Woolworths has announced its new Local Food Sourcing Strategy, which will bring more locally produced foods to the shelves of Woolworths supermarkets across Australia.
Tjeerd Jegen, Woolworths managing director of Australian Supermarkets and Petrol, said that, as a proudly Australian company, Woolworths is at the heart of many local communities.
“From our capital cities to our country towns, we are committed to supporting local suppliers," said Jegen. “Our new Local Food Sourcing Strategy will see us introduce even more delicious Aussie brands and products to our customers.”
Woolworths is in the process of appointing local sourcing managers for each state. Once appointed, these managers will be responsible for identifying great local products, hosting local sourcing road shows across their state to communicate the new opportunities for local suppliers, and developing individual ranging plans for local suppliers.
“We recognise that supplying 890 Woolies stores can be a daunting prospect for small and medium businesses, and may simply be beyond the reach of their production capacity,” Jegen said.
“Woolworths’ local sourcing managers will work with these suppliers to design a plan that suits their business, whether that’s supplying three stores or 300 stores.
Acting Premier of NSW The Hon Andrew Stoner unveiled the first locally sourced products that will arrive on Woolworths shelves in late January - a range of jams and conserves from nine local producers in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
“I am a passionate supporter of the NSW food industry,” said Stoner. “Our state produces some of the best quality food in the world and now local businesses will have the opportunity to reach more customers and grow their businesses.
One of Woolworths' newest local suppliers Eric Robinson of the Port Macquarie Food Co said the strategy provided an exciting opportunity for a small business like Port Mcquarie.
“We are passionate about supporting our community – that’s why we source all of our ingredients from local growers. With our products on the shelves of 43 Woolies stores, we will be able to share the flavours of our community with a much wider group of customers.
“Our customers have told us they want Woolies to support their local communities and source more local foods. This new strategy will enable us to do this more effectively, and allow our stores to further tailor their individual ranges to their local communities,” Jegen added.
The first locally sourced products to arrive on Woolworths shelves in late January are:
• Hank’s Jam from Brookvale in Sydney, NSW will be stocked in 278 stores
• Port Macquarie Food Co from Port Macquarie, NSW will be stocked in 43 stores
• Blue M Jam form the Blue Mountains, NSW will be stocked in 32 stores
• Hill & River Jam from the Hunter Valley, NSW will be stocked in 17 stores
• Officers’ Mess Conserves from Daylesford, VIC will be stocked in 50 stores
• Yarra Valley Gourmet from the Yarra Valley, VIC will be stocked in 76 stores
• Country Cuisine Jam from Daylesford, VIC will be stocked in 30 stores
• Rhu Bru Jam from Scottsdale, TAS will be stocked in 3 stores
• Tasmanian Gourmet Kitchen from Longford, TAS will be stocked in 3 stores
Expressions of interest can be emailed to localsupply@woolworths.com.au.
