Ice cream dream deal

DANDENONG South Choc Top maker Rowena Foods is now part of the Bulla Dairy Foods stable, but it will be business as usual for staff.
A deal saw Bulla take over operations at the Dandenong South manufacturing plant from 1 July, retain all Rowena Foods staff and commit to continuing to deliver movie favourite, the Choc Top ice cream range.
Bulla Dairy Foods commercial general manager David Sloan said both businesses were Australian-owned and operated and shared values.
“Bulla Dairy Foods has been owned and operated by the same three families in Australia since 1910, and we warmly welcome Rowena Foods and its staff to the Bulla family,” he said.
Mr Sloan said the acquisition was a logical expansion for the company and of benefit to both parties.
“At Bulla, we take pride in crafting Australian-made dairy products that give enjoyment to families everywhere, which parallels Rowena’s reputation for manufacturing the iconic Australian-made Choc Top,” he said.
“This acquisition enables Bulla to access the cinema channel for the first time, while using our extensive experience in the ice cream category to ignite growth.”
Village Cinema CEO Kirk Edwards said the move would have a positive impact.
“As one of only a handful of Choc Top retailers nationally, we are encouraged by the news of Bulla Dairy Foods’s acquisition of the Rowena Foods business,” he said.
“As an established and successful business, the company understands how to identify and fulfil market needs and this is an important attribute for any supplier we engage.”