WAGGA WAGGA, AUSTRALIA - Riverina Fresh has acquired the Babushka’s Kefir business, an Australian kefir yoghurt manufacturer based in Botany, NSW. Completion of the transaction occurred today.

The acquisition brings together two Australian dairy businesses with a shared commitment to quality, people and long-term brand building.
Babushka's is recognised for its differentiated kefir range and leading brand position, with established distribution through major supermarket channels. 

The brand operates in a fast growing, nutrition focused segment of the dairy category, driven by increasing consumer interest in functional and fermented foods. Babushka's focus on traditional fermentation, product integrity, authenticity and great taste has built a loyal consumer following.

Riverina Fresh is a 100% Australian owned regional dairy business and has been crafting dairy products for more than 100 years. The company, which has its head office in Wagga Wagga NSW, is known for its strong manufacturing capability and commitment to quality and its people.
Craig Shapiro, Executive Chairman of Riverina Fresh, said the acquisition reflects a strong cultural fit between the two businesses.

“Babushka's is a special brand, built with care, skill and pride in a rapidly growing, nutrition focused category. As a regional business that has been crafting dairy for more than a century, our focus is on protecting what makes Babushka's great, while supporting the team and the brand for the long term as part of Riverina Fresh.”

Rakesh Raj, owner of Babushka's, said Riverina Fresh was the right next chapter for the business as it continues to grow strongly.

“Babushka's has always been about crafting great kefir the right way and looking after the people behind it. Riverina Fresh understands that, and I’m confident the brand and the team are in very good hands. Building Babushka’s into the category leader it is today has been an incredible journey, and I am proud to hand the business over from a position of strength.”

Babushka's will continue to operate as usual with all employees transitioning to Riverina Fresh as part of the acquisition, with Rakesh Raj providing ongoing support during the transition period.