Bega Cheese

Bega Cheese is a cornerstone of the Australian dairy industry, with a heritage dating back to 1899 when local farmers in the Bega Valley formed a co-operative. Over the decades, it transformed from a regional dairy producer into a major publicly listed company, now known as the Bega Group. The brand is deeply rooted in New South Wales, where its original factories still operate, though its manufacturing footprint has expanded across Victoria and other Australian states through significant acquisitions.

Ownership of the brand and its distribution involves a unique relationship between the Bega Group and international dairy giants. While the Bega Group owns the brand and its intellectual property, a long-standing licensing agreement granted Fonterra the rights to market and distribute Bega-branded retail cheese. In late 2025, following a major industry shift, Fonterra's consumer division—including these licensing rights—was acquired by the French multinational Lactalis. This development places Lactalis as a key global partner in the brand's distribution network while the Bega Group maintains its status as an Australian-owned public entity and the ultimate brand owner.

Today, the Bega Group manages a diversified portfolio that includes not only its namesake dairy products but also other Australian icons like Vegemite. The company operates numerous manufacturing sites across Australia, processing billions of litres of milk and exporting products to over 40 countries, cementing its vision as 'The Great Australian Food Company.'