May 2024
Woolworths is committed to partnering with local growers and producers and will offer 100% WA-grown apples, and 100% SA-grown Royal Gala, Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples to customers in each state.
Apples are a staple in Australian shopping baskets, and Woolworths is proud to have many long-standing partnerships with local growers to ensure that many of its apples come directly from farmers across the country.
In the months ahead, all of the apple varieties in Western Australian stores will be 100% WA-grown, while in South Australia 100% of the new season of its Royal Gala, Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples will come from SA farmers.
Regardless of the time of year, Woolworths always offers some varieties of 100% WA-grown and SA-grown apples in store.
Adelaide Hills Fresh is one of the local South Australian businesses Woolworths partners with for its South Australian apples, including Pink Lady, Royal Gala and Granny Smith apples, and newer varieties including MiApple.
Woolworths has been sourcing apples from the family-run business since it was established in 2018. The business was set up by two families - the Joyce and Walters families, with the Joyce family having a long history of growing apples dating back to 1922. There are now five families and four generations from the Joyce family working in the business.
The business grows its apples in the Adelaide Hills as well as in Murbko and Kalangadoo.
Ben Joyce is a fourth generation grower and currently the Manager of Joyson Orchard, part of Joyson Group which is in partnership with Adelaide Hills Fresh. He said: “We’re really passionate about producing the best possible apples. South Australia is a great place to grow apples because of our cooler climate and we find that the pink lady, royal gala and granny smith varieties really thrive.
“This year we’ve had a great harvest for Pink Lady and we’re excited to partner with Woolworths to bring our apples to customers across the state. Having such a longstanding partnership also supports our growth and enables us to continue to invest in new varieties like the MiApple, bringing Aussies more varieties of apples in the future.”
Elisha Moore, Woolworths Operations Manager for South Australia says: “We know our customers like to support local, and we look to partner with local growers whenever we can. We take great pride in the fact that we have such long-standing relationships with growers across the state.
“It means that we can provide our customers with the freshest and best quality local fruit and veg, and also support local farmers and growers.
“Through our stores and thanks to our local team members, we’re part of many communities across the state, and it’s fantastic to be able to highlight the best of local growers in our stores this season.”
Wherever possible, Woolworths aims to source produce locally. Woolworths’ Australian First Sourcing Policy means that it’s committed to selecting fresh home grown produce wherever possible. 96% of its fresh fruit and vegetables and 100% of its own brand fresh meat, chicken, eggs and milk come from Australia.
Fun apple facts
Woolworths sells average of 9 tonnes of apples every day in SA, and 17 tonnes of apples every day in WA
The Pink Lady, Royal Gala and Granny Smith are the most popular varieties overall in SA, while in WA the most popular varieties include Pink Lady, Royal Gala and Bravo