WA dairy company Brownes to re-enter Singapore market

WA’s oldest dairy company Brownes is set to re-enter the Singaporean market after logistical headaches caused by COVID-19 led to the market drying up. The brand will be re-established in South-East Asia, where demand for fresh WA dairy is strong, with the help of a State Government grants program aimed at helping agrifood and beverage businesses grow global markets. Singaporen consumers will be able to buy Brownes yoghurt and flavoured milks in supermarkets and online, while the company’s cheddar cheese products will be sold to gourmet outlets. Brownes chief executive Natalie Sarich-Dayton said the company was “delighted” to receive a $82,969 grant, part of a $1 million boost for premium agricultural exports under round two of the McGowan Government’s International Competitiveness Co-investment Fund. “This funding will accelerate our ambition to share WA’s dairy with families internationally, and strengthen the local industry,” Ms Sarich-Dayton said. Brownes started exporting to Singapore in the 1980s but was forced to stop when COVID-19 wrought havoc on global airfreight availability. “During COVID the flights just weren’t operating at the same frequency,” a Brownes spokeswoman told Countryman. “The grant initially facilitates the expansion into Singapore, but as a regional Asian hub, it’s hoped this will be the beginning of an international expansion.” She said Singapore would hopefully be a “gateway” into other countries within the Asia-Pacific region. While it was still unclear how much produce Brownes would export into Singapore, the company aimed to re-enter the market by the end of the year. Brownes operates from its main site in Balcatta and owns a creamery in Brunswick, collecting more than 130 million litres of milk a year from about 50 dairy farms in WA’s South West. WA Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced the 19 funding recipients during a visit to the Brunswick site on Wednesday. She said the grants provided the impetus for WA agrifood and beverage enterprises to invest in international markets. “These are innovative, sustainable products and business models being pursued by these local companies, which will capture the imagination and interest of international customers,” Ms MacTiernan said. “Our local agrifood and beverage industry has adjusted to the ‘new normal’ of doing business in a global pandemic and embraced new strategies and technologies to capture a share of high value, premium export markets.” Other recipients included Hamilton Hill-based Alba Edible Oils, which received $85,000 to promote its range of locally sourced cooking oil products to premium food service, manufacturing and retail export markets. Margaret River-based Small Things Wine recieved $20,000 to capture Swedish markets for its premium, sustainable canned wine selection made from local grapes. The grant will aid the company’s wine grape production and supply arrangements with growers, and help scale up local manufacturing.

WA dairy company Brownes to re-enter Singapore market

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