As Australia’s largest remaining fruit and vegetable processor, SPC Ardmona is taking on new and innovative ways to remind Aussie’s of the importance of choosing high quality, locally grown products.
As part of the Victorian processor’s new 100 percent Australian grown and Australian made campaign, SPC is encouraging consumers to rediscover the versatility of its products with the help of chef, restaurateur and author Karen Martini.
Martini showcased unique and innovative ways to incorporate the range of SPC Ardmona’s staple products such as baked beans and tinned tomatoes into hearty, delicious meals at a media event at the Sydney Cooking School last week.
Growing up not too far from SPC’s Shepparton plant, Martini said that she has always been a strong supporter of Goulburn Valley produce and the SPC brand.
“I have strong childhood memories of SPC Ardmona brands and continue to use these products today when cooking for my family. I’m a huge supporter of Australian grown and Australian made produce and have always found these brands to be a reliable and trusted choice for a large variety of dishes,” said Martini.
The dishes Martini created for the event included smokey baked beans with chorizo and prawns, Turkish inspired chicken with apricots, ginger, saffron and pistachios and a free-form apple, pear and cinnamon pie.
Bronwyn Powell, SPC Ardmona’s marketing and innovation director said that despite experiencing some challenges recently from cheap imported products, the company is determined to support the local industry and continue to drive its key message of 100 percent Australian grown and made.
“We support more than 2,700 jobs in the Goulburn Valley region and our impact on the local economy equates to $165 million,” said Powell.
“SPC Ardmona has been experiencing tough times recently, but we have not been deterred and have worked hard at combating these issues. We believe the quality of locally grown produce, like the tomatoes used in Ardmona, means that Aussies shouldn’t need to look to imported products to create great food.”
Powell admits that country of origin claims are still a major issue for SPC Ardmona as many consumers often do not realise that products they have purchased are either imported, or made partially from imported ingredients.
“Often people do not realise that a product they have purchased is not grown or made in Australia. It’s really important for Australian growers and manufacturers to highlight their provenance on product packaging to avoid confusion and help shoppers make an informed decision on what they feed their family.
“Together we can help champion Australian grown and Australian made produce, support manufacturing jobs in Australia, keep farmers on the land and ensure that Australian families continue to get high quality Aussie produce.”