MEDIA RELEASE
16 January 2015
“SPC Ardmona’s Managing Director resigns”
The Fruit Industry was surprised by the resignation announcement of SPC Ardmona’s managing director, Peter Kelly.
He was appointed to the position approximately 2 years ago and has been responsible for successfully guiding the cannery through a turbulent period.
Mr. Kelly was the driving force behind the highly effective “Buy Australian” campaign and making consumers aware of the importance of buying locally grown fruit. He succeeded in the elimination of “specialling” in supermarkets and the establishment of everyday low prices.
The anti-dumping issue was tackled through a productivity commission inquiry showing that SPC Ardmona was willing to do what needed to be done to ensure its survival.
Although SPC Ardmona has received no commitment from the government in relation to the Food Procurement Policy, Mr. Kelly’s campaign has resulted in over 700,000 hits on Twitter/Facebook showing awareness and support from Australians.
In 2014 Coca-Cola Amatil and the Victorian government committed a $100 million rescue package. Mr Kelly has utilised the money to improve automation processes and introduce new products and packaging.
Fruit Growers Victorian Chairman, Gary Godwill largely accredits most of the survival and revitalisation of SPC to Mr. Kelly.
“The success that Peter Kelly has started will continue with his successor. The confidence and awareness he has given Australian consumers and the momentum of his good work will continue” he said.