Luke’s upcoming Vietnam visit aims to strengthen relationship between Smithtown Nestlé and key coffee producers

October 19, 2011

Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker says he will be using an upcoming visit to Asia to strengthen the relationship between Vietnam coffee producers and the Nestlé factory at Smithtown.

Mr Hartsuyker will travel to Vietnam next month as part of a parliamentary delegation. In the lead up to the visit Mr Hartsuyker met with representatives from Nestlé today (Wednesday) to discuss the importance of sustainable coffee production to their Australian operations. “The Smithtown factory is currently going through a major expansion with more than 200 people currently employed at the facility.  Whilst Nestlé manufacturers well known products such as Milo in Smithtown, they are also producing new Café Menu products.

“A key part of that production is sourcing specific varieties of coffee beans from a number of countries, including Vietnam. However there are challenges when it comes to sustainability and maintaining the supply chain.  Following my discussions with Nestlé today I am organising to meet with some of their coffee producers in the Hanoi area who are supplying Nestlé’s Australian operations.  I understand that accessing the Vietnamese beans is an important part of the ongoing growth of the Smithtown operation and I am happy to lend any assistance if it strengthens the relationship between these suppliers and the Macleay Valley factory.

“In July this year Nestlé announced a $18.5 million expansion of the Smithtown facility. They have relocated part of their production lines from South Korea to Smithtown which is a huge vote of confidence in the local factory.  I believe that presents additional opportunities and it is something we should all be trying to capitalise on. Employing hundreds of local people is great for local families but there are also many other benefits for local and regional businesses.

“For example Nestlé accesses much of its sugar from the Harwood Mill in the Clarence and they also generate of a lot their power using residue timber chips from Kempsey’s Australian Solar Timbers.  That’s the type of investment which delivers real dividends for our local communities.  I look forward to working with Nestlé to ensure the company has an increasingly strong presence in the Macleay for a long time to come. “