King Island Dairy, a beloved Tasmanian cheese producer, will shut down operations by mid-2025 after over 120 years. Saputo Dairy Australia, the parent company, made the difficult decision following an extensive review, impacting 58 jobs and the local dairy farming community.
King Island Dairy, a historic Tasmanian cheese producer, will cease operations by mid-2025 after more than 120 years of production. The announcement came after the parent company, Saputo Dairy Australia (SDA), revealed it had been unable to secure a buyer following a strategic review launched 10 months ago.
Saputo, which acquired King Island Dairy in 2019, decided to close the facility after an in-depth review of its financial and commercial viability. SDA president, Leanne Cutts, explained that the decision to shut down the iconic brand was made to strengthen the company’s competitiveness in light of changing industry and market conditions.
King Island Dairy is known for its handmade specialty cheeses, produced in a facility that has been operating for nearly 100 years. The plant closure will impact 58 jobs, but Saputo has committed to offering redeployment opportunities where possible. Despite the closure, the company will continue to collaborate with local dairy farmers.
The decision has caused disappointment within the Tasmanian community. Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed his concern, noting that the government will provide immediate support to workers, farmers, and the wider community affected by the closure.
