Artisanal Market brand bought out bankrupt WA dairy enterprises

The new processor Artisanal Market has acquired the brands and assets of Mundella Foods and the Margaret River Dairy Company, which went into liquidation in August with millions of dollars in debt to creditors.

Yogurt production is scheduled to launch in the Margaret River area ahead of the Christmas holidays. Manufacturing will take place at the export-approved Metricup facility near Margaret River, which has a capacity of up to 10 million litres per year, with an initial production volume reaching 2 million litres annually. Meanwhile, Mundella's original production site in Mundijong near Perth will be mothballed due to its poor condition.

A representative of the new management, Mr Sorgiovanni, noted that the enterprises are viewed as an opportunity for the South-West region and the Western Australian dairy market, and also announced plans to enter the Asian market.

Western Australian Farmers Dairy Council President Ian Noakes noted the uncertainty regarding milk supply, as the majority of volumes in the region are contracted by major companies. It is expected that competition from the new player will improve pricing conditions for local dairy farmers.