Press Releases & Recent News Articles
EasiYo strikes gold in Italy
Yoghurt maker EasiYo can't believe its luck in the Italian market. Entering Italy was a risk some in the company thought a call too high. But Paul O'Brien at EasiYo had faith in his international sales manager's passion for the stylish foodies of Italy, and sales rocketed from launch 14 months ago.
Revenue expected at $1 million in the first 12-18 months will reach $4-5 million. "Many exporters wouldn't achieve that in their whole life," says Mr O'Brien.
Read moreABC News - Tech This Out
EasiYo Yogurt Maker Makes It Easy and Tasty to Grow Your Own
The idea has probably never occurred to you.
If it has, you maybe thought it involved the unappealing prospect of letting milk go bad in some corner of the kitchen. Or an expensive, bulky European machine you gradually stop using and feel guilty about.
Nonsense.
The EasiYo Yogurt Maker is simple, unmessy, compact and movable, meaning it won't take up valuable real estate on your counter. It uses powdered milk from grass-fed, hormone-free cows in New Zealand, the home of EasiYo.
The yogurt it makes is rich, creamy, slightly tangy and as good or better than even premium stuff you buy at the market (Siggi's, Faye). It is free of preservatives and artificial colors. And it makes so much of it that you save money and time.............
Read moreMaking the most of milk - May 4th, 2012
For a small town, Hokitika has an inordinate number of PhD and masters graduates. The source can be traced to a small, white laboratory in the heart of the Westland Milk Products site on the fringe of the coastal West Coast town.
Working in this lab are at least three scientists who either have doctorates to their name or are close to finishing their thesis. This academic stronghold has been worth its weight in gold for the independent dairy co-operative.
Unlike the popular picture of scientists striking the eureka moment in a flash of inspiration, many of their ideas come to them from offshore customers.
In many respects, this makes good sense. There's no scrambling around looking for a market to sell a good idea, because the marketplace already exists...
Read moreWestland celebrates 75 year anniversary - 2012
" As Chairman of the Board it is an honour to be with Westland
Milk Products during its 75th Jubilee celebrations and a
privilege to be part of a company with such a rich and
proud history.
Our 75th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect
on the past and celebrate our remarkable achievements.
Our success has been characterised by the outstanding
contribution shareholders, directors, senior management and
employees have made in order to create and grow Westland
to the company it is today.... "
Download History of Westland brochure
We love them and they love us - April 2012
Yoghurt maker EasiYo can't
believe its luck in the Italian
market.
Entering Italy was a risk
some in the company thought a
call too high. But Paul O'Brien had faith in the international sales manager's
passion for the stylish foodies
of Italy, and sales rocketed from
launch 14 months ago.
EasiYo moves to the cloud - April 2012
Moving to a cloud-based IT model has resolved major network outage problems for EasiYo Products, winner of the 2011 Export New Zealand “Exporter of the Year” award.
Communications between EasiYo’s plant and head office in Albany and its branch offices in the UK and Australia were slow, unreliable and becoming a major impediment to the business, says operations manager Sandra Sweetman.
Moving to a cloud computing model was clearly the way forward, she says.
"We had a fairly antiquated system. We were facing a major upgrade of our servers and desktop systems. We decided that burying our head in the sand was not an option and that it was better to move sooner rather than later to a cloud-based IT model," she says.
Tactix win at home - April 8th 2012
Canterbury Tactix captain Maree Bowden threw the ball in the air in delight as the final whistle blew on her side's 54-51 ANZ Championship netball win over the NSW Swifts tonight.
She had good reason to. Her side had just recovered from a second-quarter slump to record a rare win - a week after a 20-goal drubbing at the hands of the West Coast Fever - in front of a happy home crowd of 3000-plus at CBS Arena in Christchurch.
The Tactix had won just eight of 23 games at home in the past but came out firing in their first home game of the competition, forcing early turnovers against an out-of-sync Swifts side to lead 15-11 at quarter-time.
Recent Visitors from China
Jing and Michael, our single biggest customers in China, on their recent visit to the EasiYo premises in Auckland.
Jing runs a cooking blog in China that features EasiYo products.
She set up her blog just 2 years ago and already has 15 MILLION fans of her site! In addition, she has over 100,000 followers on her Weibo(Twitter).
EasiYo new naming rights sponsor of Canterbury Tactix - Feb 11th 2012
The Canterbury Tactix have secured a new sponsor for their ANZ Championship campaign, today unveiling national yoghurt brand EasiYo in a new naming rights deal.
EasiYo, a subsidiary of Westland Milk Products, is furthering its supporting sponsorship role of last season.
Pete Smith, chief executive of Canterbury Netball, said he was delighted at the sponsorship. "It's fantastic to be associated with such an iconic New Zealand brand and with people genuinely committed to supporting this region. The EasiYo brand and product aligns extremely well with our focus on health and well-being through sport."
"Despite a challenging sponsorship environment in Christchurch, we have had huge support from many companies, who are willing to help despite the obvious constraints that their own businesses are under." "We know that Canterbury Netball has widespread appeal among women, from the very young through to those who have retired. The netball family in this region is huge, progressive and diverse. A big part of our focus this year is to reconnect with our stakeholders through our centres."Smith said the new EasiYo Tactix uniform reflected this wider approach, featuring the 13 colours of the centres, which make up Canterbury Netball.
Paul O'Brien from EasiYo, said working with netball was an ideal fit for the well-known yoghurt brand. "EasiYo is a delicious, healthy product popular with families in New Zealand and around the world. As a brand, we like to be involved with energetic and enthusiastic organisations that share our values and encourage people to reach their potential."
This season's new-look EasiYo Tactix comprise a mix of youth and experience, including UK imports Joanne Harten and Stacey Francis. The pair comes with fine pedigree - Harten, at goal shoot/goal attack, has 35 caps for England and defender Francis 20.
Coach Leigh Gibbs said the team was working hard on its pre-season training for the 2012 ANZ Championship. "I'm really pleased with the group. There's great commitment, intensity and excitement. One of our measures is keeping that excitement going. The ANZ Championship is the toughest netball competition in the world so maintaining the excitement in the team throughout will be important." "We need to make sure we are a 'never say die' team."
Gibbs said she was thrilled with the way Harten and Francis had adapted to life in Christchurch and working with the EasiYo Tactix. "They bring a wonderful open-mindedness and a desire to develop and grow."
The team faces its first challenge when it meets the West Coast Fever in Perth on April 2, in the opening round of the 2012 ANZ Championship followed by an at home game against the NSW Swifts on April 9.
The team is: Maree Bowden, Anna Thompson, Harten, Francis, Kiley Hikawai, Bessie Manu, Ellen Halpenny, Keshia Grant, Sophia Fenwick, Anna Galvin, Finau Pulu, Joanna Trip. Assistant coach Julie Seymour, manager Denise Leggat.
January 16th, 2012
Paul O'Brien interview on TVNZ, Sept 2011
Westland Milk - Moving Ahead on Sustainability Aug 2010
The impact of dairy farming on the environment is never far from media headlines. But with the early adoption of the Emissions Trading Scheme and the introduction of a new environmental Code of Practice, West Coast-based dairy processor Westland Milk Products is showing industry it can tackle sustainable farming head on..Read more
Auckland Food Show July/August 2011
A great 4 days was had by all. Sachets and Yogurt makers were flying off the shelves faster than our staff could re-stock them. Our staff had a great time meeting and greeting you all.
Many thanks to all those that attended and came over to chat with us.
The New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines - July 2011
Andrew Matheson, NZ Ambassador to the Philippines, writes about 'adding value to dairy products' ... EasiYo receiving 'Exporter of the year' ... and 'kiwi ingenuity - the EasiYo success story'.Read more
EasiYo and QVC Italy
Article published on how EasiYo successfully launched their products into Italy. Published by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand ...Read more (PDF -320k)
Yogurt maker EasiYo wins top export award - June 2011
EasiYo Products took top honours at Export New Zealand's annual award ceremony at the Langham Hotel in Auckland on Friday night.
EasiYo Products won the QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year category for companies with revenue under $35 million. EasiYo was a finalist alongside multi-national pharmaceutical contract manufacturer GMP Pharmaceuticals and value added dairy product manufacturer Canary Food Innovators. The 2011 judges were impressed with the straightforward manufacturing and home preparation process that leads to an exceptional value-add product at EasiYo.
EasiYo is the largest premium homemade yogurt company in the world, with more than 1 million sachets of yogurt manufactured per month and more than 1.3 million yogurt makers in homes globally. EasiYo's Paul O'Brien says its greatest success is having a large export base from which to grow. "Success in the UK encouraged us to launch in Italy recently and our recent growth in China and Korea has prompted interest from Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand. "We also have a natural competitive advantage because of our premium dairy products, coupled with an emerging middle class in developed countries seeking food which is high in protein and calcium and low in carbohydrates, fats and sugar."
EasiYo is a significant contributor to the local economy, employing more than 60 staff and recognised for extensive staff training, including providing literacy and numeracy courses for staff. EasiYo also supports local charities and has provided free yogurt for low decile schools in West Auckland.
EasiYo is a North Shore export success story, with sales of over $30m, of which 75% is exports. In February 2010, West Coast based dairy processor Westland Milk Products completed a 100 per cent acquisition of EasiYo allowing collaborative ventures in exporting, research and development and supply chain initiatives.
EasiYo's secret lies behind years of research and development, firstly into the yogurt maker, then finding the right milk powder and freeze dried culture to ensure perfect setting of the incubated yogurt at home, and a great taste. O'Brien says he is looking forward to expanding the business further into the nutritional market where there are many interesting growth opportunities for yogurt in probiotics, omega 3, folates, weight loss, energy, heart disease, gut health and immune system.
EasiYo - Finalists in Air NZ Cargo Export Awards Auckland
Bucking the recession doom: 20 leading Kiwi exporters announced as finalists in Air NZ Cargo Export Awards Auckland
Read more
Auckland Tornado leaves trail of destruction - May 3 2011
Footage taken from the EasiYo offices in Albany, Auckland, New Zealand
EasiYo scoops Natural Products NZ Exporter of the Year Award
North Harbour's EasiYo Products Ltd, was recognised for its outstanding achievements at the Natural Products NZ industry annual awards held in Nelson.
EasiYo, the biggest home-made yoghurt brand in the world, received the Natural Products NZ Exporter of the Year Award for the impressive export success in the face of last year's globally challenging business environment.
Twenty years ago EasiYo was started in a North Shore garage by a school teacher who wanted to provide nutritional and economical food for his 8 children. Now, 75% of the company's products, totalling $23m, are exported to Australia, the USA, the United Kingdom, Asia and most recently, Italy.
Despite increased milk powder prices and currency devaluation EasiYo has seen an export growth of 19% in GB Pounds over the last year which is attributed to a significant expansion of the Foodservice Division, supported by brand investment.
Natural Products New Zealand executive director, Michelle Palmer, said EasiYo had triumphed in achieving export growth in difficult times. "Despite the ongoing challenges with the New Zealand and international economies the natural products industry in New Zealand continues to thrive and it is companies such as EasiYo that highlight the determination and dedication in the industry."
The industry has undergone much change and growth in the past few years even in the face of a global economic crisis and is now a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy with export earnings of an estimated NZ$1billion annually.
"Greater than NZ's organics and biotechnology sectors combined, the NZ natural products/bioactives industry is now even larger than the NZ wool industry," says Mrs Palmer. The Industry Awards capped off the tenth annual NZ Natural Products Summit which was attended by natural health specialists, research organisations, government agencies, big and small manufacturers and marketers including brand leaders like Healtheries, Comvita, Red Seal, Blackmores, Manuka Health, and Lifestream International.
EasiYo in Christchurch
Easiyo recently spent two days in Christchurch, handing out 240 yogurt makers and 1600 sachets of yogurt into the quake hit eastern suburb schools.
Most of the school rolls have dropped by 40 students, with many families shifting out of the area. Those who remain are faced with constant water, sewage and financial challenges. A significant percentage of people in the area have lost their jobs.
We were able to assist in a small way by giving products to nine schools, to benefit some of the families hardest hit by this disaster. In addition to giving away yogurt makers and yogurt sachets, we also helped out with photos, videos, assemblies and netball games with the Canterbury Tactix Netball team. This resulted in many smiling faces!
EasiYo spreads its love of yoghurt to Europe
Italy is first on the map, but there are plans to conquer Spain, Germany and France as soon as enough Italians are happily using the EasiYo system, with its freeze dried cultures and "world's best" Westland milk powder......Read more
EasiYo Westport Cup Dress Rug makes it home
For the first time in 2010, Easiyo, the company that makes it easy to make your own healthy, tasty, yogurt products sponsored the Westport Cup.
Because of this exciting new sponsorship the club deemed it worthy to add some pizzazz by having a flash new dress rug made. Though plans were a little late getting underway, "everything was under control" in the weeks leading into the event. Time was tight to be getting the dress rug from Mitty's in Queensland to Westport on Boxing Day, but the dress rug was expected to turn up with days to spare.
That was until Australia Post got their hands on the package. From 17 December until just after Christmas the Westport Cup dress rug was somewhere in transit. Unfortunately it missed the big day, turning up in early January.
As it transpired Franco Emirate won the race. To commemorate his fantastic win in the race and the involvement of Easiyo, Westport Trotting Club president John Rogers made a special presentation with Easiyo's Paul O'Brien and Director Jon Sullivan to Franco Emirate, Jimmy and Sandy Curtin at their Templeton stables this week.
Here are the photos of Franco Emirate and the Curtins accepting the big horse's glamorous new garb and they were also happy to sample some of the new Easiyo products, although Franco Emirate was a little dubious.
EasiYo Sponsors the New Zealand 'Tactix' Netball Team - February 2011
Management at EasiYo are pleased to announce their involvement and co-sponsorship of the 2011 Canterbury Tactix netball team.
Goooooooooooo TACTIX!
View Tactix website for scores and updates
Netball Guide - online digital version
EasiYo Employees Complete Literacy & Numeracy Qualification - February 2011
More than 20 staff at yogurt maker EasiYo factory have graduated from a literacy and numeracy programme - the first course of its kind to be offered to staff at the North Shore-based factory.
Read more (website link)
Home grown yogurt maker tops business awards - September 2010
North Shore food production company, EasiYo Products Limited, walked away with supreme honours at the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards at the North Shore Events Centre
Read more (website link)
Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award - September 2010
EasiYo Products Limited wins the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award at the 2010 Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards.
View (PDF download 145kb)
Enterprise Magazine - July 2010
'Fresh thinking from EasiYo'. NZ Prime Minister and Tongan Princess visits, research developments and export opportunities
View (PDF download 2mb)
Business Day - June 2010
Prime Minister John Key made a timely appearance at the opening of the new EasiYo building in Albany.
Largely focused on research, the company was pleased to hear of his initiative to invest $321 million on research and development for New Zealand companies as announced in the 2010 Budget.
Read more (website link)
North Shore Times - June 2010
EasiYo has also been selected as a preferred partner for an initiative in the United Kingdom.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have chosen EasiYo to be the sole yogurt-preferred brand in a medical promotion to increase the calcium intake of 500,000 pregnant women over the next 12 months.
Read more (website link)
Education Weekly - June 2010
Effect of Breakfast on school kids ...Common knowledge suggests that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But is it really? For some children in West Auckland schools this will be the focus of a NZ-first study aimed at better understanding relationships between food intake patterns and learning behaviors.
Read more (website link)
Greymouth Star - Westland takes full control of yoghurt maker
Westland Milk Products now has an even larger stake in the dairy foods industry, completing its buy out of the yoghurt maker Easiyo. The Hokitika-based dairy co-operative has held 75% shares in the yoghurt company since the 2007-08 season, and yesterday secured the remaining 25%.
Read more (website link)
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Did You Know?
Most yogurt in the USA has pectin or gelatin added...Fruit jam is used instead of raw fruit pieces in the fruit yogurts (despite what is in television commercials) so that they can be stored for weeks without mildew!
