VEGETABLE, seafood and snack processor Simplot has ramped up production at its two Bathurst sites as panic buying amid the coronavirus pandemic continues.
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"Like so many other food and grocery suppliers, we are seeing increased demand from our customers as a result of panic-buying by the community," a Simplot spokeswoman said.
"Frozen and canned vegetables demand in retail has been very high as consumers stock up on long life essential groceries.
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"We are looking at every opportunity to increase production capacity and efficiency to produce more products. We are trying to harvest every tonne of vegetable crop possible."
To address immediate supply issues, the spokeswoman said Simplot was working closely with customers to help address consumer demands "and have in many cases been able to bring orders forward to fulfil requirements".
Despite the increase to many food lines produced by Simplot, the spokeswoman said government regulations had led to a reduction in demand for one item.
With restaurants, caterers and sports stadiums now closed, the demand for frozen French fries had fallen in recent weeks.
The spokeswoman said many Simplot customers had increased orders which have well exceeded the original forecasts for this period.
"In some categories this is aided by our Australian based manufacturing facilities which allow us to better respond to such demands," she said.
"Events like these highlight how having local supply of critical industries like food can help ensure security of supply for our country."
Simplot's Bathurst operation comprises manufacturing and farming operations, including the production of canned and frozen vegetables.
The Kelso operation produces frozen seafood and snack foods.
The spokeswoman said as an essential industry, Simplot was taking its role to contribute to feeding Australia through this crisis "very seriously".
