SPC seeks out new peach suppliers

SPC Ardmona has returned to some of the growers whose contracts it cancelled in April to boost its supply following its private label deal with Woolworths.

According to a report on ABC Rural, SPC Ardmona has approached about ten growers who recently lost their contracts with the company to boost its supply.

SPC Ardmona has confirmed in a statement that it had asked a small number of approved growers who ceased supply in 2013 to see if they wish to supply additional peaches for the 2014 season, with discussions ongoing, according to the report.

"Our forecast volume for peaches has grown due to increased support from major customers. This is good news for SPCA and some growers in Goulburn Valley,” SPC Ardmona said.

Earlier this year, SPC Ardmona, which is owned by Coca-Cola Amatil, announced it was cutting its fruit production as a result of a “perfect storm” of external economic conditions including the high Australian dollar and a flood of cheap imported product.

As a result, 60 fruit growers in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley lost their supply contracts with SPC Ardmona, and others had their quotas cut by up to 50 per cent.

The company is currently lobbying for emergency tariff protection to be imposed on imported fruit products and is awaiting a decision on this from the Productivity Commission.

A few weeks ago, Woolworths pledged to buy all of its private label canned fruit locally, and signed a $7 million deal with SPC Ardmona to supply its Woolworths Select canned apricots, peaches, apples and pears.