SPC set to benefit from new labelling requirements

New food labelling requirements are coming to Australia with the Country of Origin Food Labelling Standards (CoOL) set to be implemented on 1 July 2018. Not only will this make it easier for customers to see where products are produced, grown, made or packed, but it is also expected to benefit Australian food and beverage companies.

The CoOL requirements were announced in 2016 and, once put in place, dictate that companies must use labels to state the origins of the product and what percentage of the ingredients come from Australia.

In an attempt to meet these requirements, producers, manufacturers, processors, importers and retailers are turning to suppliers such as SPC for Australian-based products. SPC Head of Ingredients and Foodservice Abbey Jones said the ingredients business is therefore growing to help others meet the 1 July target.

“As an Australian company recognised for producing home-grown fruit and veggies from Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, we are well placed to help our ingredients customers meet the CoOL requirements,” Jones explained.

Mexican Express relies on SPC’s tomatoes in its salsa, sauces and marinades that are used in service restaurants, food services and retailers both nationally and internationally.

“Mexican Express is a proud supporter and avid user of Australian produce. We believe it is a critical part of Australia’s wellbeing to have a thriving farming and processing industry,” said MD Ian Young.

SPC has had a long history of supporting Australian businesses, such as Goulburn Valley fruit growers, who regularly test their products to ensure they are clean, green and safe.

“We support the transparency these regulations bring about and encourage Aussies to buy locally grown products — thus supporting our farmers, local production and jobs here in Australia,” said Jones.

Food and packaging technologists with vast knowledge of the fruit preparation, dairy, beverage and bakery sectors make up SPC’s R&D team, allowing the company to work towards making it easier for customers to make informed decisions about their food choices. The benefits the CoOL requirements bring to SPC indicates the influence that the ‘Australian made’ label continues to carry.