Having reviewed its current food lines over the last 18 months, the retail major’s new range will carry a new “Green Seal of Approval”.
The rebranded lines include protein, dairy, salads, crackers, biscuits and cheeses that contain less salt, sugar and saturated fats, the company said.
The nutritionists, chefs and customers involved in the range’s development will also feature in a new advertising campaign that focuses on the testing the products went through before they hit Woolworths shelves.
The new range will also display health star ratings and country of origin labelling.
Peter Hathaway, Woolworths general manager of FoodCo Marketing, said the retail chain was constantly improving its food range to offer healthier options.
“Whether it’s the already popular lamb shanks or ice cream, every one of the Woolworths food range has been rigorously tested to ensure our customers and their feedback are an essential part of the product development journey.
Alongside the new campaign, the supermarket has launched an online community branded The Bunch, whereby customers can try food products and share their ratings and reviews.
More from Down under…
AFGC names new chief executive
Australia’s food industry representative body has replaced Gary Dawson at its helm.
Tanya Barden, formerly director of economics, trade and sustainability at the Australian Food and Grocery Council, has been promoted to chief executive, and will take her new post on July 3.
Her career has spanned public service and business, and has a background in competition, having occupied various roles in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, said the AFGC’s chairman, Terry O’Brien.
Subsequently, she was employed by energy retailer ActewAGL and has run her own online food and retail business.
“Tanya has been at the forefront of AFGC’s advocacy on key areas of reform, particularly flagging to governments the need to commit to strong energy market reform to reduce the cost pressures caused by the spike in energy costs,” O’Brien said.
“She has also led the sector’s trade agenda having driven an ongoing focus to improve market access through the reduction of non-tariff barriers.”
Geoffrey Anniston has stood in for Dawson since he resigned from his post earlier this year.
NZ Companies urged to register soon ahead of new Food Act arrival
Companies required to be registered under the new Food Act must do so by the end of this month or otherwise face fines for non-compliance, the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council has warned.
The registrations are required for manufacturers that deal with nuts and seeds, including coffee roasters, and those that process products for vulnerable people, such as packaged food for the elderly and baby food.
Manufacturers of sauces, spreads, dips, soups, broths, gravies or dressings that need to be kept cold, and ready-to-eat salads must also register.
Food importers must be registered under the new Act, or have identified a registered food importer to do it for them.
The deadline for registrations is June 30.
Companies unsure of what to do can contact their local council or visit the Ministry for Primary Industries’ online resource, which contains registration details, and links to food safety information required to follow the new rules.
FGC chief executive Katherine Rich says companies not registered before that date could face fines of up to NZ$450 (US$325).
“It can take a while to process applications, especially if there are a lot of people in the queue, so we’re urging companies who have not registered to do so as soon as possible,” she added.