Simplot and Coles have agreed a supply deal under which farmers in Tasmania, NSW and Queensland will grow millions of extra vegetables over the next eight years.
With the supply contract to run until 2024, Coles has committed to sourcing an additional six million kilograms a year of Australian grown vegetables that were previously sourced overseas.
The extra demand for Simplot vegetables represents a 25 per cent increase in the volume of Australian grown frozen vegetables supplied to Coles.
The new contract brings the volume that Coles sources from Simplot to 56 million kilograms of Australian grown vegetables and potatoes each year.
“The new contract will benefit more than 240 growers in Tasmania, NSW and Queensland by providing long-term security for these growers and their communities,” Simplot Managing Director Terry O’Brien said. “It means growers will need to plant more crops so Simplot can supply an extra six million kilograms of Australian-grown produce and this will benefit all those who contribute to the manufacturing of Aussie-grown products, including site workers, truck drivers and regionally based service providers.”
Simplot produces 30 Coles Brand frozen vegetable and potato products as well as a broad range of Coles Brand products in chilled and frozen fish, chilled and ambient sauces, chilled pasta, meals and Australian grown beetroot. Simplot also supplies Coles with more than 200 of its own branded products including Birds Eye, Edgell, Leggo’s and John West.
