Cheese giant hails culture as Bega hits four-year high

Bega's strong interim result was well received by investors, who have pushed shares higher. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS)

One of Australia's biggest dairy companies has posted a bumper profit and guidance upgrade, as it cuts back on headcount while ramping up product output.

Bega's cash earnings grew 14 per cent in the six months to December to $124.7 million, while its bottom-line profit jumped by more than 50 per cent to $46.9 million.