Shoppers outrage as Woolworths ditches local Norco milk in 150 stores
- Replies 12
Woolworths has recently come under fire for a decision that has left many Australian consumers disgruntled.
The supermarket giant has decided to remove Norco milk, a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated dairy product, from the shelves of 150 of its Metro stores.
Norco, a dairy company with a rich history spanning 129 years, sources its milk from 190 dairy farms across New South Wales and Queensland.
The brand has built a strong reputation for its quality products, even being voted Australia's favourite milk by Canstar in 2020.
Norco's loyal customer base appreciates not only the taste but also the opportunity to support local farmers.
As one customer put it, 'Buying only Norco milk is very important if you care anything about our farmers, etcetera. It’s my little way of supporting.'
However, Woolworths decided to stop selling Norco milk in hundreds of stores across Sydney.
A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the move, stating, 'Customers are still able to purchase Norco milk in all our supermarkets across the country.’
‘However, in our Woolworths Metro stores, we are no longer stocking Norco as we continue to tailor our Metro store ranges to local demand.’
The spokesperson continued: ‘We continue to have a close relationship with Norco and stock their products in all our Queensland stores and New South Wales stores north of Sydney.’
‘In our Sydney stores, the space made available by the removal of Norco has been given to other Australian-owned milk brands—Riverina and Dairy Farmers,’ the retailer assured.
On the other hand, Norco has also released a statement about the recent change.
‘Norco can confirm that its 100 [per cent] farmer-owned milk brand has recently been removed from approximately 90 Woolworths Supermarkets in central Sydney,’ the spokesperson said.
‘In response, Woolworths did commit to some expanded product distribution in Queensland, which we appreciate,’ they added.
This explanation has done little to quell the disappointment of customers, many of whom have taken to social media to express their disapproval.
One social media user wrote, 'Extremely disappointing, told them I will now buy from ALDI and IGA. I am in the Penrith (Sydney) area.'
Another customer voiced their frustration on Woolworths' official Facebook page, saying, 'Why kick another Australian-owned and farmed business? Disgusted you have axed Norco milk from your shelves!'
‘Woolworths not going full bore on Norco milk is just their way of putting profit before our dairy industry,’ a third shopper expressed.
A search for Norco milk on the Woolworths website shows all varieties as 'out of stock'. Only two Norco cheese products and three Norco ice cream varieties are available for purchase.
Interestingly, Norco's website states that 2L cartons of its Full Cream Milk are 'available at Coles', with no mention of Woolworths.
Norco's proud history of producing milk for Australians spans more than a century.
The company's website states, 'Our full cream milk is still brought to you by a co-operative of passionate Norco dairy farmers in Northern New South Wales and South East Queensland and always will be.’
‘It’s permeate-free and chock-full of protein, calcium, and other goodness. Actually, come to think of it, the only things we have added over the years are awards!' it reads.
Do you buy Norco milk, members? What are your thoughts on Woolworths' decision to remove Norco milk from its Metro stores? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
The supermarket giant has decided to remove Norco milk, a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated dairy product, from the shelves of 150 of its Metro stores.
Norco, a dairy company with a rich history spanning 129 years, sources its milk from 190 dairy farms across New South Wales and Queensland.
The brand has built a strong reputation for its quality products, even being voted Australia's favourite milk by Canstar in 2020.
In 2020, Norco milk was voted as Australia's favourite milk by Canstar. Image source: @SummerlandCU/X (Twitter)
Norco's loyal customer base appreciates not only the taste but also the opportunity to support local farmers.
As one customer put it, 'Buying only Norco milk is very important if you care anything about our farmers, etcetera. It’s my little way of supporting.'
However, Woolworths decided to stop selling Norco milk in hundreds of stores across Sydney.
A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the move, stating, 'Customers are still able to purchase Norco milk in all our supermarkets across the country.’
‘However, in our Woolworths Metro stores, we are no longer stocking Norco as we continue to tailor our Metro store ranges to local demand.’
The spokesperson continued: ‘We continue to have a close relationship with Norco and stock their products in all our Queensland stores and New South Wales stores north of Sydney.’
‘In our Sydney stores, the space made available by the removal of Norco has been given to other Australian-owned milk brands—Riverina and Dairy Farmers,’ the retailer assured.
On the other hand, Norco has also released a statement about the recent change.
‘Norco can confirm that its 100 [per cent] farmer-owned milk brand has recently been removed from approximately 90 Woolworths Supermarkets in central Sydney,’ the spokesperson said.
‘In response, Woolworths did commit to some expanded product distribution in Queensland, which we appreciate,’ they added.
This explanation has done little to quell the disappointment of customers, many of whom have taken to social media to express their disapproval.
One social media user wrote, 'Extremely disappointing, told them I will now buy from ALDI and IGA. I am in the Penrith (Sydney) area.'
Another customer voiced their frustration on Woolworths' official Facebook page, saying, 'Why kick another Australian-owned and farmed business? Disgusted you have axed Norco milk from your shelves!'
‘Woolworths not going full bore on Norco milk is just their way of putting profit before our dairy industry,’ a third shopper expressed.
A search for Norco milk on the Woolworths website shows all varieties as 'out of stock'. Only two Norco cheese products and three Norco ice cream varieties are available for purchase.
Interestingly, Norco's website states that 2L cartons of its Full Cream Milk are 'available at Coles', with no mention of Woolworths.
Norco's proud history of producing milk for Australians spans more than a century.
The company's website states, 'Our full cream milk is still brought to you by a co-operative of passionate Norco dairy farmers in Northern New South Wales and South East Queensland and always will be.’
‘It’s permeate-free and chock-full of protein, calcium, and other goodness. Actually, come to think of it, the only things we have added over the years are awards!' it reads.
Do you buy Norco milk, members? What are your thoughts on Woolworths' decision to remove Norco milk from its Metro stores? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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