Woolworths has announced it will start making more of its own-brand products in Australia rather than China.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a large push for Australian companies to use local manufacturers or at least increase its reliance on Aussie businesses in the production line.
The supermarket giant has already moved production of its own-brand Little Ones nappies to a Sydney factory, which will help provide families in Australia and New Zealand with locally-made products.
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Woolies says this is just the start.
Woolworths spokesperson Guy Brent said in a statement: "Woolworths is a proud Australian brand and we really support Australian producers and manufacturers."
"We are actively looking to partner with Australian manufacturers to produce all of our own brands."
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7News says during the height of the pandemic, there were issues with supply from China, prompting calls for more things to be made in Australia in case another issue rises.
Supermarkets are also under the pump to introduce an Australian Made aisle to help shoppers know exactly where their food and other products come from. Sure, you could scan the label to find the 'Australian-Made' logo, however thousands reckon a dedicated aisle would be better.
An online petition has gathered more than 33,000 signatures, calling on Woolworths, IGA and Coles to get cracking on the idea.
James Bennett, who started the petition, said: "We have websites that assist us [in] finding Australian Made but having a dedicated area in the major chains, would make it even easier and more productive for shoppers looking to support local companies providing Australian made products.
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"Imagine having an area or aisle dedicated to Australian made products, this would help support Australian business, jobs, and save us shoppers a lot of time.
"It's time to start paying a few dollars extra and supporting local business, which in turn supports us.
"Lets all get around this idea and push for the major chains to help local business making Australian made products."
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An overwhelming majority of people who responded to a YouGov survey said they want more products made in Australia.
Nearly 90 percent of people reckon Australia needs to be less reliant on imported products from places like China. A further 68 percent of respondents said they would be actively looking for products that have the Australian Made logo attached to it.
Another question asked whether people supported infrastructure projects using Australian products, even if it meant the project would be more expensive - 86 percent of people agreed.
Featured Image Credit: Woolworths