Capitol Chilled Foods Australia

Capitol Chilled Foods Australia, known by its iconic consumer brand Canberra Milk, operates as a key dairy wholesale supplier and manufacturer from its facility at 8 Mildura Street in Griffith, Australian Capital Territory. The business is the result of nearly 70 years of consolidation in the chilled food and beverage sector within the Canberra region. Now part of the Australian-owned Bega Cheese Limited portfolio, the company provides a comprehensive range of fresh milk and dairy products to retailers, food service operators, and institutions across the ACT and southern New South Wales.

The wholesale operation is anchored by a modern processing and distribution centre that has undergone significant upgrades in recent years. These investments, including the Project Bottlo roll-out which shifted production to PET bottled milk and introduced a new vision and labelling system, have enabled Capitol Chilled Foods Australia to expand its manufacturing capabilities. The facility was notably the first Lion Dairy & Drinks site to produce fresh lactose-free milk locally, bringing a domestically made option to consumers in the ACT who require or prefer lactose-free dairy.

Wholesale Product Range for Businesses

As a dairy wholesale supplier, Capitol Chilled Foods Australia distributes a focused line of milk products designed to meet the needs of cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, schools, and other commercial clients. The product range is built around permeate-free fresh milk, processed and packaged on-site for quality control from farm to delivery. Wholesale customers can source the following products in multiple size options, including 150ml, 500ml, 1L, 2L, and 3L formats to suit different service requirements:

• Canberra Milk Full Cream: Homogenised, pasteurised, and permeate-free full cream milk for general use and beverage service.
• Canberra Milk Skim Milk: Pasteurised skim milk that is permeate-free, ideal for health-conscious consumers and recipe applications.
• Canberra Milk HiLo: A pasteurised low-fat, permeate-free milk that balances flavour and reduced fat content.
• Canberra Milk Gold: Unhomogenised, pasteurised, permeate-free full cream milk with a traditional cream-top profile, appealing to specialty cafes and bakeries.
• Canberra Milk Lactose Free Full Cream: Homogenised, pasteurised, and permeate-free lactose-free full cream milk, offering a locally made solution for lactose-sensitive consumers.
• Canberra Milk Lactose Free Low Fat: Pasteurised and permeate-free lactose-free low fat milk, expanding dairy access for a wider audience.

Supply Chain and Regional Distribution

The company's supply chain is vertically integrated with the broader Bega Group network, drawing milk from farms in the ACT and southeastern Australia. Processing occurs at the Griffith facility, and distribution channels extend throughout the ACT and into southern New South Wales. This localised supply chain allows the business to serve wholesale partners with fresh, regularly delivered product while maintaining close relationships with both dairy farmers and commercial customers. Businesses placing wholesale orders can expect consistent supply and the ability to discuss order volumes directly with the Capitol Chilled Foods Australia team by phone.

Customer Feedback and Service Considerations

Capitol Chilled Foods Australia holds a 3.2-star rating on Google Maps based on five reviews. Customer feedback highlights a significant divergence between product appreciation and service experience. One reviewer from eight years ago noted simply "good food," indicating satisfaction with the dairy products themselves. However, more recent reviews point to ongoing challenges with the company's wholesale customer service. Multiple reviewers describe difficulty reaching staff and receiving responses to inquiries. One customer stated the telephone operator was unhelpful and that requests were consistently ignored, while another described the customer service as "appalling" and noted an inability to speak with anyone about their orders. Businesses considering a wholesale relationship may benefit from establishing a direct contact line and confirming order processes in writing during the initial setup phase. Canberra Milk's parent company, Bega Cheese Limited, provides a privacy-focused contact email and a feedback form on the Canberra Milk website for product complaints and general enquiries, offering alternative channels to reach the company.

Location and Facility in Griffith, ACT

The dairy wholesale and manufacturing operation is located at 8 Mildura Street in Griffith, within the broader industrial and commercial zone of the suburb. The site has historical significance in the Canberra dairy industry, with the original milk treatment depot established nearby at 2 Mildura Street in 1949—a building that now holds heritage status. The current facility evolved from a Bega Co-operative Society plant built in 1960 and was later developed into the modern production and distribution centre that operates today. Wholesale customers can visit the facility during operating hours, which are listed as Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The business is closed on other days. Access to the site is possible via public transport, cycling, and road, with standard street-level access for delivery and pickup vehicles.

Community Partnerships and Brand Presence

Beyond its wholesale operations, Capitol Chilled Foods Australia has built a strong community presence through long-standing sports partnerships that enhance brand visibility for its retail customers. The Canberra Milk brand has been a foundation sponsor of the Canberra Raiders since 1982 and has appeared as a front jersey sponsor during premiership wins. The partnership includes goal post signage and limited-edition flavoured milk releases such as Raiders Choc Mint and Raiders Lime. Similarly, the company has sponsored the ACT Brumbies rugby team since 1996, with the iconic "MILK" jersey remaining a fan favourite for retro rounds. These partnerships, while consumer-facing, contribute to strong brand recognition that can benefit wholesale partners when stocking Canberra Milk products in their own outlets. The company's products are proudly made in New South Wales with milk sourced from the ACT and south-eastern Australia, and the Canberra Milk trademarks are used under licence from the Australian Capital Territory.

Common Questions About Capitol Chilled Foods Australia

What wholesale dairy products does Capitol Chilled Foods Australia supply?

The company supplies a range of fresh milk products including full cream, skim, HiLo low-fat, Gold unhomogenised, and lactose-free full cream and low-fat milk. All products are permeate-free and available in multiple sizes from 150ml to 3L.

How can I place a wholesale order or discuss bulk requirements?

Businesses can contact the Griffith facility directly by phone at +61 2 6260 9111 during operating hours. The company's website also offers a contact form for sales enquiries, product feedback, and general questions. Given the service experiences noted in customer reviews, following up with a direct call during Friday business hours is advisable.

What are Capitol Chilled Foods Australia's hours of operation for wholesale clients?

The facility at 8 Mildura Street, Griffith is open on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and closed on other days. Businesses should plan visits, pickups, and deliveries accordingly.

Which regions does Capitol Chilled Foods Australia serve as a dairy wholesaler?

The wholesale distribution network covers the Australian Capital Territory and southern New South Wales, supporting a wide range of commercial customers within this region.

Is Capitol Chilled Foods Australia part of a larger company?

Yes. Capitol Chilled Foods Australia operates as a subsidiary within the Bega Cheese Limited portfolio, having been acquired in 2021. This provides the dairy wholesale operation with the structural support and supply chain integration of a major Australian-owned food company.

How can I provide product feedback or make a complaint?

The parent company, Bega Cheese Limited, manages product feedback through the Canberra Milk website's contact page. Customers can submit enquiries about product complaints or issues, attaching photos if necessary. You can also email privacy@bega.com.au or call +61 2 6491 7777 to reach Bega Cheese Limited directly.

What is the history behind the Canberra Milk brand?

The Canberra Milk brand and its parent company Capitol Chilled Foods Australia emerged from nearly 70 years of consolidation in Canberra's dairy processing and distribution. Key milestones include the original milk depot established in 1949, the Bega Co-operative Society plant built at the current site in 1960, and the formation of the joint venture company Capitol Chilled Foods in 1997 between Bega and Dairy Farmers. The business has undergone continuous modernisation, notably the Project Bottlo upgrade and lactose-free milk production, and was acquired by Bega Cheese Limited in 2021.