Riverina Fresh is one of the growing number of local businesses adopting Australia’s new Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) early, well ahead of the 30 June 2018 deadline.
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, today visited Riverina Fresh with the Minister for Small Business and Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, and applauded this local business for taking the initiative and allowing consumers to be informed about their product’s origin.
“Australians want to know where their food was grown, made or packed, and how much was sourced from Australian farmers, and it’s great to see this information front and centre on a range of products,” Minister Hartsuyker said.
“Riverina Fresh is an early adopter of CoOL and has begun using the new labels on its milk products.
“Riverina Fresh is already building a reputation for quality amongst Australia’s best baristas and it’s great they’re getting on board early with the CoOL changes and new labels.
“These labels give consumers the extra level of information they have are seeking.
“For most food made, grown or produced in Australia, labels will feature the kangaroo in a triangle symbol and a bar chart indicating the percentage of Australian ingredients.
“Identifying where a food has been packed is no longer sufficient—labels make it clear where an item has been produced, grown, made or packed.
“Australian produce has a reputation of being safe, high-quality, clean and green, and consumers have a right to know where their food comes from.”
Mr McCormack said it was great to see a local business such as Riverina Fresh in the leading pack on the changes, and encouraged more to follow its example.
“The CoOL changes give shoppers important information when selecting their groceries,” Mr McCormack said.
“It would be great to see more businesses involved in the changes ahead of time, including those across the Riverina.
“The Federal Government is helping businesses with the process, with a range of assistance available including an online tool to help them identify appropriate labelling for their products.”
Rob Collier, Chief Executive Officer of Riverina Fresh said, “As a 100% Australian owned business, we are extremely pleased to be using the new Country of Origin Labelling on our Riverina Fresh products. It’s a fantastic way to recognise the 20 local farmers who supply us with high quality award winning milk direct from the Riverina.”
The tool and a range of other information and support for business can be found at business.gov.au/foodlabels or by calling the contact centre on 13 28 46.
More information for consumers can be found at the CoOL website.