TL;DR: Marnco, an Australian company, enters NZ’s market with competitively priced, high-quality fertiliser, promising lower costs for Canterbury farmers and stirring industry competition.
Canterbury’s farmers are set to try out fertiliser from Marnco, an independent Australian company, marking its debut in New Zealand. This week, nearly 25,000 tonnes of superphosphate and DAP sourced from Vietnam arrived on the African Goshawk freighter, destined for Timaru and Tauranga.
Jamie Thompson, Marnco’s commercial manager, shares the team’s enthusiasm about their first delivery to New Zealand, noting high farmer interest and significant sales. He highlights the product’s quality, boasting well-granulated fertiliser with minimal dust, and low cadmium levels compared to other products available in New Zealand.
Over five years, Marnco has captured 20-25% of the Victorian-South Australian markets, with sales reaching 400,000 tonnes last year. The company is stepping into New Zealand with a promise of lower prices, 10-15% below current rates, potentially sparking price competition with established companies like Balance and Ravensdown, who have already adjusted their prices.
Thompson believes Marnco’s presence has already influenced fertiliser costs for farmers, aligning with their goal. He’s optimistic about future shipments, encouraging farmers to try their product, and ensuring ongoing supply.
This move comes as part of Marnco’s expansion, leveraging its success in Australia to offer competitive prices and quality products to New Zealand farmers, aiming to shake up the market and provide more options for agricultural inputs.
