This executive’s life changed with an autism diagnosisBarry...

This executive’s life changed with an autism diagnosis
Barry Irvin’s autistic son Matthew has taught the Bega Cheese chairman a lot about the importance of teamwork, fragility and empathy as he sets about building a circular economy in the Bega Valley. From AFR
Good points
1: Bega is a “traditional-style” company that owns its supply chain, so is in a position to answer with confidence all those questions, unlike some food companies that are effectively packaging and marketing businesses.
2:Bega is one of Australia’s most high-profile food companies. Besides Vegemite and Bega cheese and peanut butter, it is home to brands such as Farmers Union, Pura, Yoplait, Big M, Dare and Vitasoy.
3:Andrew Forrest is among its biggest shareholders. Forrest’s private investment fund Tattarang AgriFood Investments purchased a 6.6 per cent stake late last year, before topping it up to 9 per cent early in 2022.
4:For the six months to December, Bega reported a 29 per cent rise in net profit to $28 million, partly thanks to the $560 million acquisition of the Lion dairy and drinks business in late 2020. For the full year, sales are predicted to come in at $3 billion.