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 »

Dutch producer and exporter of high quality meat products, Zwanenberg Food Group, will expand its interests in Australia by acquiring the Plumrose brand from Simplot. Until now, Zwanenberg has produced meat preserves (mainly ham products and frankfurters) for Simplot, which were sold under the Plumrose brand on the Australian market. However, they have now concluded that the Australia could provide sound growth for their company. “The Australian market has considerable growth potential,”... ...Read more »