Warrnambool Cheese and Butter
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Dairy products |
| Founded | May 28, 1888 in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia |
| Fate | Acquired by Saputo Inc. |
| Headquarters | Allansford , Australia |
Area served | Australia, International exports |
| Products | Cheese, butter, cream, dairy ingredients, nutraceuticals |
| Owner | Saputo Inc. |
| Parent | Saputo Inc. |
Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Company Holdings Limited (WCB) is a prominent Australian dairy producer, primarily owned by the Canadian corporation Saputo Inc.. Headquartered in Allansford, Victoria, it holds the distinction of being the nation's longest-standing dairy processor, having been founded in 1888. WCB manufactures a variety of dairy products under several brand names, including CHEER (previously known as COON cheese) and Cracker Barrel.
Foundation and early development
Established on 28 May 1888, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter rapidly developed its factory infrastructure. It was the second cooperative cheese and butter factory inaugurated in Victoria that year, following the Cobden and District Cheese and Butter Factory Company Ltd. Initially, the company concentrated on producing cream, which was transported by rail to Melbourne.
The company procured milk from nearby farmers who became shareholders in 1889. Throughout the 1890s, butter production expanded significantly during an era when Victoria hosted over 300 butter factories by the turn of the century.
Acquisition by Kraft Walker (1934)
In November 1934, the factory owned by Warrnambool Cheese & Butter was leased by Kraft Walker Cheese Co., leading to an expansion of its operations. Kraft Walker had commenced production of "Red Coon" cheese (later rebranded as COON) around July 1931.
Lion Dairy & Drinks acquisition (2015)
WCB purchased a segment of Lion Dairy & Drinks' business in 2015 for , which included notable cheese brands such as Cracker Barrel and COON.
Current operations
As of , WCB manufactures cheese, butter, cream, and various dairy ingredients, with approximately fifty percent of its output exported internationally. Its domestic product portfolio features brands like Sungold milk, Coon cheese, Cracker Barrel, Mil Lel, Great Ocean Road, and Warrnambool Cheddar cheeses. Additionally, WCB is among two Australian companies producing nutraceuticals derived from milk extracts, including bone health supplements and baby formula.
The company also runs Cheese World, a visitor attraction adjacent to its factory that offers a dairy farm museum experience, cheese sampling, retail outlets, and a café.