Australian Dairy Farmers Criticize Woolworths for Selling US-Made Butter

The Australian retail chain Woolworths is under fire for selling butter imported from the United States under its Hillview brand. The butter's packaging, which uses Australia's national green and gold colors, has been criticized for misleading consumers about the product's origin.

The Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF), led by President Ben Bennett, expressed strong disapproval. Bennett criticized the inferior quality of the imported butter, noting its 'white' appearance and lack of flavor compared to Australian butter. He described the situation as a 'further insult' to local producers, accusing Woolworths of undermining the Australian dairy industry.

Shoppers have echoed these sentiments, calling the butter 'absolutely disgusting' and blaming its bland taste on the grain-fed diet of American cows. Many accused Woolworths of prioritizing profit margins over supporting local farmers.

Rabobank dairy analyst Michael Harvey commented that the decision was driven by economic factors, with the cost of dairy products being significantly higher than in previous years, putting pressure on retailers to find cost-effective solutions.

The controversy highlights the tension between cost-cutting measures in retail and the support for local industry, as well as the importance of transparent product labeling for consumers.