Shoppers respond in outrage after Woolworths drops Australian product from shelves
Woolworths has copped a heap of criticism after pulling an Australian product from its shelves.
Upset shoppers took to social media to make evident their anger over the store's choice to cut ties with Farmers Co Peanut Butter
The spread which is described “as Aussie as you can get” on the supermarket’s website – is made with local peanuts and promises to keep “jobs and profits in Australia”.
Farmers Co Australian Peanuts "Smooth Ozenuts" peanut butter is being pulled from shelves.
Woolworths has fiercely defended the “difficult decision” to remove Farmers Co peanut butter, telling 7NEWS.com.au that a “sustained period” of slow sales had pushed the move.
The supermarket went on to say they would continue to sell Bega’s Simply Nuts, which is also made with 100 per cent Australian grown peanuts.
The decision however to drop Farmers Co peanut butter has not gone over smoothly with customers.
One shopper wrote: “I was upset to hear that Woolworths will no longer be stocking this brand as the sales volume is less than other brands.
“I, like many Australians, am keen to purchase Australian made products, now more than ever as more and more Australian made companies disappear.
“I realise profits form an important part of all commercial businesses.
“But shouldn’t it be weighed up against supporting Australian businesses and our embattled Aussie farmers as much as we can.”
Another went on to say: “Woolworths, could you please keep this great tasting Aussie made/owned peanut butter from Farmers Co on your shelves as I believe it is getting the chop.”
“Our current circumstances would have an increased interest by us Australians for a home grown product over other similar stocked items from China and Argentina.”
Woolworths spokesperson responded to the backlash, telling 7NEWS.com.au it had been a tough decision.
“We made the difficult decision to remove Farmers Co peanut butter from our stores in our most recent range review process after a sustained period of underperforming sales,” the spokesperson said.
“While we have supported Farmers Co over the last 18 months, it’s unfortunately not resonating with enough customers to continue stocking it.
“As an alternative, we continue to stock Bega’s Simply Nuts - which is made using 100 per cent Australian grown peanuts - in the majority of our stores.”