Premier Peter Malinauskas joined in the birthday celebrations of Suttontown’s Mondelez International factory during his quick visit to the region.
Premier Malinauskas joined with past and present employees and SA dairy farmers to mark the company’s milestone of 50 years of manufacturing in South Australia.
Mondelez International is renowned for its Philadelphia cream cheese, with the Suttontown factoring producing 20,000 tonnes – or 80 million tubs – annually.
The business sources close to 150 million litres of fresh milk from local farms annually.
Premier Malinauskas, who was joined by Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven at the celebrations, said Philadelphia cream cheese was one of South Australia’s most iconic, yet humble exports.
“The Mount Gambier Philadelphia factory is one of South Australia’s quiet export success stories, taking the Limestone Coast’s quality fresh produce to Australia and the Asia-Pacific.,” he said.
“The Limestone Coast is a key economic driver for SA and has so much untapped economic potential, which is why my government is investing (over) $130m in the region.
“I congratulate Mondelez and its workforce on this significant milestone.”
The milestone sparked great pride and a huge sense of achievement for staff at the factory, many of whom have been making Philadelphia for over 20 years.
Site manager Adam Borchers said he was humbled and honoured to work with such an iconic and loved product enjoyed in Australia and around the globe.
“Philly is a brilliant example of taking the best of SA dairy to the world,” he said.
“A third of our volumes are exported to international markets including South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. It’s a thrill to know there’s a taste of South Australia in every cheesecake and on every bagel made using our brand.”
Mr Borchers said the local plant had no plans to slow down, with the business investing $50m in the last decade to support growth ambitions and export opportunities.
“Local demand for cream cheese has surged since the COVID pandemic, with Australians inspired to spend more time in the kitchen,” he said.
“We’re incredibly proud of the last 50 years and look forward to continuing to be Australia’s favourite cream cheese spread for many years to come.”
