Where milk becomes more
High-value, nutritious products. Jobs. Global reach. Australian dairy processing creates value at every step.
Australian dairy processors transform raw milk - perishable and low value - into high-quality, nutritious products that feed the nation and power daily life.
Behind that transformation is one of the nation’s most important manufacturing sectors: high-skilled, high-impact, and globally competitive.
With a presence in every state and deep roots in regional Australia, we contribute billions to the economy, invest in sustainability, and support tens of thousands of jobs across the supply chain.
This is where value is created - nourishing homes, supporting communities, and connecting farmgate to export dock.
Our story in numbers
What we do matters. Here’s the proof.
x4.4
Employment multiplier - Australia (2023-24)
| Measure | Direct impact | Supply chain effect | Consumption effect | Total effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment (Jobs) | 1.0 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 4.4 |
| Output ($M) | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 2.6 |
| Wages and Salaries ($M) | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 3.5 |
| Value-Added ($M) | 1.0 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 5.3 |
Notes and Sources
Uplift factor: The additional economic activity created beyond the direct operations of the dairy processing industry. An uplift factor of 2.5 means that for every dollar (or job) of direct activity, an additional $2.50 (or 2.5 jobs) is created elsewhere in the economy.
Economic multiplier: The total economic activity including both direct operations and uplift effects. A multiplier of 3.5 means every dollar (or job) of direct activity generates $3.50 (or 3.5 jobs) in total economic activity.
Supply-chain uplift captures additional activity generated through purchases from suppliers. Consumption uplift represents activity generated when workers spend their wages in the economic region.
Economic impact modelling uses input-output methodology based on inter-industry relationships within the economy. Data is measured in Australian dollars (millions) for monetary measures and total number of jobs for employment.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and REMPLAN Analysis.
About this resource
Australian Dairy Products Federation worked in collaboration with REMPLAN to develop this resource. REMPLAN is recognised as Australia's leading provider of region-specific economic modelling tools.
You can find more information on the data and methods used in the methodology paper below or for a concise summary of the insights see the infographic.
This interactive dashboard presents comprehensive data on Australia's dairy processing industry, covering economic impact, workforce analysis, regional distribution, consumer trends, sustainability metrics, and innovation indicators.
Australia’s dairy processors are part of a proud, high-performing industry. An industry that fuels billions in economic activity, drives innovation, and anchors thousands of jobs across the country. But the impact doesn’t stop at the factory gate.
For every job in dairy processing in Australia, another 3.4 jobs are created across the broader economy. That multiplier – 4.4 in total – shows how our industry ripples through communities, powering local suppliers, service providers, and small businesses. It happens in two powerful ways: through supply-chain effects as processors source goods and services from nearby businesses; and through consumption effects as workers spend their wages locally.
Behind every litre of milk, every block of cheese, every tub of yogurt is a story of shared prosperity. A story of jobs created, businesses supported, and communities strengthened.