First CoO labels appear in Woolworths stores

Woolworths has commenced the rollout of new country of origin (CoO) labelling on a variety of its own brand products in stores across Australia.

25 Fresh Cut branded products will carry the new label by the end of next month, ahead of the Australian Government’s mandatory deadline of July 2018.

The labelling is part of the government’s country of origin labelling scheme and includes products that are 100% Australian through to products that include a percentage of Australian sourced ingredients.

Woolworths Head of Sustainability Adrian Cullen said Woolworths was working closely with its suppliers in Australia and overseas to ensure its products will carry the new labelling ahead of the deadline. He said that 100% of Woolworths’ fresh meat and 96% of fruit and vegetables are sourced from Australia.

The new labels will make it clearer to determine where an item has been produced, grown, made or packed, and will include the addition of an Australian Made kangaroo logo.

The first Woolworths own brand fresh produce to include country of origin labelling includes 120 g and 280 g Spinach and 120 g Red Leaf mix.