PROJECTS
Hypothetical Efficient Competitor and Raw Milk Pricing
The problem
Fonterra is New Zealand’s largest dairy processor, accounting for more than 80 percent of all milk collected from farmers and about 20 percent of the country’s exports. The Government wanted to promote contestable dairy processing. To enable entry of independent processors, the Government wanted to regulate the price that Fonterra paid for raw milk to farmers. This regulated price would provide a benchmark for independent processors and farmers.
How we helped
Fonterra proposed a pricing model that would calculate the raw milk price as the difference between world prices of key processed dairy commodities (milk powders, butter and standard cheeses) and the costs of a hypothetical, efficient processor. The Government commissioned Castalia to review the pricing model. We recommended several improvements to the model. Castalia concluded that Fonterra’s model, if applied without modification, would inefficiently deter entry by independent processors.
Impact
Under the light-handed regulatory regime, the Government was able to make suggestions to Fonterra based on our recommendations. Some of those suggestions were accepted. However, concerns with the pricing formula persisted. A more recent (2018-19) review—in which Castalia also participated—recommended more heavy-handed regulation.
Our team
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
Sinclair House, 3 Glenside Crescent
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (0)1 85 64 10 22
3B Rue Taylor
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-121
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.

WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
74D France Street, Newton South
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (1) 73 44 26 97
6 Rue Duret
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-127
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.
