Austrade media release22 December 2008 All the world wants for Christmas this year is an enviro friendly feast and Aussie exporters are showing how it’s done said Austrade Chief Economist Tim Harcourt.
“Two of the staple Christmas feast items that are gracing the world’s tables this festive season are sustainable Aussie foods,” said Mr Harcourt.
“Rainbow Valley Turkeys and Pudding Lane’s Macadamia and Brandy Pudding will be a big hit at Christmas feasts around the world.
“The great thing about these products is that they are made with thought for the environment and are further evidence of Australia’s commitment to our international “green” friendly brand.
“Rainbow Valley Turkeys, who are selling into Taiwan and Malaysia, fully abide by international and domestic animal welfare standards, with birds enjoying ideal conditions in a natural and wholesome environment.
“Whenever the company make a decision on new equipment or procedure they take into account the environmental impact. For example, they’ve established plantations of native trees at their new production facilities to help offset carbon emissions.
“Exposure to Asian buyers is potentially increased during the Christmas period, and represents a marketing opportunity for the company as more Asian countries open up to western influences and traditions.”
Pudding Lane who sells to the UK uses eco-friendly methods including recycling all cardboard and paper packaging. Their packaging is made from 100% recycled material- and is hand stitched by a local charity group- The House with No Steps.
The only disposable part of the pudding making process is a short piece of twine used to tie the pudding cloth up with for cooking.
They recycle 100% of any cardboard and paper packaging (like flour bags, fruit & egg cartons) created in making the puddings and they use a specially designed environmentally friendly gas fired coppers. They also do not use any automated processes, no production lines, no electric steam ovens, no plastic basins, plastic bowls or moulds to shape the puddings.
They support as many local producers/businesses as they can such as bakeries and egg suppliers.
“These companies are innovators, at the forefront of minimising their carbon footprint, and using that as a marketing point of difference to a highly environmentally conscious customer,” said Mr Harcourt.
“It’s a great thing to be able show people that they can have a relatively guilt free Christmas by doing something good for the environment when they make choices about what to put on the table. This way they can honestly say to Santa they’ve not been naughty but nice!”
Mr Harcourt recently returned from Denmark’s Energy Camp where he joined the world’s foremost Environmental experts in discussing Australia’s environmental capability and contribution in the lead-up to the UN Conference on Climate change in Copenhagen in 2009 (COP15).
“Australia’s was the only foreign delegation invited to the Energy Camp in Denmark and it is clear that Australia’s voice will be important in Copenhagen next year,” he said.
“It is crucial to the climate change story that Australia’s environmental capability in renewable energy, green building, water management and low emissions production and technology get better known on the world stage.
“Consumer companies like these ones play an important symbolic role in getting Australia’s green credentials better known on the world stage and will help is all enjoy a merrier, jollier low carbon Christmas and a greener new year in 2009!”
ENDS
Images and Media contactSamantha Mattila, Senior Media Adviser, Ph: (02) 9390 2388; M: 0434 567 673
David Varga, Senior Media Adviser, Ph: (02) 9390 2191; M: 0411 604 755
For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au//mediacentre.
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