Bega Cheese Limited remains very positive about the outlook for dairy and for the Bega Cheese
Limited business in particular, despite short term challenges in 1HFY15.
While the first half normalised EBITDA of $31.3 million was lower than the previous year, the
success of the strategic initiatives of the business were reflected in an 8% increase in revenues to
$552.5 million and the strong growth of both the international consumer packaged goods business
and the nutritional business.
Global dairy commodity price reductions of approximately 50% particularly impacted Bega
Cheese’s wholly owned subsidiary Tatura Milk Industries Limited first half result. Commissioning
costs of the new infant formula blending and canning plant at Derrimut in Victoria also impacted
first half results. Volumes through the new Derrimut facility continue to grow and projected
efficiency levels and costs are now being achieved.
In October 2014, the company provided guidance that the normalised full year result for FY15
would be in line with the FY14 result of $29.7 million. The company has today updated its forecast
normalised full year result to a range between $25 and $28 million.
The company continues to invest in the Milk Sustainability and Growth Program with over 90% of
milk supplied by farms now contracted under this initiative and generating significant on-farm
investment in future milk supply, including targeted growth projects with an objective of
increasing milk supply by 20%. The strong growth in the value added platforms of the business and
the successful outcomes of the company’s Milk Sustainability and Growth Program sees the
business in an excellent position to take advantage of ongoing strong demand and growth in its
key platforms both internationally and domestically.
February 18, 2015
For further information please contact:
Barry Irvin Executive Chairman Bega Cheese
02 6491 7720