Bega Cheese, the Australian dairy group, and local nutrition and supplement manufacturer Blackmores are to form a venture to produce infant formula and nutritional foods.

The two have established a 50:50 joint venture, which Bega will operate through its subsidiary Tatura. It will be the exclusive supplier of the Blackmores and Tatura formulations, which will be available in early next year.

The companies said the partnership brought together the experience of each organisation to develop and produce nutritional foods based on an understanding of their consumers in Australia and Asia.

"We're developing the range of Blackmores and Tatura products to ensure we have an offering that meets the highest quality standards with premium ingredients. We are aware from our presence in the Asia region that there is significant demand for infant formula and we believe that, with the combination of Blackmores and Bega, we're uniquely positioned to support those women unable to breastfeed," read a joint statement.