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NEWS
Pollination Small Grants supporting beekeepers
Food producers supported through a new water agreement
Tasmania’s honeybee industry will be supported via the launch of a $90,000 Pollination Small Grants Program, supplied through the Tasmanian government.
The new program will aim to support projects that will increase the availability and viability of pollination services in Tasmania.
This program is part of the government’s 2018-19 commitment of $750,000 over three years to implement the Tasmanian Bee Industry Futures Report.
To help maintain Tasmania’s reputation for producing high-quality products, including honey, the government is also providing $20,000 to establish a “Honey Library.”
Tasmania’s beekeeping industry is recognised for its leatherwood honey, but it also produces a range of other varieties including Manuka, prickly box, clover and gum.
In addition, the honeybee industry provides a vital pollination service for many of the Tasmania’s agricultural and horticultural crops.
The Tasmanian state government has a target to grow the annual farmgate value of agriculture to $10 billion by 2050. To help achieve this growth, an expansion of viable pollination services is essential for many pollination-dependant crops.
The Tasmanian Honey Assurance System is an integrated traceability system for honey produced in Tasmania.
It is being created through a partnership with the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association, the University of Tasmania with matching funding from the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Honey Bee Products. F
A $90,000 small grants program was launched in Tasmania to support beekeepers.
The Western Australian government has reaffirmed its support of food producers in Carnarvon, after striking a new water-supply agreement to help fuel horticultural expansion along the Gascoyne River.
The agreement between Water Corporation and Gascoyne Water Cooperative (GWC) will see a phased
A new water-supply agreement was struck by the WA Government to help grow the horticulture sector.
return to more cost-reflective pricing and encourage new enterprises across 300 hectares of prime horticultural land, released in January.
“This agreement represents an important step forward in further establishing the Gascoyne as one of Australia’s premier food producing regions,” said water minister Dave Kelly.
The land was made available under the state government’s Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative to increase food production, improve sustainable water supplies for irrigated agriculture and facilitate new supply chain opportunities for local produce.
Gascoyne growers will be guaranteed supply of high-quality water via a new 25 kilometre pipeline and reliable electric-power supply, under a new agreement between GWC and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The new water-supply agreement, which replaces the previous agreement that expired in 2013, will see the Western Australian government continue its support for Gascoyne growers through subsidies on water charges of around $10.5 million over the agreement period.
It will also see a gradual transition towards more cost-reflective water pricing and enable GWC time to generate new income streams and reduce reliance on government subsidies.
“This agreement marks a new period of stability and security for Carnarvon growers, bringing to an end almost 10 years of uncertainty over water pricing,” said agriculture and food minister Alannah MacTiernan. F
GlobalData says Coca-Cola’s positive Q2 results a step forward
GlobalData says Coca-Cola’s announcement that its Q22021 net revenues grew by 42 per cent globally for its beverage’s performance, is a step forward for beverage manufacturers to achieve pre-pandemic volumes.
“Not only does growth reinforce the company’s stable market position but highlights recovery of the non-alcoholic beverages market across many parts of the world – although countries such as India continue to be impacted by COVID19,” said GlobalData consumer beverages analyst Holly Inglis. Coca-Cola’s 14 per cent growth in Q2-2021 for sparkling soft drinks was an achievement, considering the category has seen a continually downward trend in recent years.
“According to GlobalData’s latest survey (Q2-2021), one in four (38 per cent) of consumers are actively trying to reduce their sugar consumption, which has created a challenging landscape for soft drink producers,” said Inglis.
“Strong brand recognition, alongside continued innovations to core brands such as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, have helped stimulate this growth.
“For the remainder of 2021, the outlook is positive for both CocaCola, and the general non-alcoholic drinks market. However, revival will remain in the hands of how COVID19 develops.”
This data was obtained from a GlobalData Q2-21 Consumer Survey, “Extremely concerned, quite concerned, slightly concerned.”
GlobalData’s mission is to help its clients decode the future to be more successful across a range of industries, including healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors. F
The data analytics and consulting company said the results were a positive sign for the post pandemic market.
University of Queensland associate professor Ben Schulz and PhD candidate Edward Kerr have found that craft beer is scientifically unique, through using mass spectrometry proteomics to identify, quantify and characterise the proteins in 23 different styles and brands of beer.
“Craft beer was strikingly different to beer from multinational breweries,” Schulz said.
“Surprisingly, it was only when we targeted our analysis on a single brewery to remove any variation, that we found any differences between beer styles. Proteins from yeast make craft beers distinct from beers from larger breweries – which may be due to different process scales, or to different styles of yeast.”
Proteins play an important part in forming a beer’s sensory properties.
“Crisp, malty and bitter flavours, and floral and fruity aromas, are perhaps the first descriptions that come to mind when describing beer, but other sensory factors are just as important,” said Schulz.
“An attractive, stable head of foam and smooth, creamy mouth-feel are also essential, but-often-overlooked, elements of a great beer.
“The ‘beer proteome’ – or the full set of proteins in a beer – is critical in controlling these factors and is dependent on the ingredients, the yeast used for fermentation and the overall beer-making process.”
Mass spectrometry techniques enabled Schulz and Kerr to measure the beers’ complete set of proteins.
“Our research looked at what proteins are present and how much there is of each protein,” Kerr said.
“Essentially, a mass spectrometer measures the mass of a molecule, allowing us to then match these experimentally measured masses to a theoretical list of proteins, identifying which are present and measuring the abundance of each.
“When we considered these features, we could clearly distinguish the profiles of different beers and different breweries.”
With only 23 beers studied, there’s more research to do. But Kerr said the findings would prove beneficial for future beer-making processes. F
Proteins from the yeast are what make craft beers distinct and unique.
Fine Food Australia has postponed its Sydney event to run 8-11 March 2022 at the ICC, in response to the ongoing uncertainty in NSW and across Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Melbourne event will run 5-8 September 2022 at the MCEC, as planned.
“The health and safety of our community, visitors, exhibitors, sponsors, partners and staff, is our biggest concern,” said Fine Food Australia event and product manager Andrew Lawson.
“As a food industry, we have been through these challenges before, and whilst this is not a decision we have made lightly, we have considered the current situation facing the market, and the challenges you might currently be facing in your businesses.
Due to the recent Sydney outbreak, Fine Food Australia has been postponed until March 8, 2022.
We have therefore made this decision as early as possible.”
“We believe this postponement to be the most appropriate action, to wait for a period where there is more stability, and a chance to set up all those involved in the event for success,” he said.
This will make 2022 a national offering of Fine Food, with opportunities for the entire industry to connect face-to-face in both Sydney and Melbourne in the same year.
The Hospitality Unites initiative to Fine Food Sydney will also be extended, with a content offering dedicated to the foodservice sector once more. F
Growers, the local Kununurra community and the Western Australian government celebrated 75 years of agricultural research and endeavour from the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture last week.
“The Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture and its staff have achieved so much over more than seven decades, underpinning the transformation of this outback region into a valuable northern foodbowl,” said WA Agriculture and Food minister Alannah MacTiernan.
Descendants of those who helped establish the research centre – including former premier Frank Wise and the Durack family – and current farmers and civic leaders paid testimony to the vision and fortitude of those who helped realise the potential in the East Kimberley.
The Kimberley Research Station was originally established as a joint state and Commonwealth initiative in 1946, staffed by the CSIRO and the WA Department of Agriculture.
In 1986 the CSIRO sold its share of the research facility to the WA Department of Agriculture, who renamed the facility as the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture. The former premier was instrumental in driving horticultural development in northern Western Australia.
The Department has continued research that laid the foundations for the development and expansion of the
The institute leads a number of agricultural research projects.
Ord River Irrigation Area, which now spans 15,500 hectares.
Over the past 75 years, the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture has led research into sugar cane, cotton, rice, sorghum, maize, winter cereals, safflower, linseed, peanuts, lemongrass, kenaf and other fibre crops.
In an average year, the area produces more than 33,500 tonnes of fruit and vegetables, including mangoes, bananas, grapefruit, lime, melons, pumpkins and beans, valued at almost $58.9 million annually.
Over the past four years, the Western Australian government has revitalised the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture, with more than 20 project collaborations underway including hemp, quinoa, plantago, mangoes, safflower, cassava and cotton. F
Queensland scientists develop the first pan-genome for sorghum
Good & Fugly delivers misshapen, nutritious fruit and vegetables to Australians
Scientists from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at the University of Queensland, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and BGI Genomics have developed the world’s first pan-genome for sorghum, in a breakthrough for crop improvement and gene discovery.
Sorghum is a drought-tolerant staple crop for half a billion people in Africa and Asia, an important source of animal feed throughout the world, and a biofuel feedstock of growing importance.
This discovery unlocks the genomic treasures to breed improved varieties of the ancient cereal grain.
The scientists announced their discovery in prestigious journal, Nature Plants. The Global Diversity Trust and the Australian Research Council co-funded the project, which aimed to improve productivity in sorghum.
“This is exciting news for Queensland, where sorghum is a staple crop used mostly in the intensive livestock sector and worth more than $250 million this year,” said minister for agricultural industry development and fisheries Mark Furner.
Other genes were also identified for productivity and nutritional traits, such as grain colour, grain weight and seed dormancy.
“Until now, our knowledge of the sorghum genome has lagged behind other major crops,” said Furner.
“Armed with the pan-genome data, researchers can now tap into variation at specific genes to breed improved sorghum varieties.”
The new data is already being used in breeding efforts to improve the yield and resilience of crop varieties in Australia, in the face of mounting challenges to production, including climate change and increased water scarcity.
The Queensland government supports a wide range of agricultural research through partnerships with industry, universities and through its research locations across Queensland. F
The world’s first pan-genome for sorghum has been developed by a team of scientists.
Good & Fugly, a newly launched Australian grocery delivery service, is the first of its kind nationwide that rescues wonky, quirky and misshaped fruit and vegetables and delivers curated seasonal boxes to consumers’ doors.
With up to 25 per cent of all Australian produce not leaving the farm due to their imperfect appearance, Good & Fugly is on a mission to make saving the planet affordable, convenient and delicious.
Every box is filled with fresh, seasonal produce direct from farmers. What’s in the boxes varies from week to week, but the team aims to include staples like potatoes, onions and leafy greens in every order.
Good & Fugly deliveries are expanding across the greater Sydney region and consumers across Australia are being encouraged to register their fugly fruit and vegetables interest via the website, so the team knows where to expand its offering next.
The Good & Fugly fruit and vegetables may be quirky in appearance, but it doesn’t impact its nutritional value – meaning consumers can eat well and fight food waste at the same time.
“We want Good & Fugly to be a nationwide offering, we can see the waste issue and we know consumers are keen to make a positive impact by jumping on board the fugly revolution,” Good & Fugly founder Richard Tourino said. F
The delivery service looks to repurpose imperfect looking fruit and vegetables.
Kerbside recycling pilot launched in Sydney
Genomic Atlas of Soil-Dwelling Listeria created in the US
Australian recyclers, iQ Renew and CurbCycle, will partner with Mosman and Willoughby councils to facilitate a trial to recycle aluminium coffee capsules, which will help inform the development of a national coffee capsule recycling scheme, led by Planet Ark.
A specially designed, bring orange bag will be sent to the 5,000 participating households in the trial areas to collect used aluminium capsules. The participants can then place the orange bags in their kerbside recycling bins for collection.
This Australian-first pilot will provide vital insights, with the potential to roll out the scheme across the country.
“It is great to see this trial occurring and we want to thank all the collaboration partners for making this possible,” said Planet Ark CEO Paul Klymenko. “By providing their communities with the additional option of kerbside collection, it will allow more people to recycle their coffee capsules and contribute to creating a circular economy.”
The capsules will be separated from other recycling at iQ Renew’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and transferred to the existing Nespresso recycling system in NSW for separating into coffee grounds and aluminium.
From here, the aluminium will go to aluminium producers, saving 95 per cent of the energy required to source aluminium from scratch, with coffee grounds going to local commercial compost.
Nicknamed the “Curby” pilot, the trial will provide a way to test how capsules can be collected and sorted and assess household demand for the scheme, iQ Renew CEO Danny Gallagher said.
Funding for the trial will be provided by Nespresso.
Participation in the trial will be limited to 5,000 households in Mosman Council and Willoughby City Council areas. F
The pilot trial is designed to test the viability of capsule collection and sorting.
Food scientists from the US have developed a new genomic mapping tool which they believe will help reduce recalls in the industry.
Cornell food scientists have created a new genomic and geological mapping tool to better identify Listeria monocytogenes in food recalls and similar investigations.
The national atlas will tell scientists where listeria and other related species are within the US, which could help to trace and pinpoint sources of listeria found in ingredients, food processing facilities and finished products, according to research published July 15 in Nature Microbiology.
Listeria mononcytogenes in foods can make people extremely sick. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each year 1,600 people in the US get listeriosis – of those, about 260 die.
Knowing that listeria occurs naturally in soil, the Cornell group asked other US scientists to find soil samples from generally undisturbed places in the natural world, such as the off-trail areas of state and national parks.
From these samples, the group developed a nationwide atlas of 1,854 listeria isolates, representing 594 strains and 12 families of the bacteria called phylogroups.
Lead author Jingqiu Liao, who worked in Wiedmann’s laboratory as a graduate student, is now a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University. She had supplemented the research by acquiring soil samples in her own travels and found listeria present across a wide range of environmental circumstances. This bacterium is controlled mainly by soil moisture, salinity concentrations and molybdenum – a trace mineral found in milk, cheese, grains, legumes, leafy vegetables and organ meats.
This work can serve as a reference for future population genomics studies and will likely benefit the food industry by locating listeria contaminations that may have a natural origin. F
Mussels are deemed most sustainable superfood, experts say
Mussels are being hailed as the superfood that could improve Australians’ health while leaving an environmental footprint that’s lighter than vegetables, a recent study has found.
The report, published in March by senior health and environmental experts, found that instead of switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet, replacing land meats with seafood was the most sustainable answer, while keeping overall health and wellbeing high.
The report also found ropecultured mussels could be a good option for those looking to cut down on red and processed meats and to protect the environment.
Mussels contain nearly five times the amount of vitamin B12 as beef and over eight times more iron than chicken. They are also extremely high in omega-3, selenium, iodine and protein.
The study suggested while animal protein is the highest quality protein to optimise muscle health, providing sustainable animal protein is going to be the biggest and most complex challenge as the population grows.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) said that when it comes to the environment and marine health, mussels are one of the best options from a sustainability point of view.
“The advantage of mussels from an environmental point of view is that you simply put the ropes into the water and they pretty much feed themselves,” said AMCS Sustainable Seafood program manager Adrian Meder.
“There are no fertilisers needed, land to be cleared, or trawling.”
EP Seafoods, which specialises in mussels, say that mussels are often more sustainably cultivated than vegetables. F
Experts says switching from landbased to sea-based food was the most sustainable way forward.
OzHarvest and Monash report urges halving of food waste
Acollaborative report between OzHarvest, a food rescue organisation, and the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) is encouraging national action to halve food waste by 2030 in Australia.
The joint report, Halving Food Waste: Australia’s progress on SDG 12.3, outlines the benefits of achieving this goal – the foundation work already undertaken – and makes key recommendations for national action.
Tackling food waste is an integral part of Australia’s efforts towards sustainable consumption addressed in goal 12.3, according to OzHarvest founder and CEO Ronni Kahn.
“OzHarvest is committed to halving food waste in Australia and knows the immense size of the challenge we still face,” said Kahn.
“This report aims to spark a national conversation on what needs to be done and with only nine years to go, the huge changes that are needed from policymakers, businesses and the public. We’ve collaborated with the brilliant team at Monash, who are experts in tracking Australia’s SDG progress.”
The Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint for a better future, including a focus on tackling food waste, MSDI chair Professor John Thwaites said.
“Australia still has an opportunity to forge collective action on goal 12.3 but will need to act quickly and at scale to see results before 2030,” said Thwaites.
“This report is Australia’s shopping list for the essential ingredients to achieve this target, which has great social, economic and environmental benefits and contributes to other SDGs including Zero Hunger and Climate Action.”
The report launched this month to coincide with the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit in Rome, where the focus has been on the power of food systems to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). F
The collaborative report is designed to outline how food waste can be halved by 2030.
PepsiCo and PAI Partners join to optimise portfolio
Agricultural Produce Commission Act reviewed
PepsiCo has entered into an agreement with PAI Partners, a private equity firm specialising in the food and beverage sector, to sell select juice brands such as Tropicana and Naked across North America and an option to sell certain European juice businesses. This will result in combined proceeds of around $3.3 billion, while retaining a 39 per cent non-controlling interest in a newly formed joint venture.
PAI Partners will be the majority shareholder of the transferred business, with PepsiCo retaining exclusive US distribution rights to the portfolio of brands in its chilled Direct Store Delivery for small-format and foodservice channels.
“This joint venture with PAI enables us to realise significant upfront value, whilst providing the focus and resources necessary to drive additional long-term growth for these beloved brands,” PepsiCo chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta said.
“In addition, it will free us to concentrate on our current portfolio of diverse offerings, including growing our portfolio of healthier snacks, zerocalorie beverages and products like SodaStream, which are focused on being better for people and the planet.”
PAI Partners is delighted to bring the storied beverage brands into its portfolio via the new partnership, managing partner Frédéric Stévenin said.
The juice businesses delivered approximately $3 billion in net revenue in 2020, with operating profit margins that were below PepsiCo’s overall operating margin in 2020.
PepsiCo expects to use the proceeds from the sale of these assets primarily to strengthen its balance sheet and to make organic investments in the business.
The transaction is expected to close in late 2021 or early 2022. F
The partnership between PepsiCo and PAI Partners will result in a multi-billion dollar proceeds.
New laws strengthening the Agricultural Produce Commission was successfully passed by WA Government.
The Western Australian government’s laws to strengthen the Agricultural Produce Commission have passed through State Parliament, which will improve the function of important producer committees across the state.
A review of the Agricultural Produce Commission Act 1988 was carried out in 2006, however its recommendations were never implemented. The amendments will provide the Agricultural Produce Commission with powers to monitor and audit payment of charges, to ensure producers are complying with the Act and that all funds collected are used to support industry.
“Producer committees have delivered so much for growers over the past 30 years – from research into the performance of pigs after weaning, to the commercialisation of the Bravo-branded apple and paying compensation to Carnarvon banana growers after cyclone Olwyn,” said agriculture and food minister Alannah MacTiernan said.
“We are committed to support the important work of producer committees, and these amendments deliver long-awaited improvements to their function and operations.”
Regulations will be allowed to provide for circumstances in which charges can be waived, refunded or reduced, if a producer wishes to opt out of a committee.
Amendments will also allow non-producers to be appointed to industry committees, in a non-voting capacity to provide broader expertise, and allow the Agricultural Produce Commission to use weighted voting at a poll to establish a committee.
The amendment bill includes a provision to allow broadacre cropping and grazing industries to take advantage of the opportunities offered by producer committees, if they chose to do so, following a request from WAFarmers.
However, livestock enterprises on pastoral lands will continue to be excluded from the Agricultural Produce Commission Act, following representations from some parts of the industry.
“The amendments will also allow broadacre farmers to form producer committees for the first time – although importantly, it will be entirely up to farmers whether to form committees or not,” said MacTiernan.
“We look forward to the Agricultural Produce Commission continuing to work with industry to deliver for our growers.” F
National Trade Program to expand export capabilities
Anew, bespoke $1.13 million National Trade Program will assist 15 South Australian food and beverage companies in expanding interstate and developing export capabilities.
“We have seen that scaled-up international expansion often starts with companies expanding into interstate markets – we understand that interstate expansion enables businesses to test their products in markets close by,” said minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Patterson.
“This then helps companies to fully understand the logistics, channel partner requirements, remote warehousing needs and how they manage receivables and invoices – all at a stone’s throw away rather than overseas.”
The National Trade Program will provide training, access to industry mentors and offer direct connections to interstate buyers and distributors, to help company participants secure interstate sales.
“The program is for South Australian companies who are not already exporting overseas,” said Patterson.
“It is a bespoke program targeting retail ready products including food, beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), wine, health and beauty.”
The South Australian government will sponsor all participation costs. However, companies will be required to cover the costs of shipping samples interstate and any travel costs.
Shipping products interstate is a great way to increase volume and economies of scale, Adelaide Hills Distillery’s Steve Dorman said.
“Companies can test their brand outside of South Australia to see if it needs to be updated, changed or tweaked as it may be that those outside of the state need something slightly different so they can relate to it,” Dorman said.
“It also enables companies to test their supply chain and systems, check that packaging is durable and helps to refine sales pitches and marketing collateral.
“Exporting nationally drives volume and may give companies access into the bigger chains and wholesalers with national distribution, as well as driving efficiencies through the business,” he said.
“By exporting nationally, it broadens your experience, makes your business more resilient and changes your mindset as to how you service customers.” F
A new bespoke $1.13 million National Trade Program was introduced to aid in exports.
In its 25th year, National Science Week 2021 will begin this weekend, recognising the achievements of Australia’s scientific community – including those related to food and beverage production.
Throughout the week, universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and other organisations across the country will deliver a range of in-person or online events, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of COVID-19 restrictions.
National Science Week 2021 aims to spark the imaginations of the next generation of budding scientists, according to minister for Industry Science and Technology Christian Porter.
“This year’s National Science Week continues its tradition of excellence and I encourage all Australians to jump online and check out the range of opportunities to get involved,” Porter said.
“Of course, National Science Week is also an important opportunity to thank our extraordinary scientists and researchers for their hard work and their efforts to inspire and encourage the next generation of Australian leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Specific events have also been organised for students, with the 2021 school theme Food: Different by Design providing insights into topics such as food production, sustainable agriculture, biosecurity, food technology and laboratory-developed foods.
The federal government has provided almost $500,000 to support public science projects as part of the National Science Week Grants, announced earlier this year.
National Science Week 2021 will run from 14 to 22 August. F
The 2021 National Science Week will highlight importance of sustainable food production.
Ten water infrastructure projects funded to boost SA agriculture
Woolworths open first eStore in Maroochydore, Queensland
Ten water projects are being funded by almost $90 million under the National Water Grid Fund – Connections Pathway program in South Australia, to significantly boost the state’s agriculture industry.
The projects will enhance water security, help stimulate regional economies and create jobs, with funds provided by the South Australian government, the Commonwealth and program partners.
The projects range from delivering additional water to Barossa Valley wine producers, to supporting water efficient, high technology glass houses for growing vegetables at Virginia.
“We know water is a critical resource for a successful agriculture sector and these 10 projects across South Australia will grow jobs by delivering new and affordable water, enhancing water security and helping stimulate regional economic development,” minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said.
“These projects will both support existing primary industries and allow for new and expanded agriculture to be undertaken in some of South Australia’s most important agricultural areas.
The 10 projects will lead to both economic and environmental benefits, according to acting minister for Environment and Water Stephen Patterson.
“These 10 projects will boost water efficiency in our agricultural sector, which is good for our economy and exports of food, wine and agriculture while at the same time being good for the environment as well,” said Patterson.
The South Australian government has also applied to the Commonwealth for funding for preliminary business cases for Clare Valley and Eden Valley water supplies.
“The projects are a key step in supporting the Clare and Eden Valleys, ensuring a more reliable and secure water supply for wine grape growers and primary industries in both regions,” said Basham.
“Ensuring long-term water security has been a priority for both areas.” F
The ten projects will be funded by almost $90 million.
Woolworths has officially opened its first eStore at its Maroochydore (Big Top) supermarket in Queensland to meet increasing demands from local customers.
The 1,250 square metre space at the rear of the store uses microfulfilment technology to sort and move products from automated storage units, directly to team members hand picking customer orders.
The units can hold up to 10,000 of the most in-demand grocery products, while fresh fruit and vegetables and meat continue to be picked from the shop floor.
The micro-fulfilment technology dramatically improves the speed, efficiency and accuracy of the picking process. This will allow thousands of extra online orders to be delivered to Sunshine Coast customers each week, including more on a same day basis.
Woolworths has appointed around 150 team members to help fulfil orders from the Maroochydore eStore, including 80 new to the business.
“The continued growth in online grocery demand has given us an opportunity to reimagine the future of our stores,” Woolworths director of eCommerce Annette Karantoni said.
“This technology will help our team of 150 personal shoppers pick orders with greater speed and accuracy, while keeping us close to our Sunshine Coast customers for faster and more flexible deliveries to the home. The new delivery capacity comes at a critical time as more of our customers turn to home delivery through the pandemic,” she said.
“Importantly, the eStore layout also helps reduce congestion in the aisles for our in-store customers, as our personal shoppers pick most items in the back of house.”
Woolworths reported annual eCommerce sales growth of 90.5 per cent in the quarter ended 4 April 2021. These now account for around eight per cent of total sales. F
