Simplot’s tuna brand, John West, has released a new offering in canned tuna – John West No Drain. The new cans contain a significantly smaller amount of liquid than standard canned tuna, meaning the fish can be taken straight out of the tin without draining. The new tuna, available in 130g snack-size varieties, is aimed at the single-serving tuna market – lunches and quick meals. Each can contains skipjack tuna, and is available in springwater, brine or olive oil varieties. All... ...Read more »

Italy’s number one selling frozen pizza, Dr. Oetker, has fast become one of Australia’s favourites since entering the market with its range of Ristorante frozen pizzas. Dr. Oetker Ristorante pizza entered the Australian market 12 months ago, selling in all Coles supermarkets nationwide. Its Mozzarella pizza recently became the number one selling frozen pizza in Coles. The German company expanded even further last month with the acquisition of Simplot’s frozen pizza business in Australia.... ...Read more »

German food group Dr Oetker has acquired Simplot’s Australian and New Zealand pizza business. The company announced on Friday that the acquisition would include the Papa Giuseppi’s brand, all frozen private-label pizza made by Simplot and the pizza assets at Simplot’s facility in the Melbourne suburb of Pakenham. The Papa Giuseppi brand was previously licensed to Nestlé, and purchased by Simplot in October 2009. The companies said Simplot would continue to work closely with Dr... ...Read more »

The Public Health Association of Australia has criticised the Government’s new Food Policy Working Group, saying that its panel represents industry presence over public heath interests. The Working Group, comprising 13 members, is made up of Woolworths managing director Michael Luscombe, NFF president Jock Laurie, Elders chief executive officer Malcolm Jackman, Linfox Logistics’ Michael Byrne, CSIRO’s Dr Alastair Robertson, Simplot Australia’s Terry O’Brien, OBE Organics’ Simone Tully,... ...Read more »

Simplot Australia, in association with Tasmanian vegetable growers, have announced a new Australian-grown logo and national advertising campaign for Birds Eye vegetable products. The news comes as a welcome boost for the Australian vegetable industry, which is facing increased competition from low cost imports.  Last year, McCain Foods announced the closure of its Smithton vegetable processing plant, with production to move to New Zealand, the farmers have been campaigning for their livelihood. Fair... ...Read more »

A draft ruling by the ACCC today allowed members of the Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association to continue collectively negotiating contracts with major vegetable processors McCain Foods and Simplot Australia (producers of Edgell and Birds Eye brands) for their produce. Simplot Australia purchased around 350 million kg of Tasmanian vegetables in the 2004/2005 year. The decision will allow members of the TFGA to make agreements as a group with processors. Collective negotiation can raise concerns... ...Read more »

Simplot Australia has now taken over the frozen meals brands of Nestlé after reaching an agreement a couple of months ago. The Melbourne-based subsidiary of US firm J R Simplot took control of the licence of prominent frozen meals brand Lean Cuisine and Maggi frozen brand at the end of November. The deal also involves the acquisition of the Papa Giuseppi frozen pizza brand and the manufacturing facility at Pakenham in Victoria. The Pakenham factory will become the cornerstone manufacturing facility... ...Read more »

Birds Eye and Edgell maker Simplot has squashed hopes that they will take on more vegetable contracts in the wake of McCain’s decision to close a vegetable processing plant in the state of Tasmania. Simplot’s Managing Director Terry O’Brien told the ABC’s Country Hour that the company was committed to the southern state but had no plans to expand. “Unfortunately the market isn’t driven by supply, the market’s driven by consumer demand,” he said. “The... ...Read more »

Simplot Australia has purchased the licence to manufacture the Lean Cuisine, Maggi and Papa Giuseppe brands from food giant Nestlé. The move will see Simplot takeover the operation of the Pakenham factory and re-badge it as the Gippsland Food Company. Under the licensing agreement Simplot Australia will acquire the right to manufacture, market and sell the frozen meal brands of Lean Cuisine, Maggi and Papa Giuseppe throughout Australia and New Zealand. Simplot Australia Managing Director Terry O’Brien... ...Read more »

Simplot Australia, a division of American-based JR Simplot, has announced their takeover offer for New Zealand potato chip processor Mr Chips has gone unconditional, with Simplot now holding a 98.61% share in the company. Mr Chips makes over 25,000 tonnes of frozen and chilled potato products every year from their plants in Auckland and Christchurch. About half of their sales last year were made from exports to Australia. Simplot Australia, which has a wide range of popular food brands in Australia... ...Read more »