Fonterra Australia has produced its first batch of Perfect Italiano ricotta at the official opening of its $6 million ricotta plant at its Stanhope site in northern Victoria.
Construction of the new plant began in late 2013 and included large building works and the introduction of new ricotta machinery and equipment. The project was supported by a $250,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Industries for Today and Tomorrow program.
The Federal Member for Murray, The Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP and Victorian Member for Rodney, Paul Weller MP, joined local farmers and community members to witness the production of the first batch of Perfect Italiano ricotta to go on sale.
Managing director of Fonterra Australia, Judith Swales said: “This investment strengthens our presence in northern Victoria and is another step towards achieving our goal of having the most competitive and sustainable dairy supply chain in Australia.”
“Perfect Italiano Ricotta is the number one brand of ricotta in Australia and its popularity will only increase as Australians continue to use ricotta more and more. This investment will ‘future-proof’ the Stanhope site and helps us continue to build on the success of the Perfect Italiano brand,” Swales said.
In Australia, Fonterra operates 11 manufacturing sites across Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.
