Supermarket own-brand doing good for rural South Australia

While many bemoan the growth of supermarket own-branded products, Coles’ Great Ocean Road cheese range is reportedly set to do good things for South Australia. The supermarket giant signed a five-year contract with Warrnambool Cheese & Butter (WCB) to produce the cheese range. The companies say the contract will boost the South Australian dairy industry as well as create new jobs.

WCB recently won a bid for a $1.2 million South East South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund grant, which it will put towards a $6.8 million upgrade of its dairy facility in Mil Lel, South Australia, where it will produce the cheese range. WCB says the grant is a “direct result” of its contract with Coles.

“Our supply agreement with Coles will underpin the expansion and upgrade at the Mil Lel plant where 4000 tonnes of Great Ocean Road cheese will be cut and packed,” said David Lord, CEO of WCB.

The company says the grant will create at least 26 full-time jobs at the facility, and the increased demand for milk from the region will boost the local dairy industry.

“In addition to at least 26 full-time jobs, this facility will also create a number of local jobs on site - including contractors and engineers,” Lord said.

Coles Merchandise Director John Durkan said the partnership will create more jobs in rural Australia, as well as bringing new Australian dairy products to the market.

“The dairy industry has been a cornerstone of this region for a very long time and this announcement gives it a timely boost,” Lord said.

“This also supports a positive market outlook in the medium term as well as underpinning a broader long-term confidence in the dairy industry.”