Cheese and yoghurt made in Melbourne’s north reaching the world

Victoria exports over $9 billion in manufactured food and beverage products annually and is by far Australia’s largest exporter of dairy. In 2021-22 Victoria exported dairy products valued at $2.5 billion, or 73% of Australia’s total dairy exports.

Picnic Dairy Foods is an example of many Victorian dairy manufacturers contributing to this strong export performance.

Based in Coolaroo in Melbourne’s north, Picnic Dairy Foods manufactures a range of dairy products including cheese and yoghurts for export to markets around the globe.

Founder and Managing Director Mr Ibrahim Ozdemir established the business in 2007 when he saw a gap in the market for healthy yoghurts. Since then, Picnic Dairy Foods has grown its product range with brands such as Sahara, Melba Cheese Co, Sahara Gourmet and Dairytonic, offering cheese, yoghurt, and dairy beverages to health-conscious consumers in domestic and international markets.

With growing demand for its diverse product range, Picnic Dairy Foods sells to wholesale, retail, food service and hospitality customers across Australia and internationally. Products meet a range of certifications including Halal and include award winning kefir and yoghurt products.

Victorian Government programs are supporting Picnic Dairy Foods to grow exports and move into new markets. Supported by grant funding through the Victorian Government’s Business Competitiveness Program, Picnic Dairy Foods is growing production of exports through investment in advanced manufacturing technology including automated precision filling machines, advanced cooling technology, and packaging robotics.

An established exporter, Picnic Foods has a strong customer base in South-East Asia and the Middle East. Participating in Victorian Government trade missions and export programs since 2018 has enabled the business to showcase at international trade events including in Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, resulting in new contacts and new export contracts.

The Victorian Government has released its Made in Victoria 2030: Manufacturing Statement which sets out priorities to support and grow Victoria’s export-focused, value-add food manufacturing sector.