Australian Made / Australian Grown

26 August 2009: Australian Made Campaign supports $20 million boost for global brand

The Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) Campaign welcomes the Government’s announcement today about Brand Australia and its commitment to invest $20M to build a powerful global brand for Australia.

“This is what we called for in our submission to the Government review last year of Australia’s trade policy (the Mortimer review) and in our submission to the Minister for trade and his agency Austrade, on the important matter of a national brand for Australia” said Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of AMAG.

“Australia has for too long promoted itself to the world as a tourism destination. The time is long overdue to broaden the message to include the fact that we are a sophisticated and innovative economy; one that produces world quality manufactured goods and also delivers world class services in areas such as education, health and engineering.”

“The gap in marketing Australia globally needs to be closed and the message diversified so that it builds on our existing very strong nation brand.”

“The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo continues to play a critical role in connecting consumers around the world with Australia and what it stands for. The logo is also a great asset for Australian exporters.”

“A maple leaf does it effectively for Canada, and the stylised kangaroo in a triangle does it effectively for Australia.”

The AMAG Campaign is a not-for-profit organisation that administers the use of Australia’s most recognised and trusted country of origin brand, the stylised gold kangaroo in the green triangle. The logo has 23 years of market capital and can be found on close to 10,000 products ranging from delicious produce to innovative machinery – all made or grown in Australia. Consumers around the world look for the logo to make sure the products they are buying are really Australian.

For more information about the AMAG Campaign, visit www.australianmade.com or call (+61) 3 9686 1500.

Interview opportunities: Australian Made, Australian Grown Chief Executive is available for interviews.

MEDIA CONTACT
Katriona Shortal at Crocmedia
P: 03 8825 6600
M: 0407 676 656
E: katriona@crocmedia.com

5 August 2009: Australian Made, Australian Grown Logo Achieves Success for Exporters

The Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) Campaign commissioned Roy Morgan Research to conduct a survey during the month of May on the export activities of its licensees and the impact of the AMAG logo on export sales. 1102 AMAG licensees out of 1419 participated.

Hume City has taken its commitment to Australian manufacturing excellence to a new level by joining the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign as a Campaign Supporter.

The appointment was acknowledged at a brief ceremony this morning at Kelly & Windsor, manufacturer of world class alpaca bedding quilts, and attended by Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and Councillor Jack Ogilvie, Mayor of Hume City Council.

“Hume has a strong manufacturing base with good infrastructure. The Council is known for its understanding of the importance of the manufacturing industry to the local economy and the ongoing prosperity of the community. By becoming a Campaign Supporter, Hume is now making a strong statement about its commitment to the local industry and we are very proud to be working together,” said Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign, at the official launch.

Hume’s announcement was welcomed by Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

“My personal view is that we should all buy Australian whenever we can. That’s why I wear Australian-made suits and drive an Australian-made car. We should be using government procurement to support local jobs and businesses wherever we reasonably can. We should also be using it to drive innovation. Like Hume City Council, we are true believers in Australian Made,” said Senator Carr.

Australian Made, Australian Grown is a not-for-profit campaign promoting and administering the green and gold kangaroo logo. The symbol is now recognised by 98% of Australians, trusted over any other country of origin symbol such as flags, maps, pictures of animals, etc by 86%, and can now be found on more than 10,000 products sold here and around the world. Only products that are registered with AMAG and meet the criteria determined in AMAG’s strict Code of Practice may carry the logo.

Hume joins the City of Ballarat, City of Melbourne, the Rural City of Horsham and the Mornington Peninsula Shire. A number of other councils will join shortly.

13 February 2009: Australians encouraged to make every day Australia Day

Australians are being encouraged to buy locally and look out for the famous kangaroo symbol as a reliable identifier of genuine Australian produce and products not only in the lead up to Australia Day but every day.

Every dollar spent on Australian made or grown goods benefits the Australian economy. For every one million dollars invested in the Australian manufacturing sector, 12 new full time jobs are created. The total follow-on ripple effect of the investment results in an additional $1.26 million worth of benefit to the Australian economy.*

Buying Australian made and grown goods is a simple way to support our local companies, manufacturers, growers and processors, and this year consumers are encouraged to look for Australia’s most recognised and trusted country of origin symbol, a stylised golden kangaroo in a green triangle, to easily identify these Australian made or grown products. All goods that carry the logo meet strict criteria to qualify as genuine Australian products.

“The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo clearly identifies products and produce as Australian. Consumers and buyers can be reassured that when they see this logo they are buying products and produce that are made or grown here.

“We know from our research that consumers are interested in buying Australian products and produce and we encourage consumers to continue to support our local growers and manufacturers – not just on Australia Day, but every day,” says Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign, Ian Harrison.

The AMAG symbol:
• is recognised by 98% of Australians, trusted over any other country of origin symbol such as flags, maps, pictures of animals, etc by 86%,
• can now be found on more than 10,000 products sold around the world,
• only products that are registered with AMAG and meet the criteria determined in AMAG’s strict Code of Practice may carry the logo.

*“Impacts of New and Retained Business in the Australian Manufacturing Sector”, compiled for Industry Capability Network by AEC Group, January 2007.

12 January 2009: Americans experience genuine Australian made products and produce

Americans are being encouraged to look out for Australia’s famous kangaroo symbol as a reliable identifier of genuine Australian produce and products during January.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown campaign (AMAG) is working closely with the Australian Trade Commission’s (Austrade’s) North American network to promote a range of Aussie food products during G’Day USA, the largest foreign country promotion held annually in the US.

This is the fourth year AMAG has actively promoted Australian products under the G’Day USA banner via retail promotions with selected specialist food and beverage retailers. This year special in-store displays and activities will promote Australian foods in San Francisco’s renowned Andronico’s Market, Bristol Farms in Los Angeles and The Food Emporium in New York.

“The US market provides great opportunities for Australian producers and it makes good sense for Aussie exporters to readily identify their products and produce as Australian so as to benefit from the positive image Americans have about ‘things Australian’. This is exactly what the AMAG logo does and it is why we are undertaking such promotions,” says Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown campaign.

During these month long promotions American’s can taste test Aussie products as diverse as beer, cheeses, olive oil, tuna, macadamia nuts and muesli, meats, seafoods and specialty sauces.

AMAG’s involvement in the 2009 G’Day USA is part of its broader program of promoting Australian products and produce in the USA – previous promotions have included leading retailers: Whole Foods (New York), Balducci’s (Washington/New York), Citarella (NY) and Gelson’s (LA). Further promotions with other leading retailers are scheduled throughout 2009.

In addition, initiatives are also being undertaken in Canada, Dubai and Asia.

AMAG’s Export Campaign commenced in December 2007 when the Campaign welcomed the announcement of a AUD$2.7 million export grant from the Federal Government. The three year grant is assisting AMAG to promote Australia products to consumers around the world, using the famous kangaroo logo.

December 17, 2008: Coles extends “Australian-grown” message to give customers more purchase information

Coles Supermarkets has announced a plan to use the classic ‘Australian made, Australian grown’ green and gold triangle/kangaroo icon in its weekly catalogues, to offer more information to customers about the origin of fresh food.

The new icons will indicate to customers where their meat, fruit and vegetables have originated.

Coles’ General Manager Fresh Produce, Peter Pokorny, said, “We know that buying Australian grown fresh food is important to our customers and over the course of the year 97% of the fresh produce sold in our supermarkets is home grown. We are committed to sourcing local produce, meat, deli and dairy, where possible, so customers can enjoy quality Australian fresh food and support local farmers, producers and growers.

“By introducing the Australian made, Australian grown icons in our weekly catalogues, we can provide even more information to our customers about the origin of Australian fresh produce,” said Mr Pokorny.

The icons will allow customers to identify the origin of fresh produce by state within Australia, eg Queensland Mangoes. And, in some cases, Coles will promote the region where fresh produce is grown, eg Gippsland Asparagus.

Coles chose the classic green triangle and gold kangaroo icon as, according to Roy Morgan research; this is recognised by 98 per cent of Australians.

Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, congratulated Coles on the move. “Coles has used the green and gold kangaroo icon on its Australian home branded products for many years. Now, the inclusion of regional information in its catalogues is a fantastic extension of Coles’ commitment to identifying great Australian produce.”

December 10, 2008: Consumers urged to spend bonus on Australian made goods

Now is a very good time for Australians to invest in their own community – the drought has hit our farmers hard and real global economic uncertainty is confronting us all.

Buying Australian made and grown goods is a simple way to support our local manufacturers, growers and processors, and this year consumers are encouraged to do exactly that when they spend their government bonus.

“The government’s 10 billion stimulus package to kick-start the economy will be more effective if the money is spent on goods that are made here in Australia, by Australians and to Australian standards,” says Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign.

“Supporting Australia’s farmers, fishermen and businesses – and all the jobs they create – is particularly important in times of financial uncertainty, and I encourage consumers to look for Australian made and grown goods this year to give our local community a much needed boost.

And the easiest way to do that is to look for the famous stylised kangaroo in the triangle – when you see that you can be sure the product or produce is really Australian.”

The Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign is the not-for-profit organisation that administers the green and gold kangaroo logo. The logo is recognised by 98% of Australians, and can now be found on more than 10,000 products sold here and around the world. Only products that are registered with AMAG and meet the criteria determined in AMAG’s strict Code of Practice may carry the logo.

October 30, 2008: Minister for Industry opens new AMAG offices

Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research officially opened the new office premises of Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) in South Melbourne today, Thursday 30 October at 12 noon.

Hosted by Australian Made, Australian Grown’s Deputy Chairman, David Gray AM, and Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, Senator Carr was joined by representatives from industry bodies and a wide range of businesses using the logo.

In 2005 AMAG relocated its campaign office from Canberra to Melbourne in order to move closer to its industry constituency and to build a greater commercial focus into its approach.

In opening the Campaign Office, Senator Carr placed emphasis on the need for Australians to support local business and buy Australian made during these uncertain economic times.

“The now famous Australian Made logo was originally commissioned in 1986 by the Hawke Government. Twenty-two years later, the Australian Government still thinks the logo is a great idea, and strongly supports its use to promote Australian products,” Senator Carr said.

“Consumers in this country are very conscious of where the products they buy come from, and they are proud to see local products competing with imports. Like me, and like the Prime Minister, they want Australia to remain ‘a country that actually makes things’. The Australian Made Campaign is playing a very important role in helping us achieve that aim so it is a great pleasure to be opening its new offices today.”

Australian Made, Australian Grown’s Deputy Chairman, David Gray AM welcomed those in attendance and spoke of the importance of promoting the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo in overseas markets for Australia to be recognised as an innovative economy.

“The Campaign strongly supports Australia having an agreed country of origin symbol that its exporters can use to clearly identify their goods, services and produce as Australian and thereby cash in on the good standing Australians enjoy in global markets,” Mr Gray said.

“This is an important and obvious role for the AMAG logo, which for the 22 years since its creation by the Hawke Labor Government, has been helping business, big and small, sell their products and produce in markets all over the world.

“The more we build the global recognition of the AMAG logo, and the more companies that use the logo on their export products, the more the rest of the world, and dare I say it Australians too, will recognise the extent to which we already produce a vast range of sophisticated, innovative, manufactured goods,” Mr Gray said.

The new premises in South Melbourne will accommodate a growing team committed to promoting the logo as an important global product symbol that assists consumers here and in countries around the world in identifying innovative, quality Australian goods and produce.

In the past three and a half years, the number of companies licensed to use the logo has grown by 60% to include organisations as significant as Coopers Brewery and the BlueScope Steel group. AMAG is the not-for-profit organisation that administers the much-loved green and gold logo and promotes the benefits of buying Australian made and grown to consumers here and internationally. AMAG’s campaign concentrates on the benefits of buying Australian made and grown. Those goods are identified by the logo.

The green and gold stylised kangaroo logo is Australia’s most widely used and best known product symbol, with 98% recognition domestically and rapid growth in awareness internationally. It is also the most trusted symbol for goods that are made or grown here and the logo can now be found on more than 10,000 products. Licensees represent a wide range of industries, but all have one thing in common; they are proud of the goods they make and want to promote the fact that these are made or grown here.

July 21, 2008: Senator Kim Carr calls for consumers to buy Australian made furniture

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has called on furniture consumers to ask retailers for Australian made products. The Minister’s call comes after his visit to Furnitex and talks with Australian furniture manufacturers - many of them registered to carry the green and gold Australian Made Logo on their products - exhibiting at the show.

"The lively and innovative Australian furniture industry is one that we can all be proud of, as is clearly evidenced by the strong turnout of Australian manufacturers and designers today," Senator Carr said.

"It directly employs 75,000, about seven per cent of manufacturing jobs, and many more indirectly. The industry's value added was $4.4 billion in 2005-06 and its output is growing at an annual rate of 4.1 per cent for the past five years.

"But like every other Australian manufacturing sector it faces challenges, including competition from the global trading environment. The industry is responding to these challenges by becoming much more innovative and cost competitive, with a major focus on quality and customisation.

"I think the industry has summed it up perfectly with its message – 'don't compromise, customise'.

"There is a tendency to underestimate the size and technical sophistication of the Australian furniture industry. Consumers can rest assured that when they are buying Australian made furniture, they are buying a well designed quality product at a very competitive price.

"Consumers asking for Australian made furniture will find their task easier with many retailers rapidly increasing the number of Australian made products they stock," Senator Carr said.

Like last year, the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign sponsored the Australian Manufacturers’ Gallery again at this year's Furnitex. To read the Minister’s full speech, please click here.

June 16, 2008:Australian food and wine exporters impress US buyers

Consumers around the world have a hunger for all things Australian. The interest in Australia and the goods we produce was highlighted at the American National Restaurant Association Show, an enormous exhibition of food and wine with more than 70,000 buyers from 115 countries.

Among the many exhibitors were a number of Australian businesses keen to export or increase their exports to the US. The Australian pavilion used the famous green and gold stylised kangaroo logo to identify these exhibitors as Australian and attracted much attention from key buyers and important food media. The pavilion highlighted some of Australia’s best produce including wine, nuts, seafood, meat, beer, spices, oils, truffles and chocolates.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign’s participation in the show and the use of the much-loved logo is part of the Campaign’s export promotions in a number of countries and regions. The promotions include both tradeshows and in-store promotions in important markets such as the US, China, the Middle East and Canada.

The logo, which is already recognised by 98 per cent of Australian consumers and trusted over any other country of origin identifier by 86 per cent, is growing internationally and viewed by consumers in markets such as the US as a symbol that identifies Australian quality goods.

To learn more about how to use the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo or participate in Australian Made, Australian Grown export promotions, please call the AMAG office on 1800 350 520.

March 6, 2008: Export promotion underway

In November the Campaign signed a new agreement with the federal Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research to “build export sales, by both existing and new exporters, using the (Australian Made, Australian Grown) logo”.

This is an exciting project for the Campaign and Australian exporters because it is all about further strengthening the impact of the symbol that for 21 years has helped build the presence of Australian goods in international markets.

The project will involve a series of promotional activities in selected overseas markets and also the domestic Australian market. Its success will be measured by the increase in sales of products using the logo in those markets. Embedding the logo into the export strategy of exporters and trade promoters such as Government and associations/grower groups, is the broader objective – establishing it as the de facto country of origin product symbol for Australia.

The project will run for three years and the initial countries identified in the grant deed include the USA, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. With funding and in-kind support from the Government, the Campaign and exporters, the project will total in the order of $5.4M over the 3 years.

Consideration will be given to alternative markets if opportunities are identified by the strategic partners the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign will be working with - subject to approval by the Department.

One such partner is Austrade and a range of retail promotions in high-end specialty food chains across the USA, to be supported by PR generated by another of the Campaign’s USA partners, Crocmedia, is already on the drawing boards. Information will be sent to all licensees as soon as the schedule is finalised.

The detail of the three year campaign is being developed now and information will be sent to licensees advising them of opportunities as they emerge. The Strategic plan can be downloaded by clicking here.

An early deliverable in the project is to accurately identify the export activities of Campaign licensees. A telephone survey to gather this information is being undertaken in late February.

LICENSEE EXPORT SURVEY
Licensees will shortly be contacted by telephone to take part in a survey about their export activities or intentions.

The survey is part of our export promotion project and will provide us with valuable information to better assist licensees market their products overseas. We are required to do this survey each year as part of our funding agreement with the federal Government.

The survey will only take about 5 minutes to complete. Companies participating in the survey will be placed in a draw to win an Australian made gourmet food hamper.

For more information, please call Lisa Crowe on 1800 350 520.

October 25, 2007: Campaign Receives $2.7M export grant

The Campaign welcomes this week’s announcement of a $2.7M export grant to further assist the Campaign in its global promotions of the famous green and gold logo. The three year grant will assist the Campaign in continuing the promotions in the US and Thailand as well as expand these promotions to markets such as Canada, the Middle East and the UK.

“This grant will help us further promote Australian products to consumers around the world. Our logo is recognised by 98% of Australian consumers and trusted over any other country of origin identifier. Research findings from our recently completed export project has shown that consumers in export markets highly value our products and view our symbol as a trustworthy and official symbol for Australia,” says Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign.

The grant was announced by the Minister for Industry, Ian Macfarlane, who congratulated the Campaign on its previous three year export project, which was completed earlier this year and saw participating licensees experience growth in sales during supermarket promotions in upmarket supermarket chains in LA and in shopping centres in Bangkok.

More information about the grant and how to benefit from these new promotions will be disseminated following completion of a signed contract with the Government. To view the Government's press release, please click here.

September 24, 2007: LICENSEE WINS TELSTRA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign licensee Brookfarm has taken out the prestigious Telstra Australian Business of the Year Award. The NSW business famous for its macadamia products shares the award with SRA Information Technology.

Brookfarm produces 10 to 12 tonnes of muesli every week and sells its range of products to independent outlets here and in selected export markets around the world. The business has actively participated in the Australian Made, Australian Grown’s export project in USA and has already won several national and international awards.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign congratulates Brookfarm on its outstanding achievement.

For more information about Brookfarm , please click here.

August 2, 2007: CONSUMERS WANT TO BUY AUSTRALIAN PRODUCE: RESEARCH

Research conducted by Roy Morgan Research for the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign shows that an overwhelming majority of consumers want to buy Australian fresh and packaged produce.

The research, conducted during July and released today, shows that a whopping 89% of Australians believe it to be 'very important' (67%) or 'important' (22%) that the fresh food they buy is Australian.

"These are very big numbers," says Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign.

“We know from previous research that 98% of consumers recognise our logo and that they trust it over any other country of origin identifier, but this new research highlights just how important it is for consumers to buy Australian fresh and packaged produce,” says Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign.

The research also gives an interesting insight into the reasons behind Australians being so strong in their preference for Australian produce.

"While more than a third of consumers have more confidence in Australian grown produce and believe it to be fresher, the most commonly cited reason for buying Australian is to support local farmers, fishermen and businesses," explains Ian Harrison.

"There seems to be very strong support among Australian consumers for their rural counterparts, with 74% of consumers citing their support for these groups in their decision for buying Australian grown."

Close to nine out of ten Australians believe it to be ‘important’ or ‘very important’ that the fresh food they buy is Australian and 82% of consumers find it ‘important’ or ‘very important’ that the processed food they consume is Australian.

Perhaps surprising to some, price difference between imported and locally grown produce is not the most common reason consumers choose to buy imports.

While 34% of consumers chose to buy imported fresh or processed foods when these are cheaper than locally grown items, a much larger proportion of consumers (46%) say they buy these imported goods simply because an Australian equivalent is not available.

For more information about the research, please call the Campaign office on 1800 350 520.

JULY 30, 2007: AUSTRALIAN GROWN LICENSEE, BROOKFARM, ANNOUNCED NSW TELSTRA NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Bangalow based Brookfarm have won this years coveted Telstra NSW Business of the Year. The awards were announced at The Westin Hotel in Sydney on Friday 27 July.

“We are passionate about what we do and how we do it and we are so fortunate to have such a great team of people who help us bring it all together. This award is a reflection of their hard work and commitment – we could not have progressed this far without them,” says Pam Brook, who still oversees all stages of manufacture and product development.

Brookfarm is Australia’s leading producer of Gourmet Macadamia Products. In November 2000 Pam and Martin Brook began selling their unique range at the local Bangalow Markets. Today the business exports the award winning Muesli, First Cold Pressed Macadamia Oils and Oven Baked Macadamia Nuts to the world – countries including USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Scandinavia, Japan, Hong Kong and New Zealand. The range sells to quality food retailers, International Airlines, Cafes and Quality Hotels. All products are made in their own food grade factory in the Byron Bay Hinterland.

“We really wanted to create a business that showcased the very best of Australian made food products – for us it didn’t make sense just growing macadamias – It was all about what you did with these beautiful tasting and healthy nuts,” explains Martin Brook, joint founder of Brookfarm.

Brookfarm employs 17 people and has won more awards for their range than any other macadamia producer in the world. In 2006 Brookfarm won 7 medals at the Royal Sydney Fine Food awards and in July this year Brookfarm’s Macadamia Oil infused with Lemon Myrtle was voted by a panel of International judges to be on of the four most outstanding oils in the world. Pam and Martin were presented with the Silver Sofi TM award from NASFT (The National Association for the Speciality Food Trade) in New York.

As the recipient of the Telstra NSW Business of the Year Award, Bookfarm will now progress to the National finals in Sydney on September 21. Brookfarm also took home the 2007 MYOB Business award.

Brookfarm was an active participant in the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign's promotions in the US this year.

JULY 13, 2007: LABELLING ISSUES TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING PARALLEL IMPORTED GOODS

By Graeme Samuel, Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Walk into a budget supermarket or discount store and one of the first differences you might notice is that many of the products on offer are not quite the same as what you would expect to find in one of the major chain stores. In fact, depending on the shop, a large number of items, including foods, books, cleaning products, CDs and other goods can vary slightly not only in design but also price.

One of the reasons for these differences is so-called parallel or grey importing which allows local retailers to substitute locally sourced products with cheaper goods made for overseas markets. In fact, many of the low prices that consumers enjoy are the direct result of shops sourcing certain products from cheaper overseas suppliers or manufacturers – both arising from the direct availability of cheaper imports and the competitive pressure they bring to local products.

Generally, this is a positive for small businesses offering these goods, as it means they can potentially offer more choice of products and lower prices to their customers.

But there are a number of issues businesses also need to consider before offering overseas versions of products to customers.

Many large, multinational companies manufacture different products under the same or similar name around the world, and while the products might look the same or very similar, there can be subtle differences such as the taste or contents of some foods. Where goods brought in from overseas sit alongside the local equivalent, they should be labelled accordingly, disclosing the difference. Failing to do so may mislead customers.

Models of goods and compliance with local conditions can also raise issues. Electronic goods sold in the United States, Asia or other regions might differ slightly to the same model sold in Australia. This can be due to differing power systems between the countries, or particular features being designed to appeal to American or Asian customers, rather than Australians.

Labelling standards also differ between countries, and Australia has very specific requirements that protect Australian consumers. Many parallel imported goods are required to carry prominent labels explaining to consumers where they come from and differences they may need to be aware of.

Some parallel imported products may have the potential to mislead customers who believe they are buying Australian made goods and supporting local jobs, where in fact that might not be the case. If in doubt, this should be clearly marked.

Importing similar goods at cheaper prices can, however, prompt some manufacturers and suppliers of domestically produced goods to react illegally to protect their share of the market.

Several Australian record companies were penalised in 2002 shortly after changes to copyright laws cleared the way for cheaper, parallel imported CDs to be sold legally in Australia. The companies involved were penalised for threatening to halt supply of CDs to some Australian retailers unless they stopped selling the cheaper parallel imported CDs.

Companies abusing their market power to pressure retailers is prohibited under the Trade Practices Act and the ACCC will take action to enforce the law. Where retailers feel they are being victimised for legally importing parallel goods, they have every right to complain to the ACCC and should do so.

The main issue for businesses selling overseas versions of local products is to ensure they are clearly explaining the differences to their customers.

As long as the differences are clearly explained and customers understand they are not buying the local version of a product, parallel imports can be a win-win for buyers and sellers.

Businesses wanting more information should contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502, visit the website www.accc.gov.au or call the Campaign office on 1800 350 520.

JUNE 21, 2007: AUSTRALIAN MADE CLAIMS MISLEADING

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has found two companies guilty of making misleading or deceptive “made in Australia” claims on complementary medicine products.

Careline Australia Pty Ltd and Aussia Australia Pty Ltd have both admitted to labelling products as “Australian Made” when they were actually manufactured in New Zealand. The products included squalene, propolis and royal jelly capsules.

Both companies had used the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo on their products.

Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign, Ian Harrison, said that the licences of both companies to use the logo on their products had been cancelled.

“The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is the most recognised and trusted country of origin symbol for Australian products,” Mr Harrison said today.

“It is disappointing when companies trade on consumer trust in the logo to gain an unfair commercial advantage. Australian complementary medicines attract a premium in export markets, because of Australia’s reputation for high manufacturing standards.”

To use the famous green and gold Australian Made, Australian Grown logo, businesses must register products and produce with the Campaign and sign a statutory declaration that the registered goods meet the strict criteria set out in the Campaign’s Code of Practice.

The Campaign conducts independent audits of its licensees and Ian Harrison said the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign would continue to work with the ACCC to expose misleading and deceptive labelling practices in the industry.

JUNE 1, 2007: AUSTRALIAN GROWN LAUNCHED

The Campaign is pleased to launch an exciting initiative which will mean Australian produce can now carry the logo with the claim "Australian Grown".

Australian Grown is a new labelling scheme for fresh and packaged goods developed by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in conjunction with the Australian food industry.

The centrepiece of the new scheme is the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo (formerly the Australian Made logo). This gives Australian Grown immediate market presence.

The famous green and gold kangaroo is the most trusted and recognised country of origin symbol for Australia and has been used in the domestic and global markets for over 20 years. It is a powerful marketing tool for business and can be found on close to 10,000 products.

With the introduction of Australian Grown, the logo is now also helping Australian farmers, growers and processors effectively market their produce as Australian.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign is a not-for-profit, collective marketing effort. It is independent and run by business for business, with the aim of assisting Australian businesses to effectively brand their produce and products as Australian and as a result increase sales here and globally. The Campaign is experiencing record growth in new licensee numbers.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo can only be used on products and produce that meet the criteria set out in the Campaign’s revised Code of Practice AND which are registered with the Campaign.

The criteria for using the logo with the words ‘Australian Made’ and ‘Product of Australia’ are unchanged. However, the revised Code clarifies that canning or simple preserving processes associated with packaging will not be considered to be substantial transformation and therefore will not be eligible for the ‘Australian Made’ wording.

The revised Code now incorporates criteria for using ‘Australian Grown’ and, where a product contains imported components, a qualified ‘Australian Grown’ claim.

JUNE 5 2007: AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTS AND PRODUCE PROMOTED IN LOS ANGELES

A range of foods bearing the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo went on sale at Gelson’s supermarkets in Southern California on the 9th May, 2007.

The products are from some of Australia’s most talented producers including Beechworth Honey, Brookfarm, G’Day Gourmet Tuna and Valley Produce Company.

During May, ‘Australian Made’ displays were prominently located on row-ends in all Gelson’s supermarkets. A series of tastings and demos were held in 15 key locations.

From June, these products take their place in the appropriate aisle to compete with other products in their category, the Australian Made, Australian Grown green and gold logo a beacon to shoppers looking for quality and unique flavours.

The Australian made products were launched at a media preview event in West Hollywood on the 8th of May. Senior Australian Trade Commissioner, Kylie Hargreaves was in attendance as well as media from Bon Appetit, What’s Cooking radio, OK! Magazine and Beverley Press.

Australian celebrity chefs, Vic Cherikoff and Benjamin Christie, and award-winning cookbook author Sally James came together for an antipodean culinary extravaganza; creating a unique menu for guests, including:

Angel Hair Paperbark Smoke Pasta Topped with G’day Gourmet Chili Tuna with Lemon Myrtle
Australian Lamb Cutlets Crusted in Wildfire Spice & Kashmiri Chili Spiced Macadamia Nuts with Warm Illawarra Plum Sauce
Wattleseed Pavlova with Beechworth Honey & Brookfarm Toasted Muesli

Shelf space in a large chain like Gelson’s (www.gelsons.com) represents a big step forward for specialty producers who find it difficult to get into mainstream retail outlets. Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign in conjunction with Austrade helps facilitate entry through existing relationships with distributors and retail outlets, in the US and beyond.

For more information contact:

Ian Harrison: 03 8662 5390 / 0418 857 172

Vibeke Stisen: 03 8662 5390 / 0448 110 301

The research found that AMAG licensees are keen exporters, with 44% of all licensees currently active in export markets and another 16 percent intending to start exporting within the next 12 months.

Despite the global economic downturn, 38% of AMAG licensees experienced an increase in their export markets in the last 12 months, 41% remained stable with no change and only 16% experienced a decrease.

The AMAG logo appears to have contributed to this success with nearly 75% of licensees who export use the AMAG logo to help sell their goods. The research found that AMAG licensees primarily use the AMAG logo in export markets to differentiate their product and to highlight its ‘Australianness’. The AMAG logo was rated as the third most important selling point after quality and price.
“The survey findings are encouraging because they clearly show that AMAG licensees are active and successful exporters who have a good understanding of how the logo can assist in selling their products. They recognise that the logo sends a signal to consumers in markets everywhere, from Bangkok to Berlin, Canberra to Chicago, that their product is Australian,” says Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of AMAG.

The top five export markets which AMAG licensees are exporting to include (in order): New Zealand (40%), United States of America (31%), UK/England (25%) and China (16%), with Japan and Singapore (15%) sharing the 5th spot.

The most commonly exported category of goods include clothing/footwear/leather/textiles, processed food/beverages/tobacco and health products/vitamins/pharmaceuticals.

There was marked enthusiasm from AMAG licensees to participate in future AMAG export promotions in order to breakthrough to new markets and /or build upon their current export activity. 70% of licensees wanted to be involved in future AMAG export promotions.

“This enthusiasm is promising and provides a solid base upon which we can build our export program for the benefit of a wide range of licensees. The support of Government and the close involvement of Austrade and industry bodies underpin much of the delivery of the export program. AMAG’s export program currently includes trade show participation and facilitation of retail promotions in markets such as North America, Asia, the UK and the Middle East, and of course the organisation of PR and marketing activities in association with these events.”

“AMAG will continue to assist licensees build export sales, by using the AMAG logo. The export promotions program may be expanded to include a few additional industry specific promotions in selected markets, which was identified by our licenses in the survey."

“The future is positive for AMAG licensees. Current export activity is strong and there is clear intention to increase export sales in current and new markets. If 70% of licenses carry out their intention to participate in our future export promotions, there is still much more success to be realised,” says Ian Harrison.

Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) is a not-for-profit campaign promoting and administering the green and gold kangaroo logo to help consumers exercise their preference for buying Australian products. The AMAG logo has helped businesses, big and small, export Australian products and produce for the past 23 years. The logo is trusted over any other country of origin symbol such as flags, maps, pictures of animals, etc by 86%, and can now be found on more than 10,000 products sold here and around the world. Only products that are registered with AMAG and meet the strict criteria outlined in The Trade Practices Act and AMAG’s Code of Practice may carry the logo. More information about the AMAG Campaign and the logo can be found at australianmade.com.au

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign

MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Bond at Crocmedia

P: 0408 830 829 E: lisa@crocmedia.com

10 July 2009: Another Council, Moreland City becomes an Official Supporter of the Australian Made Campaign

Moreland City has taken its commitment to Australian manufacturing to a higher level by joining the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign as a Campaign Supporter. Moreland City now joins a host of councils supporting local industry such as the City of Ballarat, City of Melbourne, the Rural City of Horsham, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Hume City.

The appointment was acknowledged at a brief ceremony last night at Silver Lynx, designer and manufacturer of quality Australian-made bedroom suites, and attended by the Hon Richard Marles, Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry and Councillor Lambros Tapinos, Mayor of Moreland City Council.

“Moreland is committed to economic development and infrastructure improvements. The council understands the important impact manufacturing industry plays in the local economy and ongoing prosperity of the local community. By becoming a Campaign Supporter, Moreland is making a strong statement about its support for local industry, and we are very proud to be working together,” said Ian Harrison, Chief Executive of the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign, at the official launch.

Mr Harrison went onto say “Consumers want to buy Australian made products and they understand that by doing so, they will create and sustain Australian jobs and get innovative, quality and great value products.”

Moreland’s announcement was welcomed by the Hon Richard Marles, Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry.

“Like many Australians I make a conscious choice to look for Australian made and grown products whenever I go shopping and I encourage my family and friends to do likewise. This is my way of ensuring that our purchases support Australian industry and Australian jobs. The decision is made all the easier when a product bears the iconic green and gold Australian Made logo,” said the Hon Richard Marles.

Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) is a not-for-profit campaign promoting and administering the green and gold kangaroo logo to help consumers exercise their preference for buying Australian products. The much loved symbol is now recognised by 98% of Australians, trusted over any other country of origin symbol such as flags, maps, pictures of animals, etc by 86%, and can now be found on more than 10,000 products sold here and around the world. Only products that are registered with AMAG and meet the criteria determined in AMAG’s strict Code of Practice may carry the logo.

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