Here is the response from SPC Ardmona : MEDIA RELEASE 30th January 2014 SPC ARDMONA’S DISAPPOINTMENT IN GOVERNMENT CO-INVESTMENT REFUSAL SPC Ardmona has expressed its disappointment in the Federal Government’s decision not to invest $25 million as a one-off grant for SPC Ardmona, the last remaining major fruit and vegetable processor in Australia. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane announced that the Federal Government had made the decision that it would not invest in SPC Ardmona despite support from the Industry Minister’s Advisory Panel for the business case made by SPC Ardmona to secure the future of fruit processing in Australia. The Federal Government decision also means that a potential $25 million grant from the Victorian Government which was conditional on a positive decision will no longer be forthcoming. SPC Ardmona’s Australian listed parent company, Coca-Cola Amatil, had strong investment plans for SPC Ardmona, including world-class technology for new product development and efficiency gains, which were dependent on the receipt of both Federal and Victorian government grants. CCA had committed a further investment of more than $90 million to support the Government contribution. Peter Kelly, Managing Director, SPC Ardmona said the decision by Cabinet came as a surprise and would be a shock to food manufacturers in Australia. Mr Kelly said “This is an unexpected and extremely disappointing decision by the Coalition, particularly after the enormous support we have received for our business plans from the local community and beyond.” Mr Kelly said, “To build a sustainable and profitable business in Australia you need to innovate; to innovate you need to invest. Without investment some of Australia’s best loved packaged fruit and vegetables brands may disappear and consumers won’t have a choice to buy clean, green Australian packaged grown fruit at retailers.” Mr Kelly praised the support of the Goulburn Valley community including SPCA’s employees, business owners, local politicians, the local council and growers. Mr Kelly said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from the people in the Valley. This decision will be heartbreaking for growers and the community who stood up for us, including our local politicians like Sharman Stone and Jenny Houlihan. Thanks also to Minister Ian Macfarlane and his advisory panel for their support.” Mr Kelly thanked retailers, particularly Woolworths, Coles, IGA and Aldi, which agreed to decrease volumes of imported product and stock Australian made and grown SPC Ardmona products instead – and he thanked consumers who have voted with their feet and opted for clean, green Australian products in those stores. Mr Kelly also thanked local and national suppliers, Goulburn Valley businesses, the Save our SPCA group, employees and their representatives. Mr Kelly said in light of this decision SPC Ardmona would now review their business plans with parent company Coca-Cola Amatil.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 00:44:29 +0000
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