KR Castlemaine has  launched a campaign for a pre-packaged ham product with the claim to be “natural”, using new technologies to become the “first Australian pre-packaged ham that is artificially preservative-free”. This new range of ham is said to be produced using cutting-edge High Pressure Pasteurisation (HPP) technology. The company claims that it “does not use heat”, thereby preserving texture and nutritional value for the product. HR Castlemaine also says  the new technology ... ...Read more »

Associated British Foods said yesterday (13 September) that it had seen a “substantial increase” in adjusted operating profit in the second half of its fiscal year after a “strong” trading period. The UK-based commodities and grocery group, which owns Australian companies George Weston Foods and Don KR Castlemaine, as well as international brands Twinings, Ryvita, Ovaltine and Pataks, said it expects earnings for the full year to show “very good progress”. ABF,... ...Read more »

UK company Associated British Foods has today announced an expected strong increase in revenue for the period to 27 February 2010, on the back of strong sugar performance and Australian grocery profits. ABF, Australia’s second-largest food business, owns George Weston, including brands such as Tip Top, Burgen, Don smallgoods and KR Castlemaine.  Their companies also include Twinings, Patak’s, Maille and Tabasco. According to ABF, in addition to the Australian dollar, infrastructure improvements... ...Read more »

One of Queensland’s biggest pig processors will shut today, with the KR Castlemaine factory closing down in Toowoomba. The 98-year-old abattoir was acquired by George Weston Foods’ subsidiary Don after their purchase of KR Castlemaine (now known as Don KRC). It has been closed due to persistent losses, with the factory reportedly making a loss of around $5 million last year and an expected $6 million this year. Toowoomba Historical Society president Maurice French told the ABC the closure... ...Read more »

Don KRC, a leading Australian smallgoods manufacturer, has announced a major restructure of manufacturing operations which will result in the closure of two factories. The company, a subsidiary of George Weston Foods, will end production at their factories in Altona (Vic) and Spearwood (WA) – resulting in all manufacturing being moved to an expanded Castlemaine site by 2010. There will be a progressive winding down of production at both the Altona and Spearwood facilities, with the West... ...Read more »