Ashgrove’s journey as a premium dairy manufacturer began with a bold decision by brothers Michael and John Bennett AM to transform how Tasmanian farm milk was valued and sold. In 1983, Michael and John together with their respective wives, Maureen and Connie, formed the Ashgrove Farm partnership with a clear goal: to escape volatile low commodity prices by adding value directly to their milk through on‑site manufacturing.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, they invested in modern dairy infrastructure—including a new rotary dairy—and planned a dedicated manufacturing facility. Their vision came to life in 1993, when the Ashgrove Cheese factory was built and the first vat of cheese was produced on 29 November 1993.

In 2001, they formally established Ashgrove Cheese Company Pty Ltd as a separate manufacturing business, distinct from broader farming operations, further strengthening the focus on value-added dairy production.

With their guidance and the involvement of family, Ashgrove Cheese Pty Ltd has grown into one of Australia’s finest independent dairy manufacturers, specialising in high-quality cheese, bottled milk, butter, and cream made with premium Tasmanian milk.

• 1983 – Ashgrove farm partnership formed
• 1990 – Dairy infrastructure commences
• 1992 – Construction of Ashgrove factory begins
• 1993 – First vat of cheese produced
• 1994 – The farm gate cheese shop opens
• 2001 – Ashgrove cheese company established
• 2008 – Bottling of fresh milk and cream starts
• 2009 – Butter production commences
• 2011 – Cheese packing and milk line expansion
• 2017 – Cheese factory upgrade
• 2018 – Ambient cheese snacks start
• 2019 – Hobart distribution centre opens
• 2021 – Ashgrove dairy door and visitor centre opens
• 2021 - Ashgrove Milk on Tap™ commences
• 2024 - Ashgrove Eco-Milk™ commences
• 2025 - Launch of Ashgrove Tetra Rex® Milk Cartons
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FARM FACT

The original Ashgrove factory was hand-built by the family from upcycled mining equipment carried over from the North East coast of Tasmania.