Brownes Dairy, Australia’s oldest and most iconic dairy manufacturer, is planning to export its flavoured milks and other dairy products into Southeast Asia.
With help of a government grant, Brownes plans to spearhead an export drive into Singapore before the end of the year, and then into Thailand and Malaysia. Among the products to be promoted include its renown flavoured milk products and yoghurts made in Balcatta and its mature and vintage aged cheddar cheeses made in Brunswick Junction.
Brownes CEO Natalie Sarich-Dayton confirmed the company plan to boost exports to Southeast Asia with an expanded range of products to suit local palates in the region.
Prior to the pandemic, Brownes had exported 1-litre cartons of fresh milk to Singapore and a small amount of yoghurt into Singapore and Thailand. This time it did not intend to export fresh milk due to supply chain issues as milk has short shelf live. In addition, there is also a challenge of differing milk protein criteria for different markets. In addition, logistics cost is now 3 times more than in pre-pandemic period.
Singapore is the first market for export in ASEAN as it has a large expatriate community on top of Singaporeans’ love for Aussie products including milk products.
Brownes entry into Southeast Asia will place it into direct competition with other more established Australian dairy companies like Bega Dairy and Drinks, which have successfully maintained small export trade during the pandemic.
