Isabella Ross
With more than 30 years in the business, the Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) logo has assisted consumers in recognising if products are made or grown within Australia. With the aim of encouraging people to choose Australian-made produce, the initiative also benefits the local economy to ensure our manufacturers and farmers are consistently in business. Chief Executive of the Australian Made Campaign, Ian Harrison spoke about the importance of supporting local production business.
“Australia has some of the highest production standards in the world, and there are a wide range of Australian-made and Australian-grown options available.”
Recently, research organisation Roy Morgan released findings that 89 per cent of Australians aged 14 or over would be more likely to buy Australian made products than products from other countries, particularly when it came to produce. Joining the cause, Coles recently announced that their variety ‘Colesbrand’ has more Australian made products than any other brand. Utilising local suppliers where possible, the supermarket giant has recently been advertising its seafood, fruits and vegetables in the aim to gain customers. Quick to follow suit, Woolworths has also ensured its chains are filled with reputable home-grown produce.
“We know our customers love to buy Australian products. The new labelling system makes it easier for our customers to better understand what percentage of the ingredients are from Australia,” said Woolworths Head of Sustainability Adrian Cullen.
Australian entrepreneur and businessman Dick Smith, has been a vocal advocate for supporting the Australian Made Campaign. One of last year’s biggest successes was that the national iconic spread Vegemite was back in Australian hands. Previously owned by an international company, all the profits from Vegemite sales were going overseas, until Dick Smith gave $250,000 to the product’s new owner Bega Cheese.
It is hoped that with increased awareness regarding the importance of Australian Made, that the majority of produce in supermarkets will have the iconic kangaroo label.
