Bega Group, the Australian food company known for its iconic brands, recently celebrated its 125th birthday in a unique way. The town of Bega was transformed into ‘Toastie Town’ for the day, encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy a Bega cheese and VEGEMITE spread toastie together. The town’s name was changed to Toastie Town for the day, with signage in and out of the town reflecting this. Toasties were added to the menus at cafes, bakeries, and other venues around the town. A new ‘Toastie Hub’ even popped up at the Toastie Town Bega Heritage Centre, formerly known as the Bega Heritage Centre.

Bega Group, which has grown its brands since 1899 to become synonymous with quality and tradition, has captured the hearts and taste buds of Aussies everywhere. Recent consumer research indicates that 91% of Aussies have purchased at least one brand in the Bega Group product portfolio. Bega Group is one of the largest FMCG businesses listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, operating in over 40 countries with over 34 brands. The group now employs approximately 3,800 people and generates revenue of over $3 billion per annum.

Barry Irvin, Executive Chairman of Bega Group, expressed his gratitude for the support of Australia, stating, “Our success would not be possible without the support of Australia. As we celebrate this milestone with a toastie or two, we look forward to continuing to build on our legacy with new products and sustainable practices that meet the evolving needs of our consumers.” He also highlighted the special place Bega Group holds in the hearts of Australians, saying, “These figures truly highlight the special place Bega Group holds in the hearts of Australians. Our brands, from VEGEMITE to Dare, are more than just products; they are part of the daily lives and cherished traditions of millions of Aussie families. We are immensely proud of this connection and committed to continuing to earn the trust and love of our consumers every day.”

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Irvin said, “As we celebrate 125 years of Bega Group’s journey, we reflect proudly on our evolution from a small dairy cooperative based in the Bega Valley to a diversified food company with a presence across Australia. This milestone underscores our commitment to innovation and quality. As an Australian-owned company with all our manufacturing sites in Australia, we stand for quality and integrity, embodying the values synonymous with Australian heritage.”

Looking to the future, Irvin expressed excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead. “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our strategic initiatives in new markets, innovation, and sustainability will pave the way for continued success in the years to come. At Bega Group, our heritage inspires us, but it is our vision for the future that propels us forward. We remain dedicated to upholding our legacy while embracing new challenges and opportunities,” he said.