#Asian Dairy Demands Drive Bidding War over Warrnambool

The race to satisfy Asia’s increasing appetite for dairy foods has made the oldest Australian dairy producer the target of a bidding war. Saputo Inc. (SAP), Canada’s largest dairy processor, agreed to pay $372 million for Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Co. (WCB), topping a bid from Bega Cheese Ltd. (BGA).

#Australian Dairy Mergers Gather Pace

The competition to supply Asia’s growing appetite for dairy got hotter Thursday with Bega Cheese Ltd.’s BGA.AU +5.71% 319 million Australian dollar (US$298 million) bid for Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Co.WCB.AU +27.94%

#Dairy Australia Fortnightly Update

AUSTRALIA – Milk production is expected to reach 9.35bn litres in 2012/13—down 1.4 per cent on 2011/12 output of 9.48bn litres, according Dairy Australia in their recent outlook report.