Bega Cheese: Media


Please see our Media Archives page for bulletins prior to January, 2008.


 
Position in Relation to Halal Accreditation
 
24 March 2010  Bega Cheese

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the use of the Halal logo on Bega Cheeses packaging.

Bega Cheese Limited is one of Australias leading dairy businesses. We continue to be entirely Australian owned, with the farmer-owners of the Bega Valley supplying quality milk to the business every day.

We have a history of making cheese and other quality dairy products in Bega, NSW dating back 100 years and we have recently expanded our manufacturing infrastructure to include new sites in Victoria. We are proud of our Australian heritage and parochially promote this at every opportunity, to both Australian and overseas customers.

We currently employ over 900 people at our world-class facilities in Bega, Melbourne and Strathmerton and the number is increasing all the time. This dedicated team works hard to meet the high expectations of the people who consume our products throughout the world. We are also proud of their contribution to our success.

Bega is the number one selling brand in the Australian cheese market. We have a range of cheese products that is second to none and continue to build on our offering with new products and innovative ideas to meet the ever-changing demands of our customers. Ongoing success of the Bega brand in the domestic market is a corner-stone of our long term future.

We are conscious of the diverse multi-cultural appeal of our famous Bega branded products and are pleased that our offering in cheese is now distributed to over 50 countries throughout the world, and growing. Exports account for over 20% of our output and contribute to our strong employment numbers.

We seek accreditation from a number of authorities to ensure our cheese manufacturing procedures meet and exceed all relevant requirements. As part of this process we secured Halal accreditation in 1996, which remains valid today. The accreditation assists us to grow our export sales, and generate valuable export revenues for quality Australian produced products.

Companies choosing to certify their products as meeting Halal requirements must receive accreditation by an approved certifying body. To be certified as Halal, our manufacturing operations must be physically audited by a recognised Islamic accreditation body.

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Success for Steve Mckinnon
 
24 February 2010  Bega Cheese

Bega Cheeses support for staff training and development certainly paid dividends at an award ceremony at the National Centre of Dairy Education in Melbourne recently.

Steve Mckinnon, a supervisor at Bega Cheese, was recently awarded a diploma in Food Science and Technology at a graduation ceremony in Melbourne.

While receiving the award Steve was informed that in fact he was the top performing student for 2009 and was presented with recognition of this achievement by Ian Halliday, Managing Director of Dairy Australia. Steve was further recognised for his outstanding effort by also being awarded the Education Excellence award.

The awards were a great recognition for Steve, his dedication to his studies very much reflects his approach to his work at Bega Cheese as Whey Plant Supervisor. John Hicks, General Manager Manufacturing at Bega Cheese commented, Steve is a valued member of our manufacturing sites leadership team. Steves approach to work, his tenacity, drive and energy coupled with his continued thirst for knowledge and development will ensure that further opportunities will present themselves for him in the Bega Group.

The growth and success of Bega Cheese is continually reinforced by the development of highly skilled people across the business. Steve McKinnons achievements are a further demonstration of the focus of the company on the goal of building and developing a skilled work force with the capacity to deliver competitive, high quality product to markets around the world.

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Michael Byrnes steps down as Bega Cheese CEO
 
9 February 2010  Bega Cheese

After 24 years of dedication to the development and success of Bega Cheese, Michael (Mick) Byrnes has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Bega Cheese Limited. This decision was due to health reasons.

Executive Chairman of Bega Cheese, Barry Irvin commented, By any measure Micks contribution to Bega Cheese over 24 years represents an enormous commitment and effort. When Mick joined Bega Cheese it had 60 staff and produced 2,500 tonnes of bulk cheddar cheese on a single site at Bega. Today the Bega Cheese group manufactures and value adds in excess of 170,000 tonnes of dairy products across five sites and employs in excess of 1,200 people.

The growth of Bega Cheese has included the purchase of a 70% share of Tatura Milk Industries, the acquisition of cheese processing facilities from Kraft at Strathmerton and the acquisition of cheese manufacturing infrastructure in Melbourne.

Barry Irvin commented further, In recent years as Bega Cheese expanded to become a multi site operation Micks capacity to build teams and recruit the right people for the right job has given the company the confidence to take on many challenges.

Mick Byrnes said, After 24 years' involvement at Bega Cheese the decision to step down has been a difficult and emotional one. I would like to acknowledge the people I have worked with and the support they have given me over the many years we have worked together to build Bega Cheese.

Mick added further that it has given him enormous satisfaction to have been a part of the team that has developed Bega Cheese to the point where it is now a significant player in the Australian dairy industry and its product can be found in over 50 countries around the world.

Barry Irvin concluded by saying, I know that I speak for not only the Board, but all the management, staff, customers, shareholders and business colleagues of Bega Cheese in wishing Mick well and thanking him for all that he has done to help make Bega Cheese the unique and successful company that it is today.

Mick stepped down from his position on 31 January 2010.

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Old names dominate top brands list
 
1 February 2010  The Australian Financial Review

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Bega Cheese Acknowledged as one of Australia most respected companies
 
10 December 2009  Bega Cheese

The business performance and culture of Bega Cheese has been recognised by Australian business icon publication Business Review Weekly.

A survey of Chief Executive and Senior Management of companies in Australia resulted in Bega Cheese being voted as Australia Most Respected Company in the Agriculture Forestry and Fishing category.

Participants in the survey were asked to nominate organisations they most respected across all industries, and to rate them using eight criteria, ranging from their ability to respond to economic change to corporate social responsibility. Barry Irvin, Executive Chairman of Bega Cheese, said, To be named as one of Australias Most Respected companies is a great honour. There are many iconic companies listed and for Bega Cheese to be included in such an esteemed list is great recognition for everyone involved with Bega Cheese.

In his reflections on why Bega Cheese has been so successful in recent times, and why the company is so well regarded by its peers, Barry Irvin cites the value the organisation places on long term relationships and its history as an organisation that has developed with an ethos that was very much based on strong core values and the community. One of the advantages of being a regionally based business is that you have a direct line of sight to the consequences of all your actions. In a small regional community you can bump into a shareholder, a supplier, a customer or a staff member as you walk down the street. You know the families, and that success for the company can lead to new houses, better services, and greater opportunities. You can touch and feel the effect of greater opportunities and you can touch and feel the effect of the companys support of a charitable organisation or community group.

With the Bega Cheese group budgeting sales of in excess of $800 million and a staff of 1,300 locate across 5 sites in NSW and Victoria the challenge of retaining culture and values while positioning the company for further growth is very much a team effort at Bega Cheese.

Barry Irvin went on to say, Our focus must always be on the future and responding to changing business environments. We have a well established and dynamic team at Bega Cheese, valuing relationships and welcoming new friends will be the key to Bega Cheeses ongoing success.

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The Success for Bega Cheese Continues
 
2 December 2009  Bega Cheese

The story of success at Bega Cheese has continued with the company being acknowledged at this years Logistics Mercury Awards. The Mercury Awards recognises significant achievements in supply chain management and Bega Cheese was announced as the Best Manufacturer for 2009.

In the Australian market, global competition has given customers increased leverage. Manufacturers must be more creative in establishing supply chain relationships and continue the rationalisation of the manufacturing base to reduce costs. This category recognises manufacturers and gives them the opportunity to demonstrate leading strategies that maintain supply chain consistency, reliability and profitability.

Barry Irvin, Executive Chairman of Bega Cheese, said, This is a great acknowledgement. The supply chain team has successfully incorporated our recent acquisitions at Coburg and Strathmerton into the Bega Cheese supply chain system with minimal disruption. We have a great supply chain team at Bega Cheese and it is wonderful that they are recognised not only within the business but across industry.

Since 2007 Bega Cheese has grown from $350 million and total manufacture of 70,000 tonnes, to group sales in excess of $800 million and production of 200,000 tonnes of dairy products. The Bega Cheese group has the capacities to manufacture cheddar cheese, cream cheese, infant formula, milk powders, add value to retail packs of natural and processed cheddar cheese, and a range of dairy-based nutritionals through five manufacturing and cutting, packaging and processing plants.

Grattan Smith, General Manager Supply Chain, said, Its a great honour to receive this award on behalf of the team at Bega Cheese. He went on to say, Our supply chain has excelled in supporting the business during the recent period of economic uncertainty and continued growth within Bega Cheese. Industry and peer recognition of our achievements affirms the value and customer service delivered to our partners.

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Bega Cheese continues to grow
 
11 November 2009  Bega Cheese

Shareholders at this years Annual General Meeting of Bega Cheese have once again heard a story of success, growth and strong financial performance by the company. In his opening commentary Chairman Barry Irvin described the challenging circumstances of the 2008/2009 financial year particularly in the context of the global financial crisis, drought and the collapse of world dairy prices.

The announcement of a before tax profit for the company of $21 million and an after tax profit of $17.5 million was well received by shareholders. The impact of the change in global dairy markets in 2008/2009 was largely seen in the result of Bega Cheeses 70% owned subsidiary Tatura Milk Industries which reported an after tax loss of $4.5 million, which on consolidation in the Bega accounts resulted in a consolidated net profit after tax for the group of $9.3 million.

The strength of the Bega Cheese business and the strategy of growth were well demonstrated in the 2008/2009 financial year. Key acquisitions in the form of cheese manufacturing facilities at Coburg in Melbourne, and cheese processing facilities in Strathmerton in Northern Victoria were reported in the annual accounts. Chairman Barry Irvin commented, These acquisitions were strategic, they ensured we could meet the growth expectations we set for ourselves and clearly take our place amongst the major dairy companies in Australia servicing the needs of our customers no matter where they are in the world.

Bega Cheese reported consolidated revenue for the 2008/2009 year of in excess of $800 million, with a product range which includes cheddar and processed cheese, milk powders, infant formulas, cream cheese and nutraceuticals. The operation of modern infrastructure from five major sites across NSW and Victoria, with assets valued in excess of $400 million is testament to the recent growth of Bega Cheese. Developing a skilled work force of 1,300 people capable of utilising the best technology and delivering dairy products to over 50 countries around the world sees Bega Cheese well positioned for the future, said Barry Irvin.

The meeting concluded with a brief update on current market circumstances and the fact that the global recovery in dairy pricing is happening a little quicker than may have been expected. It was acknowledged that there were a number of things for shareholders to feel positive about in terms of Bega Cheese and the market place, however drought, and water availability were continuing to be a major challenge for the industry.

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Bega Cheese - A continuing success story
 
2 November 2009  Bega Cheese

In what has been one of the most challenging years on record for the Australian dairy industry, the strength of the Bega Cheese business and its leadership has been confirmed with Executive Chairman Barry Irvin being awarded the prestigious Agribusiness Leader of the year award.

In the last 10 years Barry has led the team that has developed what was once a small regional business into a major force in the Australian dairy industry. From small beginnings and a single site operation, Bega Cheese now produces 200,000 tonnes of dairy products. The company is widely recognised for producing the famous Bega Cheese, however in recent times a combination of organic growth, acquisition and investment in technology and people now sees Bega Cheese with a modern infrastructure capable of servicing markets throughout the world, with products ranging from natural and processed cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk powders, infant formula and nutraceuticals.

With revenues of $800 million, 1200 staff and a modern infrastructure strategically located across five sites in NSW and Victoria. Bega Cheese has developed an enviable global reputation in supply of value-added dairy products.

On receipt of the award Barry Irvin commented, it is an honour to be awarded Agribusiness Leader of the year, but I would like to say that the success at Bega Cheese has been the result of the hard work and dedication of a large team of people.

A philosophy of transparency with customers, staff, shareholders and corporate colleagues has been one of the secrets of Barrys leadership success. The sharing of goals with the many stakeholders involved in the business has lead to a collective approach to problem solving and a network of people interested in assisting Bega Cheese achieve its objectives.

Barry Irvin further commented, We have grown from a company of around 80 staff when I first started with Bega Cheese, to over 1200 staff today. It has been great to be a part of Bega Cheese growth, and make such a big difference to so many peoples lives."

Barry has always embedded a culture of social responsibility in his work. Much of Bega Cheeses infrastructure is based in small communities, and Bega Cheese has played a key role in supporting all sectors of those communities, including the arts, education, sport, health and charitable organisations.

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Tough Times Concert
 
22 October 2009  Bega Cheese

Local dairy farmer and musician Matt Kimber has called on his friends and donated his considerable talents to help farmers forget about the drought for at least one night.

Matt has organised a free show at the Bega RSL on 7th November. Matt, with a wonderful band and support act Samantha Seymour, is encouraging farmers to have a night out, enjoy some great music, dance and put behind them the ravages of what has been extraordinarily difficult circumstances on farm. The tough times created by the drought have affected the entire community and as such all the community will be welcome at the RSL.

There are 300 free tickets available at the RSL for the show. The Bega RSL has donated the venue and Bega Cheese has come on board covering the staging, logistics and other costs.

Two times Tamworth starmaker grand finalist and runner up in the Aristocrat Entertainer of the year Matt Kimber said, It has been extraordinarily tough on farm and although we have had a little rain we are still not out of trouble. Matt went on to say, I had this idea about six weeks ago at the worst moments of the drought. I want people to look forward to this night and take some of their focus off farm so they can relax, have a few drinks and make it a night to remember.

Matt approached Bega Cheese to see if they could help with costs and when he got a positive response he immediately began putting together a show that should not be missed. I guarantee you will have a great night. Thanks to Bega Cheese we are able to put on a free show and I am very excited about the band we have been able to put together.

The event is on at the Bega RSL club, 7 pm on 7th November 2009, be quick to get your free tickets.

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South Coast Dairy Farmers Celebrating Environmental Achievement
 
13 October 2009  Bega Cheese

An event to celebrate the environmental achievements of South Coast dairy farmers was held on Thursday 8 October at a dairy farm near Tarraganda. The event, hosted by Bega Cheese, aimed at recognising the achievements of dairy farmers who have undertaken environmental works on their properties as part of the Bega Cheese Environmental System (BEMS) grant program.

Barry Irvin, Executive Chairman of Bega Cheese, said It was a great credit to dairy farmers in this region that they continue to invest in the sustainability of the industry when the drought has placed such an enormous strain on resources. Mr Irvin said that over 8 million dollars has been invested in improving the sustainability of dairy farming in this region, over 6 million has been spent by the landholders and over 2 million dollars has been invested by the Federal Government.

Over 70 attendees, including Hon. Mike Kelly (Federal Member for Eden]Monaro), Hon. Andrew Constance (State Member for Bega) Barry Irvin (Executive Chairman Bega Cheese), Noel Kesby (General Manager Southern Rivers CMA), Kerry Pfeiffer, (Southern Rivers CMA), Tony Allen (Mayor, BVSC), representatives from Dairy NSW and dairy farmers of the far south coast, were able to attend the presentation and BBQ.

Mr Irvin highlighted, The work would not have been able to be achieved without the strong partnership Bega Cheese has with the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

The following landholders were presented with certificates of appreciation at the event, following the final evaluations of their completed projects.
  • Rowan, Bevan, Julie & Robin Alcock, Crystal Brook, Bemboka (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • Paul & Sue Balfour, Malmani, Bega (Soil Erosion Protection and Revegetation along Tylers Creek)
  • W & R Boyle & Sons, Cobargo (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade Stage 1)
  • Ron & Carolyn Cole, Coleville, Cobargo (Project 1: Dairy Effluent System Upgrade and Project 2: Laneway Upgrade)
  • Tom, Stephanie & Andrew DArcy, Daisybank, Bega (Project 1: Dairy Effluent System Upgrade and Project 2: Wetland and Bega River Protection)
  • A & J Evans, Coopers Island, Moruya (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • John, Gemma, Mark & Carmel Green, Fairview, Bemboka (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • Frank & Cynthia Irving, Willowview, Bega (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • John & Margaret Jessop, Black Creek, Cobargo (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • Jerang Pty Ltd, Spring Hill, Bega (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • Wayne & Carol Keft, Fernhill, Bega (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • Ken & Judy Kimber, Cedar Grove, Bega (Biodiversity Protection and Enhancement)
  • Robyn Lucas, Sherringham, Central Tilba (Laneway Upgrade and Revegetation)
  • John & Sue OBrien, Moama, Bemboka (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • Norm & Narelle Pearce, Warwick Farm, Bega (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade)
  • Richard & Debbie Platts, Avalon, Quaama (Soil Erosion Management)
  • Steve Topham & Leonie Buteux, Brooklyn, Quaama (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade and Biodiversity)
  • Walter Triggell and Louise & Jeff OBrien, Riverdale, Bemboka (Dairy Effluent System Upgrade).

The Celebration also recognised the efforts of the BEMS Steering Committee and the volunteer farmer representatives on the committee.

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Rural Fire Service Bega Cheese Corporate Event Donation
 
10 June 2009  Bega Cheese

Bega Cheese continued its strong commitment to the local community with a donation of $13,571 to the Bega Valley Rural Fire Service. The donation is to be divided amongst the 25 local volunteer fire brigades to assist with training or the purchase of equipment in each of the brigades.

The donation was made possible because of the generosity of many of Bega Cheeses corporate colleagues, customers and suppliers who attended the Bega Cheese corporate event in March, generously participating in the charity auction held at the dinner celebrating the event and success of Bega Cheese. This year $27,142 was raised for the benefit of local charities; the fire brigade and local branch of the Alzheimers association were the recipients.

Barry Irvin, Chairman of Bega Cheese, said, The threat of bush fires is ever present in our area, and the devastation they can bring was brought into sharp focus as a result of the black Saturday bush fires in Victoria. He went on to say that local volunteer bush fire brigades are a great example of people working to support one another and their community. The 25 brigades often have members from local dairy farms as well as staff from Bega Cheese, further illustrating the importance of the dairy industry to the region.

The donation was accepted by Superintendent Andrew Stark (Manager Far South Coast), John Cullen (Operations Officer Bega Valley), Dave Lucas (Deputy Group Officer Bega North Group), Ron Cole (Bega Deputy Captain Cobargo Brigade) and David Heffernan (Bega Deputy Captain Candelo Brigade).

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Bega Cheese donation helps fund dementia work in Bega
 
14 May 2009  Alzheimer's Australia

The CEO of Alzheimer's Australia NSW, The Hon. John Watkins, today accepted a donation worth more than $13,500 from Bega Cheese on behalf of the organisation's Dementia and Memory Community Centre in Bega.

"This is a very generous donation and the money will remain in the region to help our staff here carry on their vital work,'' Mr Watkins said.

"It is particularly welcomed as it comes at a time when the incidence of dementia is set to rise rapidly.

"The ageing population is paving the way for a dementia tsunami, unless there is a significant medical breakthrough to find a cure or halt the disease, and we need to be doing whatever we can to help the hundreds of thousands of people who will be affected."

In the Bega Valley, the percentage of people aged over 65 is higher than the NSW average. Dementia currently affects over 15 per cent of people aged 65 and over, and 25 per cent of those aged over 85.

"I would like to thank the staff at Bega Cheese, and, in particular, the Chairman Barry Irvin, for this generous donation," Mr Watkins said.

The donation will be used to pay for office equipment at the Dementia and Memory Community Centre, Bega. It will also go towards funding Healthy Ageing Community Information days, which will include Alzheimer's Australia's highly successful Mind Your Mind program a community education program which outlines brain-healthy habits you can adopt to help reduce your risk of developing dementia. The days will be held in the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla local government areas.

The money was raised at the annual Bega Cheese charity auction, which is held during the Bega Cheese Corporate Event dinner every March.

Bega Cheese Chairman Barry Irvin said Bega Cheese was very aware of its important role in the community and of the many challenges faced by rural communities in providing appropriate care and services for those with Dementia.

"As part of our corporate event every year with customers and suppliers visiting from throughout Australia and around the world, we look to highlight the needs of local charities and run an auction for their benefit," Mr Irvin said.

"The auction has become a highlight of the three-day event and we are delighted that Bega Cheese and its many associates are able to give back to the community and are particularly delighted that the office of Alzheimer's Australia NSW in Bega is one of the recipients this year."

The donation presentation, which was held at Alzheimer's Australia NSW Dementia and Memory Community Centre, was also attended by the Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council, Cr Tony Allen. Alzheimer's Australia NSW's Bega staff recently ran a Mind Your Mind presentation for all councillors of the Bega Valley Shire Council.

An Access Economics report, Making Choices Future Dementia Care, commissioned by Alzheimer's Australia and released last week found that the number of Australians diagnosed with dementia is set to soar in the coming decades.

Currently, there are 230,000 people diagnosed with dementia in Australia. That is projected to increase to 465,000 in 2030 and even further to more than 730,000 by 2050. The report also forewarns of a chronic shortage of more than 150,000 paid and unpaid carers for people with dementia by 2029, unless there are major policy changes or a significant medical breakthrough. Deaths from dementia and Alzheimer's disease have more than doubled in a decade, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics1 , and it has jumped from the seventh to the fourth leading cause of death in the country, behind heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.

Other organisations who would like to run a Mind Your Mind presentation for their staff or members can contact Barbra Williams at the Dementia and Memory Community Centre in Bega on 02 6492 6158.

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The 18th Annual Bega Cheese Corporate Event
 
23 March 2009  Bega Cheese

The 18th annual Bega Cheese corporate event was another great success with a record number of Australian and international guests attending what has now become the most significant gathering of key participants in the Australian Dairy Industry.

A steady influx of guests numbering almost 300 arrived in our region to take part in golfing, fishing and socialising while renewing acquaintances and exploring business opportunities in what has been a tumultuous year for industry.

The strong attendance in such difficult times is a testament to the quality of the event, the reputation of Bega Cheese and the appreciation the guests have for the facilities and beauty of the area.

As always the event culminated in a gala dinner on Thursday night with a charity auction. It was a great success with in excess of $20,000 raised for the Alzheimers Association and local bush fire brigades. The Chairman of Bega Cheese, Barry Irvin, said, It is wonderful to welcome so many guests from around the world to Bega to celebrate the success and growth of our business. We are delighted to be able to combine business with the showcasing of our region and fundraising which will directly benefit our local community.

The event saw nine boats head out to sea for fishing, golf courses in Merimbula, Tura Beach and Bega filled to capacity with golfers of varying standard, and local motels, airlines and entertainment facilities very busy in what would otherwise be a quiet time of year. Barry Irvin added, Our corporate event has grown along with our business. The quality of the event is a great reflection on the company. A dedicated band of Bega Cheese staff along with the golf clubs, charter boat companies, accommodation and business houses should be congratulated for the manner in which the event was run, the welcome they provided and the effort they put in each year to insure the event's success.

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Bega Cheese heralds new direction for De Cicco Industries
 
24 October 2008  Bega Cheese

Bega Cheese and De Cicco Industries today announced an important transaction in the history of both companies. Over the past few months Bega Cheese and De Cicco Industries have been examining ways to best utilise the infrastructure and milk supply of both organisations. As a result of discussions, Bega Cheese Limited has entered into an agreement with De Cicco Industries to purchase the assets of the De Cicco business.

"The De Cicco family have had a long history in the Victorian dairy industry and value our association with our customers and farmers alike. We are very proud of the business we have established and our recently newly constructed cheese manufacturing plant", Mary Bevilacqua, Managing Director of De Cicco Industries commented.

De Cicco Industries currently manufactures approximately 5,000 tonnes of Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese and has a milk pool approaching 60 million litres of milk. The central location of De Cicco Industries means that it sources milk from all three distinct dairying regions of Victoria (Gippsland, Northern Victoria and Western Districts).

"The addition of the De Cicco infrastructure to our growing business will assist in addressing the increasing need for bulk cheese to service the continually growing demand for retail and natural processed cheese from both domestic and export markets which Bega Cheese currently services from its packaging plant located in Bega", Barry Irvin, Chairman of Bega Cheese added.

Barry Irvin further commented, "Bega Cheese's high quality manufacturing and value added capacities positions Bega Cheese well to meet our customer needs and take the future opportunities that the dairy industries will inevitably present us with".

Bega Cheese will now have access to strategically located infrastructure in Bega, Melbourne, and Tatura. Bega Cheese's 70% shareholding in Tatura Milk Industries has greatly expanded the product range and customer base available to the Bega Cheese group.

Mary Bevilacqua said, "The De Cicco family have developed our business to the point where it is ready to be expanded to the next level. We are delighted that we have been able to reach agreement with Bega Cheese, as it is a company that like ourselves clearly values its long term relationships with its customers and suppliers. It is wonderful to have been able to secure future opportunities for the many people associated with De Cicco Industries as a result of this transaction".

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Celebrations at Bega Cheese
 
7 July 2008  Bega Cheese

Bega Cheese recognised their long-serving employees with a major function at the Tura Beach Country Club on 21 June. The evening was in recognition of 107 employees with more than ten years service to the business. Most of the recipients were present on the night, with their partners, together with members of the senior management team and Bega Cheese Board.

In welcoming the guests CEO Mick Byrnes recognised the great people within Bega Cheese, and the part they had played in building the business from 80 to over 600 staff members over the past decade. He also noted that 2008 was the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Ridge Street processing and packaging plant. Bega Cheese is a great company, powered by great people. We have a large number of employees that have been with us for the long haul, some with over 30 years service to the company, and it is great that so many can be with us tonight to celebrate the achievements of the company including the commissioning of the processing and packaging plant in June 1998.

A number of employees present on the night had achieved 20 or more years service to the company, and Noel Bond was recognised as Bega Cheese's longest serving employee, with 38 consecutive years of service under his belt.



Pictured are Bega Cheese CEO Mick Byrnes, with long-standing employees Wayne Horneman, Eve Lucas and Noel Bond.

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Good results for Bega Cheese
 
5 June 2008  Bega Cheese

The Dairy Industry Association of Australia held their national conference last week, announcing the winners of the Australian Dairy Products Competition, and Bega Cheese has again fared well.

Bega Cheese historically competes very well at dairy competitions both in Australia and internationally, and received a number of awards at the DIAAs New South Wales awards earlier this year. Last weeks competition was Australia-wide, open to all comers, and competition was fierce.

Of the 22 awards received by Bega Cheese on the night, most notable were the gold medal for Vintage Cheddar Cheese (Strong & Bitey) and trophy for the best cheese in all cheddar cheese classes (mild, semi-mature, mature and vintage). A second gold medal was also received for a full fat individually wrapped slice product, and a gold medallion awarded for the highest score in the unsalted butter class.

Mick Byrnes, Bega Cheese CEO, commented, We are very pleased with this result; it is encouraging that our products are recognised by the industry, and testament to the entire Bega cheese team, our facility, our product, and most importantly our farmer suppliers.

Cheese Factory Manager, Dave Long, was on hand at the ceremony in Melbourne to collect the awards on behalf of Bega Cheese.

Pictured with this trophies from this years DIAA awards are Bob Meinrath (Cheesemaker), Terry Leiper (Buttermaker) and Ron Holzhauser (Cheese Factory Supervisor).

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Bega fares well at 2008 Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Products Show
 
24 April 2008  Bega Cheese

Bega Cheese has again fared well at the Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Product Show. The Show attracted 1,000 entries this year and awarded 25 trophies, 79 gold medals and 444 silver medals over categories that included butter, milk, cheese, ice-cream, gelato, yoghurts, dips, desserts and chocolates. Bega Cheese took out the NSW Government Perpetual Trophy for Champion Cheddar Cheese (Matured Cheddar) and was included as one of five contributors for the official Australian Cheeseboard. Bega was also awarded the Most Successful Cheddar Cheese Exhibitor for the 2008 Show.
Cheese Plant Manager, Dave Long (second from left) being congratulated on the RAS results by senior managers Matt Fanning, Mick Byrnes, Michael Hampson, Keith Rosskelly and Grattan Smith.
Other awards collected by Bega Cheese included five gold awards; four in the cheese segment for Mild, Semi-Matured, Matured and Vintage cheeses; and one for salted butter. Bega also picked up eleven silver awards across a range of products including processed and natural cheeses.

CEO Mick Byrnes commented, It is always pleasing to be acknowledged by the Sydney RAS, it reinforces the faith we have in our product and acknowledges the entire Bega Cheese team from our farmer suppliers through to factory and production workers and management. We are proud to have such a strong team of contributors, consistently delivering the best quality cheese products for Australian and international consumers.

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