‘Disgusting’: Coles slammed for move

Coles has been called out for dropping a popular brand of milk from most of its shelves.

Gippsland Jersey milk, which is “proudly independent and Australian-owned”, was stocked in about 200 Coles stores.

However, it has now been dropped in the “vast majority” of its supermarkets.

The company broke the news in a post to Facebook, announcing the “brand is being delisted from the majority of Coles stores due to the retailer’s margin requirements and sales expectations”.

Many customers were upset by the move, with a number of shoppers venting their frustration online.

“If Coles won’t support local producers such as Gippsland Jersey and they put their profits over local jobs I’m done with Coles,” one said.

“Disgusting Coles,” another said.

“Ever since Coles purchased their own milk processing plants, I’ve been concerned what will happen to the smaller suppliers,” wrote another.

A Coles spokesperson said the company was committed to selling the brand “where we see most demand for this local brand from customers”.

“Giving customers choice when shopping is an important part of our offer at Coles.

“To ensure we have the right products available on shelf, we regularly review the ranges on offer to understand how items are being received by customers, and to help ensure the right products can be purchased by shoppers in parts of the country where there is most demand.

“We remain committed to continuing to support independent and local producers, and from July, we will focus on selling Gippsland Jersey in 16 stores in Victoria where we see most demand for this local brand from customers.”

Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds from Gippsland Jersey said the company is a “mum and dad-owned independent milk brand committed to paying a fair milk price to its now five suppliers, ensuring that their dairy farmers receive the compensation they deserve for their hard work and risk”.

“We are bitterly disappointed that Coles supermarket has a system that we believe doesn’t really work for little brands like us.” they said.

“We’ve tried hard but we just don’t have the big advertising budgets and profitability to ‘go on sale’ and drop our pants on giving them more margin and we certainly won’t be going broke trying to appease them.

“This decision by Coles overlooks the broader impact on family farms and rural communities, which depend on the viability of local dairy businesses like Gippsland Jersey to provide jobs and transport, etc and more importantly you would think in giving consumers a choice.”

They called on Australian shoppers to support local suppliers.

“While supermarket giants focus on margins, it is up to us, the consumers, to make choices that reflect our values.

“By buying truly independent brands such as Gippsland Jersey milk, Maffra cheese, and other local products, we are not only choosing a superior product but also investing in the future of Australian dairy farming.

“We want to ensure that family farms remain sustainable and continue to contribute to our communities.”

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