Perfect Italiano Romano Extra Strong cheese

Perfect Italiano is a well-known dairy brand with a history dating back to 1930, when it was founded by Italian immigrant Natale Italiano in Melbourne, Australia. Initially operating as the 'Perfect Cheese Company,' the brand was built on traditional Italian cheesemaking methods that Natale brought from his home in Southern Italy. Over the decades, the brand expanded from a local immigrant favorite to a national household name in Australia and New Zealand, eventually rebranding to its current name, Perfect Italiano, in 1996.

Ownership of the brand has transitioned through major dairy industry players. In the late 20th century, it became part of the Bonlac dairy cooperative, which was later acquired by the New Zealand-based dairy giant Fonterra in 2005. Starting in mid-2024, Fonterra initiated a major strategic shift to exit consumer retail, leading to the sale of its global consumer business. As of April 2026, the brand is officially owned by the French multinational dairy group Lactalis, which finalized the acquisition of the Mainland Group (including the Perfect Italiano brand) in a multi-billion dollar deal. While the brand is now under French ownership, much of the production remains centered at historical sites like Stanhope in Victoria, Australia, utilizing local milk supplies.