Saputo Dairy Australia: A Key Player in the Dairy Industry

Saputo Dairy Australia, headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, is a significant force in the Australian dairy sector. As a subsidiary of Saputo Inc., based in Montreal, Canada, the company benefits from the strategic leadership of Lino A. Saputo, Jr., CEO of Saputo Inc., along with a capable regional management team.

Location and Facilities

The primary production facility for Saputo Dairy Australia is situated in Cobram, Victoria. This cutting-edge factory is crucial in producing Coles brand cheese, utilizing advanced technology to meet Australia’s stringent food safety standards. Additionally, the company operates the Allansford dairy plant, formerly known as the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory, continuing its longstanding partnership with the Rea family.

Significant Events

In 2018, Saputo Dairy Australia expanded its operations by acquiring the Murray Goulburn Co-operative's dairy assets, including the Cobram facility. This strategic acquisition enhanced the company’s market reach and processing capabilities in Australia. As part of its strategic realignment, Saputo closed the King Island Dairy factory.

The company is actively engaged in sustainability initiatives, including a biogas-to-energy project that converts wastewater into renewable energy, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints in the dairy industry. Community involvement is also a priority, demonstrated by a $10,000 donation to the Purnim Recreation Reserve's new electronic scoreboard through their Legacy Program and a $100,000 commitment to a new playground in Tatura.

Financial Indicators

While specific financial figures for Saputo Dairy Australia are not detailed, its parent company, Saputo Inc., reported revenues of approximately CAD 14.29 billion (around AUD 15.22 billion) for the fiscal year 2022, with Australian operations contributing significantly to this global revenue.

Company Plans

Saputo Dairy Australia plans to broaden its product range and further invest in sustainability. Enhancements are anticipated at the Cobram facility to boost production capacity, alongside exploring new markets for dairy products. The company is committed to improving product quality and innovation to meet consumer demands and maintain competitiveness.

The company announced an increase in farm gate milk prices for the upcoming 2024-25 season, along with a new milk price for the 2025-26 season, with an opening weighted average of $8.80 to $8.95 per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS).

Saputo Dairy Australia is involved in a joint venture with Danone, covering functional yogurt brands like YoPRO, Activia, and Ultimate. Danone plans to acquire the remaining 49% stake in this joint venture, aiming for full control by the second half of 2026, promising greater operational flexibility and integration between the businesses.

The company has partnered with Eat Up to combat childhood food insecurity. The dairy processor will contribute more than 400,000 slices of its CHEER Tasty Cheese each year to support primary and secondary students in need.

Recently, Saputo Dairy Australia introduced two long-life milk products under its Devondale and Liddells brands. The range, launched on 21 September 2026, consists of Devondale High Protein Full Cream Milk and Liddells Lactose Free High Protein Full Cream Milk. The company produces and distributes dairy and non-dairy products, including fluid milk, extended-shelf-life milk, cream, cheese, cultured products, and dairy ingredients, for both Australian and international markets. It is part of Saputo Inc., which the company describes as one of the world’s ten largest dairy processors. The Australian processing division of the multinational dairy group has introduced an expanded portfolio of high-protein ultra-high-temperature milk for domestic retail distribution. The range is sold under established household labels and is designed for ambient storage.

An Australian dairy business that retains the right to produce parmesan. Saputo Dairy Australia is one of the Australian companies that continues to produce parmesan, providing a market for surplus milk solids and butterfat.