Just a little trivia. Simplot, who the heck are they? Our iconic Chiko Roll is their product these days. Simplot is a wholly own subsidiary of food and agribusiness, Boise, based in Idaho. Simplot Aust was started in 1995 and they've aquired: Edgell, Bird's Eye, John West, Leggo's, Ally, Seakist, Harvest, Chiko, I&J, and Simply( great meals).
Edgell, Australia's first company to can vegetables in Australia with Asparagus in 1926. Fast foward to 2011, Asparagus from Edgell is now a Product of Peru!, Baby Carrots- Made in Belgium. I can say a quick look on the shelf showed the rest of their products are Made in Australia or Made in Australia with local/imported products.
I'm probably being harsh but these companies have no allegiance to Australia. I accept Edgell's main canning still being done in Australia but why are Baby Carrots/Asparagus not? Is canning these overseas a make or break play for them?
I also respect that as much as we are proud when our products, esp Wines, make it on overseas shelves nobody mentions the local jobs lost in the country we represent, in return we must accept their products.
China is winning because they are dirt cheap labour, no other reason. Their food practices are definitely untrustworthy, think Baby milk powder for starters. You play with your children's lives??? Say no more.
