Woolworths' deciduous canned fruit to be Australian sourced

Woolworths has announced it will source all of its private-label deciduous canned fruit products from SPC Ardmona. The retail giant will invest $3 million to ensure the supply of all its own-brand apples, pears, peaches and apricots will be Australian sourced.

SPC Ardmona predicts that the decision will save 50,000 trees in the Goulburn Valley which might otherwise have been destroyed and benefit 118 local fruit growers.

“Canned fruit is an iconic pantry item,” said Jim Stephan, Woolworths Head of Canned and Frozen Goods. “Our customers are passionate about great food, and so are we - they want to see more Australian-sourced products on our shelves wherever possible, and so do we.

“Woolworths already ranges SPC Ardmona’s branded lines - SPC, Goulburn Valley and Ardmona - they are our single largest supplier of canned fruit. They are a great local partner and we’re pleased that we have been able to work together to get even more Aussie canned fruit onto our shelves for our customers to enjoy.”

The new Australian-source products are expected to hit Woolworths shelves in September 2014.