[1] The balance was acquired by Fonterra (formed by a 2001 merger which included Kiwi Co-op), also led by Norgate, in 2002.

In 2005, Fonterra sold most of the business that was formerly part of Mainland to Graeme Hart's Rank Group Ltd,[2] but it retained all the cheese assets.

Mainland remained a family owned and operated business, with Peter's sons Baird and Alan along with grandson Simon McConnon, until its sale to Fonterra.

[4] Mainland's advertising in New Zealand has been largely focused on the theme of waiting/patience, mirroring the aging process of cheese.

For example, "your frind in the frudge" (your friend in the fridge), and confusing the sound of "cheese day" with "Tuesday".