Tasmanian entrepreneur Nick Dobromilsky and business partner Graeme Wilson have acquired King Island Dairy, following its closure in late 2023.
The acquisition was announced earlier this year, when Saputo Dairy Australia (SDA) revealed it had secured a buyer for its King Island Dairy specialty cheese business. At the time, SDA disclosed only that the purchaser was “a newly formed entity led by two Australian businessmen with expertise in supply chain and manufacturing.”
Dobromilsky, who has a background in banking, agribusiness, and dairy manufacturing, will take on the role of GM. He is also a co-director of Brisbane-based Olympus Cheese.
“When I heard the brand might be shut down, it struck a nerve, not just as someone in the food industry, but as a proud Tasmanian who grew up with King Island on the table,” Nick said in an interview with Onya Magazine.
“While I never envisaged owning such an iconic brand, the thought of losing such an iconic brand didn’t feel right.”
The new owners are planning to expand the brand’s reach through new product development, with a focus on attracting younger consumers. At the same time, Dobromilsky said the business remains committed to preserving its artisan production methods and quality standards.
Since the change in ownership, King Island Dairy has continued to receive industry recognition. The company won five gold medals at the Royal Tasmanian Food Awards and seven gold medals at the South Australian Dairy Awards, where its Heidi Farm Tilsit was named Champion in the hard or semi-hard category (excluding cheddar).
King Island Dairy products are available through Coles, Woolworths, specialty food retailers, and foodservice providers nationwide.
