Economic cooperation between Vietnam and Australia has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of the GippsNature brand. This new venture, a collaboration between Nutifood and ViPlus Dairy, aims to establish a premium global nutrition brand developed in Gippsland, a region renowned for its dairy production in Australia.
According to Nguyen Duc Hien, Deputy Head of the Vietnam Central Economic Commission’s Policy and Strategy Division, Australia remains one of Vietnam’s largest trading partners. In this evolving trade landscape, the partnership between Nutifood and ViPlus Dairy marks a pivotal moment. Tran Bao Minh, Vice President of Nutifood, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “The upcoming GippsNature brand is the result of a long-term strategic partnership between ViPlus Dairy, with its proud 130-year-old legacy, and Nutifood, bringing creativity and deep market insight into Vietnam.”
The formal announcement of this joint venture was bolstered by the visit of the Victorian Government to Vietnam. The Hon. Danny Pearson MP, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, praised the collaboration, emphasizing its potential to enhance economic cooperation. Pearson remarked, “When businesses collaborate like this, the economic dividends are long-term and widespread across trade and exports, and local economic growth.”
The launch of GippsNature Organic A2 in October 2025 represents a critical milestone for the joint venture. This product, featuring Australian Certified Organic A2 protein from Gippsland, will be made available in Vietnam, marking the beginning of a broader product strategy. Both companies aspire to develop a comprehensive international portfolio that caters to various life stages and segments within the premium nutrition category.
Financial commitments highlight the ambition behind this initiative. The establishment of ViPlus Nutritional Australia comes with an initial investment of over $3 million. Additionally, Nutifood has allocated an extra $230 million to enhance its farms and factories in Gia Lai, Vietnam. The joint venture has ambitious revenue targets, aiming for over $33 million by 2026 and reaching $130 million by 2028.
Strategic discussions between Nutifood, ViPlus Dairy, and officials from the Victorian Government have focused on the brand’s international trajectory. The three-year roadmap includes increasing production capacity and diversifying product lines, with plans for ready-to-drink items based on Australian-standard formulations. The joint venture also aims to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, targeting markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand, as well as key Middle Eastern markets.
Both companies have expressed confidence in the long-term potential of their collaboration. Jon McNaught, CEO of ViPlus Dairy, noted the commitment to creating economic and social value for local communities. He pointed out that the joint venture is expected to generate numerous employment opportunities in the Gippsland region and foster research partnerships with leading universities in Melbourne.
Tran Bao Minh reaffirmed this perspective, stating that the collaboration not only reinforces bilateral economic ties but also promotes a shared commitment to sustainable nutrition. “We highly appreciate the pioneering role of Victoria in global agriculture and nutrition,” Minh emphasized. He added that through this joint venture, Nutifood aims to promote bilateral economic cooperation, co-creating sustainable nutritional values that elevate both Vietnam and Australia on the global stage.
The introduction of GippsNature represents more than just a new product; it embodies a collaborative vision aimed at shaping a cross-border nutrition brand with significant regional impact. Through this initiative, Vietnam and Australia are setting the stage for a partnership that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
