DKSH has reached agreement with General Mills to distribute all its products across New Zealand. This will allow DKSH to invest in market expansion services to deliver growth.
Media release
Palmerston North, New Zealand, March 25, 2020 – DKSH will take over the distribution of General Mills' products in New Zealand from early July 2020. The product portfolio will include popular brands Old El Paso, Nature Valley, Fibre One, Haagen-Dazs and Betty Crocker. This announcement follows an extensive consultation process for General Mills, who are moving to a full-service distributor model in New Zealand.
DKSH will grow the categories and business through field execution and exploring channel opportunities outside of supermarkets using existing relationships. The company is committed to maintaining General Mills' high standards and vital working relationships with its current customers and vendors and will work closely with them to ensure a seamless transition.
Marshall Moir, Managing Director, General Mills New Zealand, commented: “DKSH is a great partner with a proven track record for growth in New Zealand. We will work closely with DKSH to ensure General Mills' product and supply chains are not disrupted during the changeover period.”
Mr Moir continued: "This decision is not a reflection on our General Mills New Zealand team who have worked tirelessly over the years and we thank them for their dedication and passion. Our key priority is supporting any employees affected to ensure all opportunities are explored and they receive their full entitlements.”
Russell Wilson, Head of Country Management, DKSH New Zealand, added: “I am excited about this new opportunity to serve the thriving New Zealand market. As New Zealand's leading Market Expansion Services provider, we are looking forward to exploring new ways and avenues to distribute General Mills' products.”
For further information, please contact:
DKSH New Zealand Limited
Paul Harris
General Manager - Sales & Marketing
Phone +64 21 902 588
paul.harris@dksh.com
About General Mills
General Mills is a leading global food company whose purpose is to make food the world loves. Its brands include Cheerios, Annie's, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki, BLUE and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2019 net sales of U.S. $16.9 billion. In addition, General Mills’ share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1.0 billion.
About DKSH
DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia. The Group helps companies to grow across the Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials and Technology. The service portfolio covers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. Publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, the Group operates in 36 markets with 33,350 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.6 billion in 2019. With its Swiss heritage, DKSH has been deeply rooted in Asia Pacific since 1865. The DKSH Business Unit Consumer Goods focuses on fast moving consumer goods, food services, luxury goods, fashion and lifestyle products as well as hair and skin cosmetics. With around 20,300 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 4.1 billion in 2019.