Regional Victorian biscuit manufacturer Kooka's Country Cookies has taken to Facebook to protest a decision by Woolworths to pull its products out of most states.
“The team at Kooka's would like to let you know that Woolworths have decided to take our Australian made & produced products off the shelf in all states and territories except Vic & Tassie,” the company wrote.
“We do apologise to all our loyal customers who have supported us over the years, As you know Kooka's is a small Australian owned & operated business employing up to 28 staff in the rural township of Donald (population 1700).
“The Kooka's team is proud of their products and it is with disappointment that we find we cannot supply to Woolworths customers throughout Australia.
“To assist Kooka's could you please share this to let our customers know that our products can still be bought at Coles, Officeworks and the Independent supermarkets throughout Australia."
Victoria's regional development minister Jaala Pulford has written to the Woolworths, asking that it reconsider the decision, according to The Weekly Times.
“I am concerned that such a decision by Woolworths puts at risk local jobs in Donald and also sends an unsupportive message to the Victorian food manufacturing sector from one of Australia’s largest retailers,” Pulford wrote to Woolworths managing director Brad Banducci.
According to Woolworths, Kooka’s Country Cookies, Victoria and Tasmania made up 90 per cent of Kooka’s overall sales in its stores.
Kooka's supplies major Australian supermarkets, as well as airlines and motels, and it also sells its products in Vietnam and China.
The company also says it uses all Australian flour, jam, raw products and packaging.
