‘Patriotic Choice’ Needed: SPC Cuts Canned Fruit Orders As Cheap Imports Dominate

Australia’s fruit industry has encouraged shoppers to make the “patriotic choice” after food manufacturer SPC announced it would slash its canned fruit production as cheaper imported alternatives eat into market share. The Shepparton, Victoria-based SPC will reduce its orders of Australian peaches and pears by 40 percent for the upcoming season, and says it hopes produce volumes can normalise in 2026. The food manufacturer said pressures around the cost of living have forced consumers to favour cheaper products from places like South Africa and China. SPC, which has been processing local fruit in the Goulburn Valley for more than 100 years, also noted that demand for dearer Australian fruit has waned....