Business development is starting to produce some green shoots for a struggling Canterbury dairy processor

Synlait's share price climbed 16-percent yesterday, off the back of news it's expecting to return to profitability in the first half of the financial year.

That follows last year's bail-out by major shareholders, Bright Dairy and a2 Milk.

Acting Chief Executive Tim Carter says they've used data to identify opportunities, such as bringing on new multi national customers when it comes to advanced nutrition.

He says they've also been able to focus on product mix for their ingredients business.