Western Star butter marks its centenary in Australia

Western Star butter was established in Victoria’s Western District in 1926 and is marking a century of production and retail presence in Australia. The brand is manufactured in Cobden, Victoria, and is owned by Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Oceania.

Western Star holds the leading position in Australia’s chilled spreads market. According to Dairy News Australia, consumers buy one pack every second, while the product reaches almost half of Australian households over the course of a year.

The Cobden operation uses cream supplied by Australian dairy farmers and remains connected to the surrounding milkshed. The centenary has highlighted the work of regional farmers, butter makers and manufacturing staff involved in producing the brand.

David Breckenridge, managing director of Lactalis-Mainland Dairy Oceania, said the anniversary reflected consumer trust developed through craftsmanship, consistency and processing expertise. He referred to the production of both blocks and tubs sold under the Western Star name.

Western Star has won the Australian Champion Butter title eight times during its manufacturing history. In 2026, it received several gold medals at the Victorian and Australian Dairy Industry Association Awards and won the industry trophy for the highest-scoring consumer-pack butter.

Laura Blewitt, group marketing manager for Lactalis-Mainland Dairy, said the brand’s appeal had extended across generations through its use in everyday cooking and baking. She said eating patterns, dietary preferences and baking practices had changed over the past century, while demand for natural ingredients had continued to support Western Star’s place on supermarket shelves.