It made a loss of $4.3 million compared with a profit of $20.8m in the previous corresponding period.
Covid-19 disruptions impacted both domestic and export markets, and hammered profitability.
The company cleared excess inventory with retail price promotions and selective foodservice sales.
“These impacted sales margins but did improve cashflow,” chief executive Grant Rosewarne said.
After losing foodservice sales volumes in the United States and Europe, these were re-established with higher costs of air freight.
The average price received in the half-year was $23.90/kg, slightly down from the $24.46 in first-half FY2020.
Rosewarne is confident that sales demand will exceed supply again later this year.
NZK has shifted its balance date to January 31 and will therefore provide the annual report and results towards the end of March.
No interim dividend was declared and prospects for a final dividend are not bright.
