Aussie icons now more guilt free after new clean energy deal

Australians can enjoy their Monte Carlo, Shapes and Kingston a little more guilt free after a new long term renewable energy agreement between publicly owned Stanwell Corporation and iconic biscuit maker, The Arnott’s Group.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the eight-year clean energy deal from the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan’s pipeline of renewable projects for the biscuit factory in Virginia, in Brisbane’s north.

“Arnott’s biscuits have been part of the fabric of Australian society for over 150 years, and an iconic Queensland manufacturer for the past 75 years,” the Premier said.

“As we transition towards a clean energy future under our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, we know more and more businesses are wanting to decarbonise their operations and offer consumers products made with lower emissions.

“This eight-year deal for over 68GWh of renewable energy means Arnott’s are avoiding over 44,500 tonnes of CO2-e, the equivalent of taking 15,000 cars off the road.

“This deal, which will mean Arnott’s will be 100% renewable by 2029, will help secure their business, and the jobs of their workers, as we move towards a net zero economy.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade Cameron Dick said that Arnott’s had a first mover advantage in a market where consumers are demanding lower emissions products.

“This deal covers the Arnott’s Group 40,000 square metre manufacturing site in Brisbane, running eight product lines and three packaging lines, employing more than 600 people,” the Treasurer said.

“For Queensland companies to remain competitive and grow, we need to meet that demand with Queensland-made, low-emission products.

“Through the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and our publicly-owned energy companies, we can power the world’s economy and create local jobs by decarbonising our industries and exports.”

Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan would reduce household and business electricity emissions by 96% by 2040, protecting and growing Queensland manufacturing jobs.

“We know that consumers are demanding action on climate, including on retail offerings, so now Arnott’s products are not only made for locals, by locals, but are the biscuit of choice for the emissions and climate conscious,” Minister de Brenni said.

“The long term deal protects over 600 Queensland jobs right here in Virginia.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan means that we will meet and beat the State’s renewable energy targets with 10 times more renewables by 2040 and 100,000 more jobs for locals,”

The Arnott’s Group Chief Executive Officer, George Zoghbi, said the renewable electricity agreement is the latest in a series of bold renewable projects across its Australian sites, that will allow it to accelerate its progress toward its net zero commitments ahead of target.

“We’ve been manufacturing biscuits in Queensland since 1949 and at our Virginia site for more than 30 years,” Mr Zoghbi said.

“This is an exciting partnership that will enable us to transition the way we source electricity for our Virginia site and significantly reduce our environmental impact.”

Stanwell CEO, Michael O’Rourke, said Stanwell is proud to be able to support Arnott’s with its sustainability aspirations.

“Stanwell Energy is one of Queensland’s largest commercial and industrial energy retailers with a renewable portfolio of 2,100 MW from projects that are currently operational, under construction or under development.

“This extensive pipeline of renewable energy projects means that we can expand our renewable offerings for customers as Stanwell becomes a diversified and renewable energy provider,” he said.

ENDS

The Arnott’s factory in Virginia bakes more than 40 million kilograms of biscuits a year, including classics like Monte Carlo, Kingston, and Pizza, Barbeque and Chicken Crimpy Shapes.

The deal for over 68GWh of renewable energy means over 44,500 tonnes of CO2-e avoided, equivalent to:

• 15,000 cars taken off the road.
• 2,920 hectares of plantation forest.
• 4,434 houses brought to zero emissions.

The Arnott’s Group portfolio of brands continues the 155-year legacy of the Arnott family, providing quality, great-tasting food to create delicious moments for consumers across Australia and the world.

The Arnott’s Group employs approximately 3,500 people in markets across Asia Pacific; including manufacturing sites in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia as well as New Zealand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Arnott’s Group portfolio includes the iconic Arnott’s brands along with Campbell’s products in Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, and a new cereal and snacks division called Good Food Partners.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Minister De Brenni - 0457 457 600 237 / The Arnott’s Group - 0414 973 677