Werribee’s dairy research and development centre is opening its doors to Victoria’s small dairy processors to help them develop new products and innovative processing ideas.
Dairy Innovation Australia, opened on the Princes Highway about seven years ago, is funded by the nation’s biggest dairy companies.
The centre is responsible for testing and developing many of the yoghurts, cheeses and long-life dairy products we consume.
Its scientists and engineers research ways to improve dairy foods and pass their findings on to dairy companies which use the information to create new foods or tweak existing products.
The centre also helps the companies make their products in more efficient and sustainable ways, reducing water and electricity use and increasing value for money.
With the establishment of a small dairy network at the centre, businesses with less then 200 employees will have access to its facilities and experts.
Dairy Network Australia chief executive Lesley MacLeod said the network would help smaller businesses access the same services as larger companies.
“With the new network, small dairy manufacturing businesses will be able to access capability and facilities at Dairy Innovation Australia’s premier research and development provider for dairy manufacturing, and benefit from free workshops, site visits and participation in regional road shows,” Dr MacLeod said.
