Woolworths supermarkets Australia-wide will soon carry a new line of hemp products, as part of a push to put more plant-based products on supermarket shelves.
Woolworths announced a new distribution agreement with hemp company Australian Primary Hemp (ASX: APH) on Monday. The agreement will see Woolworths supermarkets carrying APH’s new Mt. Elephant baking line. The line will include bread mixes, protein pancakes, and protein balls made with hemp.
Although hemp foods are still new to Australian supermarkets, hemp has been gaining popularity among health-conscious Australians for several years. Hemp is a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. It is also rich in Omega-3, Omega-6, magnesium and Gamma Linoleic acids.
This makes hemp great for Australians who need creative ways to add extra protein to their diets – including vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians. Hemp flour is also a great gluten-free flour alternative and is popular as a protein powder.
Although hemp offers many nutritional benefits, it can be difficult to find on supermarket shelves. Woolworths currently carries a handful of hemp products, but these are subject to store availability. APH products will hit supermarket shelves in March and will be available online. The company also has a distribution agreement with 7-Eleven.
According to APH, the Mt. Elephant baking line is manufactured with 100% Australian-grown hemp. Mt. Elephant products are grown at the base of Mount Elephant, in Victoria’s South-West region.
APH is expecting it’s distribution agreement with Woolworths to be a huge success for both companies. They believe the Mt. Elephant range will generate $2.31 million in annual sales.
APH’s Managing Director and CEO Neale Joseph believes Mt. Elephant products will bring the benefits of hemp products to more Australians. In a statement to shareholders, he wrote:
We hope this will give more Australians the confidence to try and experience the superfood benefits of hemp.
With one of the largest supermarkets in Australia forming this new partnership, this is a fantastic step forward for the Australian hemp industry.
