By Corey Everitt
Gippsland Jersey has moved to Pakenham marking a significant expansion in the family-owned business which will bring the ‘best is Aus’ diary right next door.
Starting and formerly based in Lakes Entrance, the diary business moved their production to the very precipice of Metro Melbourne and Gippsland to settle in Pakenham.
The move was to cater to an expanded production and to ease the burden on logistics.
Started by owners Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds just under a decade ago, the opportunity comes with a larger base of local support that will allow them to open their own on-site cafe to sell their goods direct.
Despite the 250km move, they are still firm Gippslanders.
“Gippsland will always be our heartland,” Sallie said.
“We’re really excited about it, especially having a shop front will be great for people to get goods with factory prices, as well as a great coffee and toastie.”
Poetically, Gippsland Jersey has moved into the old Europa Cheese factory on Purton Road where they will continue to ensure quality dairy products are shipped from its doors.
To honour the legacy that dates back over 50 years, they will be taking on some of the factory’s old cheese recipes.
In the Dairy Industry Association of Australia’s 2024 Australian Dairy Product Awards of Excellence, Gippsland Jersey was crowned the best full-fat milk, taking gold for both homogenised and non-homogenised milk.
They were also awarded gold in the light milk and golden ghee category, and silver for their sour cream and unsalted butter.
A recent achievement was becoming the supplier of butter for the Australia Open which will be enjoyed by thousands of attendees.
The business has also gained significant notoriety for being outspoken against the big supermarkets in support of dairy farmers, for their own suppliers in Gippsland and beyond.
The move to Pakenham provides more opportunities with new recruits and customers.
“It’s the opportunity to be closer with a larger support base,” Sallie said.
“There has been lots of recruitment, heaps of people showing interest.
“Taking out the cost to logistics will go a long way, as well as opening our own shop on Friday.”
All employees from Lakes Entrance were offered the same role in Pakenham with some such as Corey taking on the move.
The business is also employing locals, taking on people like Harrison from Officer, an industrious young man at 16 years old who now works two jobs at Gippsland Jersey and the local McDonald’s.
The Lakes Entrance factory is still in use for some production, storage and distribution.
Gippsland Jersey’s new on-site cafe will open this Friday 17 January from 8am at their factory on 23 Purton Rd, Pakenham.
There you can buy their assortment of current stock from milk, cream to butter.
You can also enjoy a coffee with their own award-winning milk.
The Gazette was privy to a coffee before the opening and it’s the opinion of the reporter who was given the exclusive that it was ‘quite good’.
