Public outcry as Zoos SA cuts Golden North and replaces with interstate ice cream supplier

Zoos SA has been given the cold shoulder from South Aussies over its decision to cut Golden North in favour of an interstate ice cream supplier.

Zoos SA has copped a public uproar after cutting supply of locally made Golden North ice cream and replacing products with an interstate company that uses palm oil.

Golden North took to social media on Monday morning addressing “a number of inquiries from consumers” who were concerned the ice creams were not available at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

“Unfortunately, this is correct,” Golden North wrote.

“The management of Zoos SA conducted a review of ice cream suppliers and have decided to only stock another company’s ice cream.

“To all our friends that have supported us at Adelaide and Monarto Zoo, a great big thank you. It has been our great pleasure to know that you have enjoyed a Palm Oil Free, SA made ice cream during your visit.”

Golden North ice cream. Picture: Supplied

Both zoos will now stock Peters ice cream products, which are made in Victoria and contain RSPO certified palm oil which is made sustainably to minimise the negative impact of its use on the environment.

Angry South Australians commented on the post on Monday expressing their disappointment over the decision.

“Bet the new supplier isn’t palm oil free or South Australian, very disappointing Zoos SA,” a woman wrote.

“That’s just disgraceful Zoos SA, I won’t be buying anything from you now,” another woman said.

“I guess we are not eating ice cream’s there anymore, Farmer’s Union iced coffee for me instead,” a man said.

We have received a number of enquiries from consumers concerned that our ice creams are not available at the Adelaide...

Posted by Golden North Ice Cream on Sunday, March 27, 2022

An hour after its initial post, Golden North followed with a post thanking people for their comments and loyalty.

“We would like to note that we have had an excellent relationship with Zoos SA for many years, and their decision to no longer stock Golden North was not one that they took lightly, and we have accepted their decision,” it wrote.

“Our post was solely intended to address the multiple consumer inquiries we received questioning why they could no longer find Golden North ice cream on their visits to the zoo.”

Elaine Bensted, CEO of Zoos SA. Pictures/Russell Millard

Zoos SA’s chief executive Elaine Bensted said Peters were chosen as the preferred ice cream supplier following a standard tender process.

All competing suppliers were assessed on a criteria, which looked at the range of products, packaging, environmental credentials and transport arrangements.

“An independent panel went through and assessed the three tenders and it just became a point score of the organisation that best met the full criteria,” Ms Bensted said.

She said the zoo has a policy that supported the use of sustainable palm oil.

“Palm oil does have some benefits in that it is a very productive oil,” she said.

“Peters are also used by Taronga in Sydney and they’re used by Cleland Wildlife Park here in South Australia and we’ve all really assessed their environmental and conservation credentials.”

Zoos SA announced it would dump Golden North in 2020, but was forced to backtrack after public outcry over the decision.

Ms Bensted said in a public press conference in August 2020 they had listened to social media users and had underestimated the level of support for local business.

A similar decision to cut Golden North was also reversed in 2014.