Golden North has announced that after more than 100 years of manufacturing in Laura, it will relocate its ice cream operations to the former site of Beston Global Food Company at Murray Bridge.
Golden North has been a part of the South Australian food landscape for more than 100 years in SA. The future of Golden North enters a new chapter with a change of ownership. Existing Director, Dimi Kyriazis will be joined by Steve Kosmidis to start the next chapter for Golden North and keep it in the hands of South Australians.
Mr Kyriazis and Mr Kosmidis expressed their thanks to the outgoing owners of Golden North for “the hard work and investment that they have made over 17 years to get the company to where it is today, as well as the staff at Laura for creating the great ice cream products that consumers across Australia have loved for many years.”
Golden North has been an icon and stalwart as South Australia’s beloved ice cream brand since 1923.
“This strategic move ensures that Golden North, not only remains proudly South Australian owned, but also made in SA as well, while positioning the brand for future growth, greater efficiency, and enhanced product innovation,” said Golden North.
The move to the previous Beston Foods site will open new avenues for Golden North to expand into diverse markets and other Food Categories. This includes the opportunity to produce other dairy products using 100% South Australian milk, further showcasing Golden North’s commitment to supporting local dairy farmers and delivering high-quality, locally sourced dairy products to its customers Australia wide.
The Malinauskas Labor Government will provide a support package for the Mid North, following Golden North’s decision to relocate its production from Laura to Murray Bridge.
Golden North employees and people in the Laura community will have access to State Government support, including career transition services, a dedicated job and skills hub as well as mental health support services.
The State Government will provide a $1 million community infrastructure program to support the Laura township in the transition following Golden North’s relocation.
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.
Over time, the South Australian dairy landscape has changed, with the Golden North facility now geographically distant from its milk suppliers which are predominantly located in the Fleurieu Peninsula and Meningie.
The relocation of Golden North’s manufacturing facility from Laura to Murray Bridge will ensure the company continues to be owned and operated in South Australia using locally sourced milk, providing more support for SA dairy farmers.
The increase in production and storage at Murray Bridge will enable Golden North to supply national supermarket chains and provide a substantial increase in export opportunities.
It will also provide new employment opportunities for staff impacted by the collapse of Beston Global Food Company.
The State Government will provide support to Golden North to assist with the relocation and the increase of its operations.
Golden North will progressively relocate over the next 12 months, with the Laura facility expected to close mid-2026.
The demand for the Golden North brand has continued to grow nationally and internationally and after “very careful and lengthy” consideration, Golden North has secured the future of its iconic South Australian brand by relocating production to Murray Bridge.
“This strategic decision ensures the brand’s longevity amidst economic challenges, preventing the risk of losing it to Eastern Seaboard competitors. The team is proud to reaffirm our commitment to South Australia with this move,” according to the company.
“Golden North is incredibly proud of its rich 102-year history in Laura. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful years spent there, building our legacy and growing alongside the community. The current Golden North Laura facility will close by June 2026.
“As we embark on this new chapter, where possible, we will offer redeployment to employees and continue to support them through this period.”
Stephen Mullighan MP – Premier of South Australia says, “The expansion of Golden North’s production offers exciting opportunities, but the State Government recognises the impact it will have on the Laura community.
“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.”
Clare Scriven MLC – Premier of South Australia says, “Dairy farmers will 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.
“The State Government is committed to supporting the Laura community through this change.”
Geoff Brock, Member for Stuart says, “Whilst the news of Golden North relocating is disappointing, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the company.
“It’s important this support package is utilised to reduce the impact and create new opportunities for local growth in the area.
“I will be working very closely with the Government, Northern Areas Council and the Regional Development Yorke and Mid North to ensure that the best opportunities are forthcoming.”
Mayor Sue Scarman, Northern Areas Council says, “Golden North has been a significant employer in our region for over 100 years, so the news of its relocation is disappointing and will be a loss for our community.
“I want to thank the State Government for providing its broad support package, which importantly includes career transition services for impacted employees and what we hope to be an initial $1 million for community infrastructure improvements.
“Council will work closely with the community to ensure the State Government support package is used to help reduce the impact and create new opportunities for local growth to ensure a positive path forward.
Robert Brokenshire, President South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association says, “Golden North’s relocation from Laura to Murray Bridge is 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.
“The Government clearly recognises the importance of the regions and that’s why it is supporting Laura, Golden North and its valued employees.”
Golden North Director Dimi Kyriazis says, “This is a pivotal time for Golden North. 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.
“We are very keen to work with all stakeholders within the Dairy Supply chain to ensure the ongoing success of the South Australian Dairy industry.
“We are deeply grateful to our dedicated team in Laura, whose unwavering passion and commitment over the years have been the heart of Golden North Ice Cream. Their loyalty has not only shaped our journey but also helped define who we are today. Every chapter of our story is etched with their hard work, and we are so grateful to them.”
The Golden North team “can’t wait to share this new chapter with South Australia, it’s a hugely exciting time that will be celebrated for years to come.
“Golden North remains deeply rooted in South Australian heritage, and this relocation ensures continued growth, innovation, and commitment to producing the high-quality ice cream our customers know and love.
“The whole Golden North team looks forward to this exciting new chapter in Murray Bridge, securing the future of Golden North as a proudly SA-owned and made icon.”