Federal Nationals Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, has called on shoppers to boycott Woolworths, following the company’s decision to axe Norco milk from 90 of its stores.
Established in Byron Bay in 1895 and now based in Lismore, Norco is a 100% Australian farmer-owned dairy co-operative with more than 300 active members on close to 200 dairy farms in northern NSW and south-east Queensland.
A Woolworths spokesman has confirmed the company will no longer sell Norco milk in its Metro stores.
“We are no longer stocking Norco as we continue to tailor our Metro store ranges to local demand,” the spokesman said.
Mr Hogan has slammed the Woolworths’ decision, which affects around 10 per cent of the company’s stores.
“They are sourcing their six-pack mini ice cream sticks from Slovenia, and their one litre tubs from New Zealand,” Mr Hogan said.
“They don’t like Australia Day. They don’t support our region. Please don’t support them.”
Woolworths has also been slammed online for its decision.
One person wrote on the company’s Facebook page “Norco milk, 100% Aussie farmer owned. That’s what I’ll pick. But not from Woolworths anymore, from your opposition. Been a Woolworths shopper forever. Done with you now.”
“Same here,” said another. “My family has been shopping there for 38 years. No more.”
Another – “I will never buy milk from Woolworths again.”
Yes another – “You can shove it Woolworths. Dropping Australian brands like Norco for a quick buck. Done with you.”
And “If you’re dropping Norco, I am dropping Woolies, permanently. Seems like you can’t get anything right anymore. Wake up to yourselves.”