Supermarket giant Woolworths is confronting significant anger from both customers and Australian agricultural leaders after introducing an American-made butter onto its shelves, packaged in colours strongly associated with the nation.
A 'Sneaky' Switch and Customer Outcry
The product, sold under Woolworths' own Hillview brand, has replaced the more affordable Essentials butter line. Shoppers and industry figures have been quick to criticise the move, with many accusing the retailer of using green and gold packaging to deliberately mislead the public into thinking it is a locally produced item.
One disgruntled customer called the tactic 'sneaky,' adding that supermarkets only prefer Australian products if they cannot secure a better deal on an import. Another stated that the truth is they do not care about buying Australian and that it is all about profit margins.
The criticism extends beyond the packaging to the product itself. Australian Dairy Farmers president Ben Bennett told the ABC that the imported butter hardly looks like butter, describing it as white and somewhat different. He emphasised the industry's desire for genuineness about their products and their origins.
Bland Flavour and the Grass-Fed Difference
Aussie consumers have blasted the Hillview butter for its lack of flavour, with many reviews highlighting its unusually pale appearance. One shopper remarked, 'When I opened it I wondered why it was so pale. I had never seen butter so white. Definitely nowhere near as flavoursome.' Another was more blunt, calling the taste 'absolutely disgusting.'
This bland flavour is largely attributed to the differing diets of the cows. Unlike most Australian dairy cattle, which are predominantly grass-fed, the American cows used for this butter are grain-fed, resulting in a paler colour and less distinctive taste.
The Cost Reality and Woolworths' Response
Rabobank dairy analyst Michael Harvey shed light on the economic reasoning behind the decision, stating that from a pricing perspective, it comes down to the reality of the consumer market. He noted that the cost of dairy products are a lot higher than they were a couple of years ago, creating a tough environment for shoppers.
In response to the growing backlash, a Woolworths spokesperson has defended the company's position. The spokesperson asserted that Woolworths remains a strong supporter of local producers and that all dairy items carry clear country-of-origin labels.
'All our fresh milk comes from Australian farmers, and the vast majority of our other dairy products, including butter and cheese, are sourced here too,' the spokesperson said. In a significant move, they also confirmed, 'We're now again incorporating Australian-made butter into our value brands.'
