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AUSTRALIAN MADE AUSSIE POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROMOTION Prior and during Covid-19, retailers have supported Australian made in a plethora of ways. Retailers promote ‘Australian first’ An Australian-first sourcing policy is utilised by a number of retailers. For Coles, such a policy means the retailer sources Australian grown food “wherever and whenever we can”. In FY20, Coles claims that 96 per cent of Coles’ fresh produce, by volume, was sourced from its supply partners from all over Australia, excluding floral, nuts, dried fruit, sauces, dressings, and packaged salads. The financial year also saw 100 per cent of fresh lamb, pork, chicken, beef, milk, and eggs and 100 per cent of Own Brand frozen vegetables sourced from Australia. Similarly, an Australian-first supplier policy for ALDI Australia means that the retailer only sources internationally when it can’t find the product or match the quality, competitive price or innovation here in Australia. “All of our eggs, fresh meat and fresh poultry are 100 per cent Australian, while 97 per cent of our fresh fruit and vegetables and 82 per cent of our dairy are sourced locally,” an ALDI spokesperson said. “While almost all of our fresh fruit and vegetables are Australian, occasionally the produce our customers desire are not in season in Australia. This is when we will source from alternate locations.” Woolworths also operates with an Australian-first sourcing policy. According to the retailer, 96 per cent of its fresh fruit and vegetables are Australian grown and 100 percent of its fresh meat, chicken, milk, and eggs sourced from Australia. “Demand for locally made products has continued to grow... as customers look to support Australian producers and enjoy the wide range of products made in our own backyard.” Woolworths Director of Buying Paul Harker says the business is always on the lookout for opportunities to stock locally made products and partner with Australian businesses. “We’re invested in partnerships with thousands of Australian suppliers and know many customers value the choice of a local option,” he said. “Demand for locally made products has continued to grow... as customers look to support Australian producers and enjoy the wide range of products made in our own backyard.” On the topic of Australian-first sourcing, Foodland’s Mr dos Santos says 2020 really highlighted the importance of the sourcing method. “As something that has always been a part of the way we do business, we are now seeing Australian first sourcing policies become an industry standard,” he said. “At Foodland, our focus on the importance of sovereign manufacturing at national and state levels has paved the way for new programs to be developed with our local suppliers. This allows Foodland to not only increase local production in our state to support South Australian businesses and the economy, but also meet growing customer demand for local products. As a result, we have significantly increased innovation of world class proprietary products, which we are adding to the Foodland offering for South Australian shoppers.” TO PAGE 34 32 CONVENIENCE WORLD JAN/FEB, 2021