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years of Brownes
Since 1886, generations of West Australians have grown up with quality Brownes Dairy Products.
Sit back, relax, and take a trip down memory lane with us to where it all began…
1886
1886
Edward Browne begins milking his small herd of cows on a piece of land known today as Shenton Park. Little did he know the huge role he and his family would eventually play in the WA dairy industry.
1915
Browne purchases the wholesale Dairy Farmers Co-operative on Charles Street, North Perth… Enter Brownes Dairy! Early delivery methods included horse and cart or even in milk drums on a wooden yoke across a delivery boy’s shoulders!
With Perth’s rapidly growing population resulting in a shortage of milk, Ed Browne decides to establish the Brunswick Depot, which is still in operation today! Shortly after the depot opens, Edward Browne passes away, leaving the business to his two sons. Edward’s legacy would continue to touch WA families for decades to come.
1930s
The Great Depression is a trying time for both Brownes and the new Peters company. Luckily, exceptional employees are able to guide the two companies through and into the following boom. During this time, Brownes purchases the Wattle Ice Cream Company and expands into ice cream manufacturing and cold storage.
A modern milk pasteurization and bottling plant opens at the North Perth site, and Brownes becomes the first company in WA to produce pasteurized milk in bottles under the name “Golden Seal”. In marketing this new bottled milk, heavy emphasis is put on its hygenic nature.
The 50s are known as the Golden Years, and during this time Brownes establishes its first research and development laboratory. In 1951, Brownes introduces the very first flavoured milk to WA called Dairi Choc, made using reduced-fat milk.
1959
Brownes develops and launches another new product in WA: Yoghurt! Right from the start this product proves to be immensely popular.
Brownes Dairy Ltd. is sold to Peters Ice Cream (WA), and changes its name to Brownes Dairy Pty. Ltd. The two companies would later be known as Peters-Brownes.
- Brownes introduces the first real fruit yoghurt to WA, using pure apple pulp and juice.
- Technological advances are made and a fully automated bottling line is introduced.
- This decade marks the beginning of the first School Tours through the Brownes Dairy which still run to this day!
Brownes begins relocation from the North Perth site to our current Balcatta site. The new dairy is modernised with a new high-rise cold store, workshop and chilled distribution centre.
- Brownes introduces two new dairy products: Supashake flavoured milk and YoGo desserts.
- Two of Brownes’ very first television ads are aired: “This is a Brownes Town” and “Moove!”
1980s
Brownes’ first export markets open in countries including Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Brownes also establishes its first Food Service and Development division.
The end of an era and milk is put into glass bottles for the last time. The iconic ‘Tetra Pak’ is introduced for white milk as well as flavoured milk.
The brand new Chilled Distribution Centre (CDC) opens in November 1996. By the end of this year all production moves to the Balcatta dairy, and the CDC remains operational to this day.
The 90’s also sees the launch of the iconic flavoured milk brand: Brownes CHILL, which remains a crucial brand in our portfolio.
During this time we still make ice cream and launch the iconic ice cream brand Connoisseur Ice Cream, which is later sold off.
2000 starts with the launch of our iconic “Coffee Coffee Coffee Chill” Barista ad which is a massive success.
Continuing a proud history of innovation, a brand new innovation centre is built and opened at the Balcatta site, and upgrades are made to the cheese manufactory processes at our Brunswick site.
Today
Brownes Dairy remains an iconic WA brand. WA’s natural environment has nurtured us for generations, and we are working hard to return the favour, constantly looking at ways to evolve and grow as a company and a responsible and sustainable member of the community.
Forever
We’ve been around for over 130 years, and generations of West Aussies have grown up drinking our quality products.
We have come a long way from our origins as a small dairy farm in Shenton Park, and WA will always be our home, and West Aussies will always be our family.
