Woolworths Sparks Outcry by Dropping Norco Milk from Sydney Shelves
Source: The DairyNews
Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket chains, has faced severe criticism for its decision to cease stocking Norco milk in all 150 of its stores and Metro-branded outlets in metropolitan Sydney. The move has triggered widespread discontent among farmers and advocacy groups, accusing the supermarket giant of prioritizing profits over local farmers.
The decision, announced by a Woolworths spokesperson, cited lower customer demand for Norco products in Sydney stores. However, the supermarket assured that the removal would not impact stores north of Sydney, where Norco enjoys a loyal following. The spokesperson emphasized that the vacant shelf space in Sydney stores would now be occupied by other Australian-owned milk brands, including Riverina and Dairy Farmers.
Joe Bradley, the president of the EastAUSmilk dairy advocacy group, condemned Woolworths, stating that the decision demonstrated a lack of concern for both consumers and farmers. He asserted that Norco played a pivotal role in the dairy industry in New South Wales and Queensland, describing it as the "lifeblood" for many farmers. Bradley accused the supermarket of attempting to control the processing aspect of the industry.
Woolworths, in response to criticism, highlighted its continued support for Norco, citing the expanded range of Norco products in Queensland stores and New South Wales stores north of Sydney. The supermarket acknowledged its collaboration with Norco after the reopening of its ice cream factory following the 2022 floods.
However, Bradley argued that supermarkets wielded significant influence over product sales through shelf placement and stocking strategies, suggesting that processors were penalized for speaking out against such practices.
The Norco chief executive, Michael Hampson, chose not to comment directly on the matter, directing customers to the company's store locator for information on where to purchase Norco products.
In the wake of Woolworths' decision, Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, expressed outrage and called for a boycott of Woolworths stores. Hogan lamented the impact on Norco's market share in Sydney and raised concerns about Woolworths sourcing ice cream sticks from Slovenia and one-litre tubs of ice cream from New Zealand.
Hogan indicated his support for small independent supermarkets and extended his boycott to Coles, which has been approached for comment regarding its sourcing of home brand ice cream sticks from Macedonia. The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the ethical implications of supermarket decisions on local producers and the broader Australian dairy industry.
Joe Bradley, the president of the EastAUSmilk dairy advocacy group, condemned Woolworths, stating that the decision demonstrated a lack of concern for both consumers and farmers. He asserted that Norco played a pivotal role in the dairy industry in New South Wales and Queensland, describing it as the "lifeblood" for many farmers. Bradley accused the supermarket of attempting to control the processing aspect of the industry.
Woolworths, in response to criticism, highlighted its continued support for Norco, citing the expanded range of Norco products in Queensland stores and New South Wales stores north of Sydney. The supermarket acknowledged its collaboration with Norco after the reopening of its ice cream factory following the 2022 floods.
However, Bradley argued that supermarkets wielded significant influence over product sales through shelf placement and stocking strategies, suggesting that processors were penalized for speaking out against such practices.
The Norco chief executive, Michael Hampson, chose not to comment directly on the matter, directing customers to the company's store locator for information on where to purchase Norco products.
In the wake of Woolworths' decision, Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, expressed outrage and called for a boycott of Woolworths stores. Hogan lamented the impact on Norco's market share in Sydney and raised concerns about Woolworths sourcing ice cream sticks from Slovenia and one-litre tubs of ice cream from New Zealand.
Hogan indicated his support for small independent supermarkets and extended his boycott to Coles, which has been approached for comment regarding its sourcing of home brand ice cream sticks from Macedonia. The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the ethical implications of supermarket decisions on local producers and the broader Australian dairy industry.
