Golden Circle says rotting fruit not its fault and critics have the … Wrong end of pineapple
GOLDEN Circle says it kept its cannery open longer than normal despite hundreds of tonnes of pineapple left to rot on North Queensland farms.
The company, a subsidiary of US- based Kraft Heinz, is facing public backlash for not opening its cannery in Brisbane early to process the glut of North Queensland- grown fruit.
The issue was thrust into the spotlight when a photo of pineapples on a farm Townsville went viral.
A post by NQ Paradise Pines attracted 16,000 shares and 2500 comments about the fate of the state’s $ 80 million pineapple industry.
Golden Circle said it processed more than 25,000 tonnes of Australian pineapples last year, which was less than expected due to a shortage caused by a seasonal weather variation in spring.
“Twice every year, when fruit quality is not optimum, near BUDDING ninja i j warriors will have access to a first- of- itskind obstacle course from the weekend with the opening of a new fitness studio.
Studio I AM is holding an open day tomorrow from 9am at their Mount St John facility at 8/ 72 Crocodile Cres. The studio is a purpose- built ninja and functional fitness centre for people aged 8 and above.
In September last year, Piper Promotions held the inaugural I AM Challenge ninja functional fitness event at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.
Studio I AM owner Scott Piper said after strong postevent buzz he decided to use the equipment, which would normally be kept in storage between events, to open a new facility.
“It’s really good even for the average fitness enthusiast to give it a crack,” he said.
Former Townsville Australia Ninja Warrior contestant Matt Wilson has already tested the course.
Mr Piper said the facility catered to all fitness levels and was available to host personal trainers, boot camps and group sessions, team building challenges and training sessions for sporting clubs.
He said the obstacles would be regularly changed and rotated to keep the course challenging.
The facility will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm and Saturday from 5am to 9am. Visits are from $ 10. RACHEL RILEY Golden Circle routinely closes its cannery for six weeks to conduct maintenance,” the company said in a statement.
“However, in light of the present shortages, the cannery remained open for an extra three weeks during December 2017, to take additional pineapples.
“In the week prior to the scheduled Christmas closure, our cannery received notice of an available supply from a fresh market packer in North Queensland.
“As trained labour was not available over the Christmas week and Golden Circle’s standards for canned pineapple require processing within three days of harvesting, the fruit could not be taken.”
The company said it was a huge supporter of Australian growers.
Acting Agricultural Industry Development Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Queensland had a world- class reputation for growing quality tropical fruit, including pine- apples, and they should served on tables across state not rotting in landfill.
“It’s disappointing to see media reports that North Queensland pineapples are going to waste,” he said.
“We welcome Golden Circle’s commitment to Australian producers and urge them to continue to do the right thing and support our farmers, who produce high quality fruit year in, year out that is renowned around the world.
“Now is the time be the for Queenslanders support behind and make sure chasing locally and canned fruit.
“This will send a clear message to processors that Queensland supports our local pineapple industry.”
Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington said Golden Circle needed to work with farming families to ensure a market was found for the fruit rather than it being left to rot on the ground. to put their local farmers they’re purgrown fresh