Beston accelerates dairy production with optimised assets

While short-term challenges remain across the Australian dairy sector, with a large disconnect between farmgate milk prices and global/domestic product pricing and growth of cheap dairy imports, Beston Global Food Company (Beston) continues the premiumisation of its portfolio.

According to details in its ASX announcement made on 28 November 2023, the South Australian dairy company has expanded its lactoferrin capacity with the successful commissioning and operation of a third extraction column. With this additional column in operation, Beston anticipates its lactoferrin sales to surpass 10 MT in the first half of FY24.

The company said it has developed partnerships in key global markets for its lactoferrin product, known as ‘Mediferrin’. These partnerships have allowed Beston to extend its reach into the infant formula segment, with a focus on markets in China, South Korea, India and various European countries.

Beston Foods CEO Fabrizio Jorge said, “Over the last 12 months, Beston has built a world-class lactoferrin business, consolidating our considerable growth in some of the world’s largest marketplaces, including China. We are proud to service some of the world’s largest infant formula manufacturers and we remain positive on the future, as other industries and categories discover the versatility and the material value that lactoferrin can generate for brands and consumers overall.”

Another milestone for the company has been the successful operation of additional whey and milk fat separator. The new separator has helped to expand its production capabilities and is already yielding positive results.

On the sustainability front, its water treatment facility is on track to become operational by Q3 FY24. The facility is expected to deliver both environmental benefits and cost savings.

Beston has also reported good performance with its milk production volumes. Its milk volumes are said to be tracking ahead of expectations with significant growth when compared to the same period last year.

In early November 2023, the company launched its Farmer’s Tribute range of premium, artisan cheese and dairy products. Designed to showcase the very best of South Australian dairy, the range is hand crafted by its master cheese makers in the Murraylands using traditional, artisan techniques.

Image caption: Beston's Farmer's Tribute range.