Six Ryans IGA supermarkets in regional Victoria have increased their ranging of Sungold milk to further support local farmers.
Sungold is packaged by Warrnambool Cheese & Butter and will be stocked in large quantities in three IGA stores in Ballarat, and one each in Kyneton, Beaufort and Torquay.
The stores had previously stocked Sungold, but only a small range. Ryans IGA General Manager Ben Ryan said his team reviewed their milk offering following the dramatic drop in farm gate milk prices.
“We looked at what was going to be best for our local farmers in regards to getting them the best price and that was overwhelmingly through Warrnambool Cheese & Butter,” he said. “In the end, switching to Warrnambool was a no-brainer.
“It is also a win for consumers. With efficiencies in Warrnambool’s supply chain, Sungold milk gets to our stores quicker, so it is fresher and has a longer ‘best before’ date.”
The retailer’s switch to Sungold will result in an additional one million litres of milk, produced by local farmers, being used. This means about 90 per cent of all milk stocked in these six IGA stores will be Sungold.
Sungold milk is well known in the south-western district of Victoria. Sungold Business Manager Bill Slater said Ryans IGA’s commitment to supporting farmers was a win for all and it was great that more of the state will get to taste Sungold milk.
“Money going back into the region not only supports farmers but associated industries,” he said. “In total, there are 35 dairy farmers that will benefit from IGA’s decision to switch to milk produced locally.”
Mr Ryan said the stores were committing long-term to Sungold and he hoped other IGA stores would also follow their lead.