High-Growth Dairy Product Companies in Australia
09/05/24
By:
Olivia Ava

Top 10 Companies in the Dairy Products Industry in Australia
1. Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Limited (MG)
Company Name: Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Limited (MG)
Website: mgc.com.au
Background: Murray Goulburn, known for its iconic brand Devondale, is one of Australia’s largest dairy processors. The co-operative was traditionally farmer-owned and supplied a wide range of dairy products locally and internationally.
Key Products/Services: Milk, cheese, butter, dairy beverages, and milk powders.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $2.5 billion
Key Growth Drivers: Strong domestic demand, export markets in Asia, and innovation in product offerings such as high-protein and low-fat options.
Adverse News: Past financial difficulties and market share losses led to the sale of Murray Goulburn to Saputo in 2018. Post-acquisition, restructuring efforts and competition continue to be challenges.
2. Fonterra Australia
Company Name: Fonterra Australia
Website: fonterra.com/au
Background: Fonterra is a global dairy giant with a strong presence in Australia, supplying high-quality dairy products both domestically and internationally. The company is involved in every step of the dairy supply chain, from farming to production.
Key Products/Services: Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and dairy ingredients.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $3 billion
Key Growth Drivers: Expansion in Asian markets, increasing demand for high-quality dairy exports, and investment in sustainability and innovation.
Adverse News: Competition from local producers and international dairy companies, and challenges related to environmental sustainability in dairy farming.
3. Saputo Dairy Australia
Company Name: Saputo Dairy Australia
Website: saputo.com
Background: Saputo is a Canadian dairy company that expanded into the Australian market through acquisitions, including the purchase of Murray Goulburn. Saputo focuses on producing a wide range of high-quality dairy products for both domestic and international markets.
Key Products/Services: Cheese, butter, milk powders, and specialty dairy products.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $2.8 billion
Key Growth Drivers: Strategic acquisitions, expanding export markets, and investment in product innovation and sustainability.
Adverse News: Regulatory scrutiny over past acquisitions and integration challenges following the Murray Goulburn purchase.
4. Bega Cheese Limited
Company Name: Bega Cheese Limited
Website: begacheese.com.au
Background: Bega Cheese is an iconic Australian dairy company known for its cheese products. The company has expanded its product range through acquisitions and focuses on innovation and sustainability.
Key Products/Services: Cheese, dairy spreads, and nutritional powders.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $1.5 billion
Key Growth Drivers: Expansion into international markets, product diversification, and strategic acquisitions such as the purchase of Lion Dairy & Drinks.
Adverse News: Competition from other cheese producers and challenges related to integrating acquired businesses.
5. Lion Dairy & Drinks
Company Name: Lion Dairy & Drinks
Website: lionco.com
Background: Lion Dairy & Drinks, a division of Kirin Holdings, is a major Australian dairy and beverage company known for its diverse range of dairy products and non-alcoholic beverages.
Key Products/Services: Milk, yogurt, cheese, flavored milk, and juices.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $1.7 billion
Key Growth Drivers: Expansion of product lines, increasing demand for healthy and functional beverages, and investment in sustainability initiatives.
Adverse News: Past financial difficulties and restructuring efforts, along with competition from other dairy producers.
6. Norco Co-operative Limited
Company Name: Norco Co-operative Limited
Website: norco.com.au
Background: Norco is a 100% Australian farmer-owned dairy co-operative with a long history in the industry. The company produces a wide range of dairy products, focusing on quality and sustainability.
Key Products/Services: Milk, butter, cheese, and dairy ingredients.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $600 million
Key Growth Drivers: Increasing consumer demand for locally produced and sustainable dairy products, expansion into new markets, and investment in processing facilities.
Adverse News: Challenges related to pricing pressures and competition from larger dairy companies.
7. Parmalat Australia (Lactalis)
Company Name: Parmalat Australia (Lactalis)
Website: lactalis.com.au
Background: Parmalat Australia, part of the global Lactalis Group, is a leading dairy company offering a wide range of dairy products across the country. The company is known for its popular brands like Pauls and Ice Break.
Key Products/Services: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and dairy desserts.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $2 billion
Key Growth Drivers: Expansion of product lines, increasing demand for premium dairy products, and investment in sustainability and innovation.
Adverse News: Competition from other global dairy companies and challenges related to regulatory compliance.
8. Brownes Dairy
Company Name: Brownes Dairy
Website: brownesdairy.com.au
Background: Brownes Dairy is one of Australia’s oldest dairy companies, known for its high-quality milk and yogurt products. The company is focused on delivering fresh, locally sourced dairy products to consumers.
Key Products/Services: Milk, yogurt, cream, and dairy desserts.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $400 million
Key Growth Drivers: Increasing demand for fresh and locally sourced dairy products, expansion of product lines, and investment in innovation and sustainability.
Adverse News: Competition from other dairy brands and challenges related to supply chain management.
9. Freedom Foods Group Limited
Company Name: Freedom Foods Group Limited
Website: freedomfoods.com.au
Background: Freedom Foods Group is an Australian company that produces a range of health-focused food and beverage products, including dairy and plant-based alternatives. The company is known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Key Products/Services: Milk, yogurt, plant-based beverages, and nutritional products.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $500 million
Key Growth Drivers: Increasing demand for health and wellness products, expansion into plant-based alternatives, and investment in product innovation and marketing.
Adverse News: Financial restructuring and challenges related to market competition.
10. A2 Milk Company
Company Name: A2 Milk Company
Website: a2milk.com.au
Background: The A2 Milk Company specializes in producing milk and dairy products that contain only the A2 protein, which is claimed to be easier to digest for some consumers. The company has gained significant popularity both domestically and internationally.
Key Products/Services: A2 protein milk, infant formula, and dairy-based beverages.
Estimated Revenue (2023): $1.1 billion
Key Growth Drivers: Increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of A2 protein, expansion into international markets, and investment in R&D for innovative products.
Adverse News: Regulatory challenges related to product claims and competition from traditional dairy products.
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