21 years for EasiYo and a new Chief Executive

MEDIA RELEASE – 22 March 2013 – PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

21 years for EasiYo and a new Chief Executive

Joining a company as its new Chief Executive just days before it celebrated its 21st anniversary has been an exciting but challenging start for Brian Dewar, the new leader of EasiYo, New Zealand’s best-known producer of kits and ingredients for home-made yogurt, which now exports to more than 20 countries.

Dewar commenced duties on 11 March, one week prior to EasiYo’s anniversary celebrations.

“I am very conscious of the fact that I’m joining a well established and highly respected company with a remarkable level of success,” says Dewar. “Full credit for that must go to the team that has taken the company from its beginnings to where it is now. EasiYo is the number one brand in powdered yoghurt for the make-at-home market and is experiencing remarkable growth nationally and internationally. Powdered yoghurt sales in New Zealand, for example, are growing at a rate of some 24 per cent. There would be very few supermarket shelf products that can lay claim to such levels. That adds up to a great platform for a new CEO to start in on.”

Rod Quin, Chef Executive of Westland Milk Products, of which EasiYo is a wholly owned subsidiary, says Dewar comes to EasiYo with a wealth of experience in the dairy and food industries. Prior to his EasiYo appointment he was General Manager New Zealand Sales for Vitaco Health (NZ) Ltd, and had previously worked for Healtheries Ltd and the New Zealand Dairy Board.

“Brian’s experience is directly relevant to his new role,” Quin says. “It encompasses national and overseas positions, an essential requirement for the leader of a company that exports around the world.”

Dewar says, “I am excited about taking on the challenge of managing this iconic Kiwi company. I see great opportunities for expansion in existing and new markets and I am looking forward to leading the team in delivering long-term growth in the coming years”.

Dewar has a Bachelor of Agriculture Science First Class Honours from Massey University. He is on the board of Natural Products NZ. Outside of work his interests mainly revolve around family and outdoor sports and recreation.

The EasiYo system was invented by Len Light, a school teacher and engineer. He developed the system in order to feed his eight yogurt-loving children fresh, delicious and affordable yogurt. He and his wife Kathy launched EasiYo at the Auckland Home Show in 1992. It was a sell-out success and within a few years EasiYo was available through major supermarkets in New Zealand and Australia. EasiYo is now available in more than 20 countries.

To mark its 21st, EasiYo will soon be launching a brand new look that is both fresh and contemporary. The new design comes after months of consumer insights research as well as consultation with packaging experts. Plans to celebrate the 21st year also include in-store and online promotions, offers and competitions, which will run throughout the month of June.
Paul O’Brien who has been CEO of EasiYo since December 2009 will remain with the company to focus his energies on growing the EasiYo business in selected Asian markets.

--

About Westland Milk Products & EasiYo – award winning companies
Dairy innovator Westland Milk Products is an independent West Coast-based dairy co-operative founded in 1937 by the amalgamation of several smaller dairy co-operatives.

Remaining independent during the 2001 dairy industry restructuring, Westland Milk Products manufactures and markets a diverse range of finished products and dairy ingredients ranging from butter and milk powders to advanced nutritional products for the sports and paediatric nutrition markets. The company was recently named finalist in three categories of the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards, winning the top award for Best Use of Research and Development in International Business.

Westland Milk Products took full ownership of Auckland based Yogurt manufacturer EasiYo in 2010. EasiYo is the market leader in own-made yogurt and is available throughout New Zealand, Australia, the UK and in some European countries. Turning over $39m in 2012, EasiYo was also a finalist in its category, Best Business Operating Internationally - $10m to $50m, at the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards.

ENDS

© Scoop Media