Woolworths has announced that it will introduce Farmers’ Own milk, sourced exclusively from dairy farms in the Barossa Valley region, across its 75 stores in South Australia.
The Farmers’ Own brand is available in some other states, and has seen sales growing substantially since its introduction, following a highly successful trial initially with NSW Manning Valley dairy farmers.
The milk is permeate free and is available in three varieties including full cream; Hi-Lo homogenised milk; and full cream unhomogenised milk with the cream on top.
Paul Harker, head of perishables, Woolworths, said the product has proven to beneficial both for farmers, as well as customers.
“We know that our customers love to buy local and this is a great product we’re now able to offer to South Australians. We’re very happy to have some great local farmers on board who’ll be supplying direct to our South Australian customers.
“The three varieties of Farmers’ Own sell very strongly in states where it is available. The return of unhomogenised milk with the cream on top has been a hit,” he said.
Andrew Koch, dairy farmer, said the partnership will bolster efforts by farmers to negotiate fair prices across the industry.
“All of the farmers involved in Farmers’ Own in South Australia this a great chance to get closer to our the customers by selling our milk direct through Woolworths. It’s a great partnership and we’re very happy to be a part of it.
“We think consumers want to see farmers paid a fair price for the milk we produce. A direct relationship like farmers own gives us the chance to negotiate that fair price directly with the retailer which benefits not only us but also the industry as a whole,” he said.
