latin America

Eliminations

Segment earnings

Normalisation adjustments

Normalised segment earnings

Profit after tax attributable to shareholders ($ million)

Earnings per share10

JULY 2015

JULY 2014

JULY 2013

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

4.40

0.25

4.65

0.04

2,639

2,552

3,027

3,477

0.76

0.79

12,144

6,701

18,845

2,753

2,982

662

(143)

192

(5)

256

(20)

942

32

974

466

0.29

8.40

0.10

8.50

–

4,824

4,504

3,920

4,706

0.84

0.81

17,748

4,527

22,275

2,519

3,052

280

31

50

30

111

1

503

–

503

157

0.10

5.84

0.32

6.16

0.14

3,394

3,625

3,550

4,124

0.82

0.80

13,926

4,717

18,643

2,312

2,765

480

93

207

–

137

20

937

65

6.08

0.32

6.40

0.10

3,359

3,285

3,546

3,498

0.80

0.77

14,824

4,945

19,769

2,353

2,660

477

218

182

–

124

(14)

987

41

1,002

1,028

718

0.44

609

0.41

7.60

0.30

7.90

0.25

3,606

3,321

4,344

4,285

0.77

0.72

14,623

5,248

19,871

2,143

2,486

419

278

193

–

121

17

1,028

(23)

1,005

754

0.53

1  From the beginning of the 2009 season the Farmgate Milk Price has been determined by the Board. In making that determination, the Board takes into account the 

Farmgate Milk Price calculated in accordance with the principles set out in the Farmgate Milk Price Manual which is independently audited.

2  Average Payout for a 100 per cent share-backed supplier.
3  Retentions are calculated as net profit after tax attributable to Co-operative shareholders at 31 July divided by the number of shares at 31 May, less dividend per share.
4  Source: Fonterra Farmgate Milk Price Statement representing the weighted-average United States Dollars (USD) contract prices of Reference Commodity Products.
5  Source: Oceania Export Series, Agricultural Marketing Service, US Department of Agriculture.
6  Average spot exchange rate is the average of the daily spot rates for the financial period.
7  Fonterra’s average conversion rate is the rate that Fonterra has converted net United States dollar receipts into New Zealand dollars based on the hedge cover in place.
8  For the year ended 31 July 2014, the total ingredients sales volume has been restated to reflect Fonterra’s strategic platforms. Figures for the years ended 31 July 2013 and 

earlier have not been restated.

9  Represents segment earnings before unallocated finance income, finance costs and tax. For the years ended 31 July 2015 and 2014, Greater China has been disclosed 

separately in alignment with the disclosures in the segment note. For the years ended 31 July 2013 and earlier, Greater China was part of Asia. The year ended 31 July 2014 
has been restated to reflect changes to the organisation of business units that occurred in the year ended 31 July 2015. The year ended 31 July 2012 has been restated to 
reflect changes to the organisation of business units within reported segments which occurred in the year ended 31 July 2013. The year ended 31 July 2011 has been restated 
to reflect changes to the organisation of business units within reported segments which occurred in the year ended 31 July 2012. 

10 On 27 February 2013, Fonterra announced a non-cash bonus issue of one share for every 40 shares held. The bonus issue increased the number of shares on issue by 

40.4 million. The record date for the bonus issue was 12 April 2013 and the issue date was 24 April 2013. Earnings per share for the years ended 31 July 2012 and 31 July 2011 
have been restated as if the bonus issue was effective at the beginning of the periods presented.

90   |    FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015CAPITAL EMPLOYED ($ million)

Total assets employed

Average net assets11

Total equity

Equity excluding cash flow hedge reserve

Net interest bearing debt

Economic net interest bearing debt12

Return on net assets11

Headline debt to debt plus equity ratio13

Economic debt to debt plus equity ratio13

STAFF EMPLOYED

Total staff employed (000s, permanent full time equivalents)

New Zealand

Overseas

SEASON STATISTICS14

Total NZ milk collected (million litres)

Highest daily volume collected (million litres)

NZ shareholder supply milk solids collected (million kgMS) 

NZ contract supply milk solids collected (million kgMS) 

NZ milk solids collected (million kgMS)

Total number of shareholders at 31 May

Total number of sharemilkers at 31 May

Total number of shares at 31 May (million)

JULY 2015

JULY 2014

JULY 2013

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

18,315

12,918

6,659

7,196

7,192

7,120

7.5%

50.0%

49.7%

15,529

10,860

6,534

6,452

4,498

4,732

14,373

11,135

6,748

6,830

4,227

4,467

15,117

10,900

6,655

6,592

3,833

4,229

15,530

10,772

6,541

6,025

3,766

4,331

4.6%

9.0%

9.4%

9.3%

41.1%

42.3%

38.2%

39.6%

36.8%

39.1%

38.5%

41.8%

JULY 2015

JULY 2014

JULY 2013

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

22.0

11.9

10.1

18.2

11.4

6.8

17.5

11.2

6.3

17.3

11.0

6.3

16.8

10.8

6.0

JULY 2015

JULY 2014

JULY 2013

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

18,143

89.7

1,520

94

1,614

10,753

3,379

1,599

17,932

87.1

1,533

51

1,584

10,721

3,398

1,598

16,673

84.8

1,424

39

1,463

16,951

81.2

1,463

30

1,493

15,427

76.8

1,320

26

1,346

10,668

10,578

10,485

3,449

1,598

3,595

1,433

3,928

1,377

11  Return on net assets (RONA) is derived by dividing normalised EBIT (as reported in financial statements) by 13 month average net assets (excluding net debt and deferred tax).

12  Economic net interest bearing debt reflects the effect of debt hedging in place at balance date.

13  Headline debt to debt plus equity ratio is before taking account of the effect of debt hedging. Economic debt to debt plus equity includes the effect of debt hedging.

14  All season statistics are based on the 12 month milk season of 1 June–31 May.

   FIVE YEAR SUMMARY    |   91  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015NON-GAAP MEASURES

Fonterra uses several non-GAAP measures when discussing financial performance. For further details and definitions of non-GAAP measures 
used by Fonterra, refer to the glossary on page 93. These are non-GAAP measures and are not prepared in accordance with NZ IFRS. 

Management believes that these measures provide useful information as they provide valuable insight on the underlying performance of the 
business. They may be used internally to evaluate the underlying performance of business units and to analyse trends. These measures are not 
uniformly defined or utilised by all companies. Accordingly, these measures may not be comparable with similarly titled measures used by other 
companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed in isolation nor considered as a substitute for measures reported in accordance 
with NZ IFRS.

Reconciliations for the NZ IFRS measures to certain non-GAAP measures referred to by Fonterra are detailed below.

Reconciliation from the NZ IFRS measure of profit for the period to Fonterra’s normalised EBITDA

Profit for the period 

Add: Depreciation 

Add: Amortisation

Add: Net finance costs

Less: Taxation credit

Total EBITDA 

Add: Impairment of assets in Australia 

Add: Restructuring and redundancy provisions

Add: Time value of options

Less: Gain on Latin America realignment

Total normalisation adjustments

Normalised EBITDA

Reconciliation from the NZ IFRS measure of profit for the period to Fonterra’s normalised EBIT

Profit for the period 

Add: Net finance costs

Less: Taxation credit

Total EBIT

Add: Normalisation adjustments (as detailed above)

Total normalised EBIT

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

506

453

108

518

(82)

1,503

108

33

20

(129)

32

1,535

179

437

101

366

(42)

1,041

–

–

–

–

–

1,041

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

506

518

(82)

942

32

974

179

366

(42)

503

–

503

Reconciliation from the NZ IFRS measure of profit for the period to Fonterra’s normalised earnings per share

Profit for the period 

Add: Normalisation adjustments (as detailed above)

Less: Tax on normalisation adjustments

Total normalised earnings

Less: Share attributable to non-controlling interests

Net normalised earnings attributable to equity holders of the Parent

Weighted average number of shares (thousands of shares)

Normalised earnings per share ($)

92   |    NON-GAAP MEASURES

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2015

31 JULY 2014

506

32

(42)

496

(40)

456

179

–

–

179

(22)

157

1,598,464

0.29

1,597,834

0.10

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015GLOSSARY   

NON-GAAP MEASURES 

Fonterra refers to non-GAAP financial measures throughout the Annual Review, and these measures are not prepared in accordance with NZ 
IFRS. The definitions below explain how Fonterra calculates the non-GAAP measures referred to throughout the Annual Review.

Average net assets

Constant currency

is calculated as net interest bearing debt and total equity less deferred tax averaged over a rolling 13 
month period.

means a measure that eliminates the effect of exchange rate movements. Constant currency variances 
are calculated by taking the current period financial measure in local currency less the prior period 
financial measure in local currency and dividing this by prior period financial measure in local currency 
using the prior period local currency to the New Zealand Dollar exchange rate.

Contribution margin

is calculated as segmental gross profit less distribution, selling and marketing expenses.

EBIT

EBIT margin %

EBITDA

Economic debt to debt 
plus equity ratio

Farmgate Milk Price

means earnings before interest and tax and is calculated as profit for the period before net finance 
costs and tax.

is calculated as profit for the period before net finance costs and tax and divided by revenue.

means earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and is calculated as profit for the 
period before net finance costs, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

is calculated as net interest bearing debt divided by net interest bearing debt plus equity. Net interest 
bearing debt includes the effect of debt hedging, and equity excludes the cash flow hedge reserve.

means the base price that Fonterra pays for milk supplied to it in New Zealand for a season. 
The season refers to the 12 month milk season of 1 June to 31 May.

Net tangible assets

means total assets less total liabilities less intangible assets.

Normalisation adjustments

means transactions that are unusual by nature and size. Excluding these transactions can assist users 
with forming a view of the underlying performance of the business. Unusual transactions by nature are 
the result of a specific event or set of circumstances that are outside the control of the business, or relate 
to the major acquisitions or disposals of an asset/group of assets or business. It may also include certain 
fair value movements created by required accounting treatments, in particular if they are non-cash 
movements, and will have no impact on profit over time. Unusual transactions by size are those that are 
unusually large in a particular accounting period. Unusually large is defined as greater than $30 million.

Normalised EBIT

means profit for the period before net finance costs, tax and after normalisation adjustments.

Normalised EBIT margin %

means profit for the period before net finance costs, tax and after normalisation adjustments divided 
by revenue.

Normalised EBITDA

means profit for the period before net finance costs, tax, depreciation, amortisation and after 
normalisation adjustments.

Normalised segment earnings

means segmental profit for the period before depreciation, amortisation, net finance costs, taxation 
expense, and after normalisation adjustments.

Payout

Retentions

means the total cash payment to farmer shareholders. It is the sum of the Farmgate Milk Price (kgMS) 
and the dividend per share. Both of these components have established policies and procedures in place 
on how these are determined.

means net profit after tax attributable to farmer shareholders divided by the number of shares at 31 May, 
less dividend per share.

Segment earnings

means segmental profit for the period before net finance costs, tax and normalisation adjustments.

   GLOSSARY    |   93  

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015REGISTERED OFFICE

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited 
Private Bag 92032 
Auckland 1010 
New Zealand

Fonterra Centre 
9 Princes Street 
Auckland Central 
Auckland 1010 
New Zealand

Phone +64 9 374 9000 
Fax +64 9 374 9001

AUDITORS 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Level 22, PwC Tower 
188 Quay Street 
Auckland 1142 
New Zealand

FARMER SHAREHOLDER AND 
SUPPLIER SERVICES

Freephone 0800 65 65 68

FONTERRA SHARES AND 
FSF UNITS REGISTRY

Computershare Investor Services 
Limited 
Private Bag 92119 
Auckland 1142 
New Zealand

Level 2, 159 Hurstmere Road 
Takapuna 
Auckland 0622 
New Zealand

CAPITAL NOTES REGISTRY

Link Market Services Limited 
PO Box 91976 
Auckland 1142 
New Zealand

Level 7, Zurich House 
21 Queen Street 
Auckland Central 1010 
New Zealand

INVESTOR RELATIONS ENQUIRIES

Phone +64 9 374 9000 
investor.relations@fonterra.com

www.fonterra.com

DIRECTORY

FONTERRA BOARD  
OF DIRECTORS

John Wilson

Malcolm Bailey

Ian Farrelly

Leonie Guiney

Simon Israel 

David Jackson

David MacLeod

John Monaghan

Sir Ralph Norris

Blue Read

Nicola Shadbolt

Michael Spaans

John Waller

FONTERRA  
MANAGEMENT TEAM

Theo Spierings

Lukas Paravicini

Jacqueline Chow

Maury Leyland

Johan Priem

Robert Spurway

Alex Turnbull

Kelvin Wickham

94   |    DIRECTORY

FONTERRA ANNUAL REVIEW 2015This document is printed on an environmentally 
responsible paper produced using elemental chlorine 
free (ECF)FSC® certified mixed source pulp, sourced 
from well managed and legally harvested forests, 
and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 
environmental management system.