Do we like them?

Do we like Vegemite (Bega Group)?

Australian dairy and food maker (Bega, Dairy Farmers, Pura) that owns Vegemite; based in Bega, NSW

Our score: 6 out of 10. A fairly decent backing: Aussie-owned, investing in local jobs and farmers' milk. We found no big fines or scandals, but farmers have grumbled about milk prices.

Vegemite has changed hands a lot. In 2017 Bega Cheese bought most of Mondelez's Australian and New Zealand grocery brands for A$460m. Reuters reported the deal put Vegemite back in full local ownership for the first time since 1926.

Bega began as a farmers' dairy co-op in 1899 and is now an ASX-listed food group. Barry Irvin is executive chairman, and Pete Findlay took over as CEO from Paul van Heerwaarden. The company later bought Lion Dairy & Drinks, which brought in Dairy Farmers and Pura.

The farmer relationship is mixed. In 2016 Bega held its milk price while Murray Goulburn and Fonterra made retrospective cuts, as the ABC reported. But in 2018 NSW suppliers called its opening price 'very disappointing', and in 2025 WA farmers said prices had stagnated, though Bega offered a 2c rise.

Recent news is mostly positive. This week Bega Group opened a $50m expansion of its Bega plant, adding 100 jobs and bringing cheese slice production back to town. It also launched Vegemite Kids with 50% less salt. Its legal fights have mostly been over brand rights, such as the peanut butter lid.

Why a 6? We found no regulator fines or scandals, and it's an Australian-based maker investing in local jobs. But it's a big listed food company that puts prices up, and farmers keep saying the milk price isn't enough. Our searches didn't turn up much on its tax, lobbying or environmental record.