Ice cream maker set for Murray Bridge move
After more than 100 years based in the Mid North town of Laura, ice cream maker Golden North will take its operations to the former Beston Foods site at Murray Bridge.
State government support for the Mid North township of Laura has been announced after major employer Golden North made the decision to move its operations to Murray Bridge.
The ice cream maker said it had changed ownership and would take over the site that previously housed Beston Foods.
Beston Global Foods was liquidated earlier this year after administrators failed to find a buyer for the dairy company which was discovered to have potentially been trading while insolvent since April last year.
Golden North said the move would “open new avenues” for it to expand into “diverse markets and other food categories”.
“This includes the exciting opportunity to produce other dairy products using 100 per cent South Australian milk, further showcasing our commitment to supporting local dairy farmers and delivering high-quality, locally sourced dairy products to our customers Australia wide,” Golden North said.
But the move means the company will leave the town of Laura in the state’s Mid North, where it has been based for 102 years. There are approximately 80 staff employed in various roles at the Laura facility which will close by June 2026.
Mayor of the Northern Areas Council – which encompasses the town of Laura – Sue Scarman said she was “incredibly saddened by Golden North’s decision to relocate after more than a century in Laura”.
“This is a significant loss for our community, and we know it will affect many people,” Scarman said.
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“However, we are committed to ensuring Laura remains strong and vibrant.”
Golden North said it would offer redeployment to employees “where possible”.
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Meanwhile, the state government has announced it will provide a $1 million community infrastructure program to support the Laura township in the transition.
To be delivered in conjunction with the Northern Areas Council, the program will be targeted to support community infrastructure projects that attract new residents and businesses to the town.
“The expansion of Golden North’s production offers exciting opportunities, but the state government recognises the impact it will have on the Laura community,” Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said.
“We have put together a support package to help the town and specifically the local workforce transition into new employment.
“The relocation will support SA dairy farmers, with Golden North to increase production and explore more export opportunities.”
Scarman said the support package would “enable Council to deliver targeted investment in priority projects that stimulate local employment, boost morale, and help future-proof our region”.
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Golden North said its move would ensure the brand remained owned and made in South Australia.
Its strategic decision “ensures the brand’s longevity amidst economic challenges, preventing the risk of losing it to Eastern Seaboard competitors”.
The state government said the “South Australian dairy landscape has changed” and that the Laura facility was distant from its milk suppliers, predominantly located in the Fleurieu Peninsula and Meningie.
Further, staff impacted by the collapse of Beston Global Food Company, which had 159 staff at the time of its collapse, could take up new job opportunities once Golden North moves.
Existing director Dimi Kyriazis will be joined by Steve Kosmidis as the new owners of Golden North.
“This is a pivotal time for Golden North,” Kyriazis said.
“We’re investing in the future of South Australian dairy, preserving our legacy while embracing innovation.
“This change in our business direction will mean that Golden North has the opportunity to not only be a national brand but can truly scale to global markets.”
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said dairy farmers would have “increased confidence through Golden North’s move to Murray Bridge, given Golden North’s commitment to support local dairy farmers”.
“The relocation offers opportunities to grow this iconic South Australian brand in global markets and expand to producing other dairy products as well, using 100 per cent South Australian milk,” she said.
South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association president Robert Brokenshire said the relocation of Golden North to Murray Bridge was “an opportunity to grow a local company and importantly help the entire dairy industry in South Australia”.
“The SA dairy industry needs a long shelf-life milk processor and Golden North’s move to Murray Bridge will enable this to occur,” Brokenshire said.
“The government clearly recognises the importance of these regions and that’s why it is supporting Laura, Golden North and its valued employees.”
