Kellogg Australia
Food manufacturer
Kellogg has been manufacturing in Australia since 1924.

Overall

Owned USA
Rating F
About the Ratings

Company Ownership

Kellogg Australia Pty Ltd
AUS
Kellanova Co
owns 100% of Kellogg Australia Pty Ltd
USA
Global snacks company
Formerly Kellogg Company. In October 2023 Kellogg's changed its name to Kellanova and spun off its North American cereal operations into WK Kellogg Co. Acquired Pringles from Procter & Gamble in 2012 to become one the world's largest snack companies. In Aug 2024 Mars announced it will buy Kellanova for US$36 billion. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
owns 16% of Kellanova Co
USA
Philanthropic foundation
Founded in 1930 by cereal industry pioneer (and Seventh Day Adventist) Will Keith Kellogg, the foundation provides more than $200 million in grants each year to programs focused on youth and education, health, food systems and rural development, and philanthropy and volunteerism.

Company Assessment

(Last updated Aug 2024)
Kellogg Australia Pty Ltd
Praise
5/5 for packaging performance
This company received the highest packaging performance level of 5 (Beyond Best Practice) in its 2024 APCO Annual Report. Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a not-for-profit organisation leading the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia. Each year, APCO Members are required to submit an APCO Annual Report and Action Plan, which includes an overall performance level from 1 (Getting Started) to 5 (Beyond Best Practice).
Source: APCO (2024)
Criticism
Irresponsible marketing
Kellogg's has won the Parents' Voice Shame Award for Smoke and Mirrors in 2019, 2017 and every year from 2007 to 2011 for the use of misleading claims on children's foods that make an unhealthy product appear healthier than it is. Kellogg's also won the Parents’ Voice Shame Award for Pester Power in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2019 for its food marketing campaigns that encourage children to nag for unhealthy foods. The Parents' Voice (previously Parents Jury) is a children's health advocacy group.
Information
Renewable energy use
Greenpeace's Reenergise campaign ranks Australia's biggest electricity using companies on their commitments and actions regarding renewable energy use. This company has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy power from a wind or solar project; but they have not committed to powering their operations by 100% renewable electricity by 2030; and they have not invested in on-site solar.
Breaching advertising codes
This company has been criticised for offensive advertising. Between 2013 and 2017 the Advertising Standards Bureau upheld complaints about five ads by this company on the grounds that they breached advertising codes. The ads were subsequently discontinued or modified.
2016 CHOICE Shonky Award
Named and shamed in the 2016 CHOICE Shonky Awards for reducing the size and packaging of its Pringles chips, while increasing the saturated fat content nearly 60%. CHOICE did the math and the new packs give you 9.3% less value for money.
2018 CHOICE Shonky Award
Named and shamed in the 2018 CHOICE Shonky Awards for its breakfast-to-go product, Nutri-Grain To Go Banana & Honey Smash and its high sugar content. Choice points out that while lots of snacks and sweets are high in sugar, most of them don't masquerade as 'ironman food'.
Palm oil free products
Some, but not necessarily all, of this company's cereal products are palm oil free. For more details, follow the link to see Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia's list of products which manufacturers have told them are palm oil free or contain segregated certified sustainable palm oil.
RCMI signatory
This company is a signatory to the Responsible Children's Marketing Initiative (RCMI), which is managed by the Australian Food & Grocery Council and covers products found in retail outlets. Companies that have signed up to the initiative commit to: only advertising healthier choices to children and encouraging a healthy lifestyle through good diet and physical activity; not paying for or seeking product placement television programs, editorial content or interactive games aimed at children, unless the product is a healthier choice; not advertising and marketing to children in Australian schools unless they are asked to by those schools.
Source: AANA (2023)
Employer of Choice for Gender Equality
This company is listed by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as a Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation holder. The citation is designed to encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Source: WGEA (2022)
Cage-free eggs commitment
This company is listed on the RSPCA Australia website as 'cage-free and proud', signifying a commitment to source 100% cage-free eggs by 2025. Essentially cage-free means barn laid, which is better than cage eggs, but still much worse than free-range or organic eggs when it comes to animal welfare.
Kellanova Co
Praise
CDP Climate Change score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of B.
Source: CDP (2023)
Palm oil rating - WAZA
The PalmOil Scan app, produced by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), rates companies on their commitment to sourcing sustainable palm oil. Companies are scored on their use of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), commitment to sourcing CSPO, on-the-ground conservation action, and membership to the RSPO. Companies can earn a rating of Excellent, Good, Poor or No Commitment. This company is rated "Good" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA (2023)
Palm oil scorecard - WWF
The 2024 WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard evaluates the progress and performance of 285 major retailers and manufacturer companies, focusing on actions companies have taken to ensure their own palm oil supply chain is sustainable and free of deforestation, natural ecosystem conversion, and human rights abuse. This company is rated 'well on path' with a score of 18.83 out of a possible total of 24.
Access to Nutrition rating
The Global Access to Nutrition Index assesses how the world's 25 largest global food and beverage manufacturers contribute to addressing malnutrition in all its forms: overweight and obesity, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiency. All have been assessed on their commitments, practices, and disclosure with regards to governance and management; the production and distribution of healthy, affordable, accessible products; and how they influence consumer choices and behavior. Of the 25 companies ranked, this company came 8th.
100% on Corporate Equality Index
This company is listed as having best practice on a report card on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in corporate America.
CDP Water Security score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of B.
Source: CDP (2023)
33.6% in Human Rights Benchmark
The 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 127 companies in the food and agriculture, ICT and automotive manufacturing sectors on their human rights performance. This company received a score of 33.6%. The overall average score was a disappointing 17.3% and the highest score was 50.3%.
13/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 13/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
63/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 63/100 in the Food Products category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 23 Sep 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
40.2% in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 keystone companies across the entirety of the food system, from farm to fork. It covers three dimensions where transformation is needed: nutrition, environment and social inclusion. This company ranked #28/350, with a total score of 40.2/100.
Criticism
Palm oil sourcing
This company sources palm oil from at least 20 of the 25 dirty palm oil producers identified in the 2018 Greenpeace report "The Final Countdown". In addition to deforestation, the 25 individual cases in the report include evidence of exploitation and social conflicts, illegal deforestation, development without permits, plantation development in areas zoned for protection and forest fires linked to land clearance.
Chocolate scorecard
Be Slavery Free's 2024 Chocolate Scorecard rates all the major chocolate companies on their labour and environmental policies and practices. Companies were asked questions in six areas: traceability and transparency; living income; child labor; deforestation and climate; agroforestry; and pesticides. This company received a red rating: "Trailing in policy and practice".
Replacing 1,400 strikers in USA
In December 2021 Kellogg announced it is permanently replacing 1,400 workers who have been on strike since 5 October, a decision that comes as the majority of its cereal plant workforce rejected a deal that would have provided 3% raises. This followed months of bitter disagreement between the company and the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International Union. Workers seek significant raises, saying they work 80-hour weeks. They are also protesting planned job cuts and offshoring, and a proposed two-tier system that gives newer workers at the plants less pay and fewer benefits.
Supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 15.28/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE (2023)
35.2% in Forest 500 Rankings
Forest 500 identifies the 350 companies and 150 financial institutions with the greatest exposure to tropical deforestation risk, and annually assesses them on the strength and implementation of their deforestation and human rights commitments. This company received a score of 35.2%.
Palm oil from illegal sources
In 2019 Rainforest Action Network (RAN) conducted a series of undercover investigations which showed that several major snack food producers, including this company, have been found purchasing palm oil from mills that have continued to source palm oil resulting from the illegal clearing of lowland rainforests within the nationally protected Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve in Indonesia. These mills are located immediately next to areas of illegal encroachment into the Leuser Ecosystem and lack the necessary procedures to trace the location where the palm oil they sell is grown, a key requirement for complying with the No Deforestation, No Peatlands, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy this company has publicly committed to.
Source: RAN (2019)
Palm oil sourcing
A 2022 BBC News, Mongabay and the Gecko Project released a joint investigation that looked into a scheme that was intended to help lift millions of Indonesians out of poverty and cut them in on the spoils of the global palm oil boom, but has instead been plagued by allegations of exploitation and illegality. They identified 13 companies, including this one, that have sourced palm oil from producers alleged to have withheld plasma (a portion of large-scale plantations to be shared with local communities), or the profits from plasma, from Indonesian communities over the past eight years. The losses suffered across Indonesia by communities owed plasma could stretch into the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Protests by local tribes over plasma are violently suppressed by Indonesian authorities.
20/100 in KnowTheChain Benchmark
In 2023 KnowTheChain benchmarked 60 food and beverage companies on their efforts to identify and tackle forced labour risks in their supply chains. This company received a score of 20/100. The average score was a disappointing 16/100 and the highest score was 56/100.
Removal of micronutrients in Mexico
While Mexico has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, certain micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, continue to be a public health concern. In response the Mexican government passed laws for the mandatory fortification of both wheat and maize the early 2000s. Changing Markets' 2019 report, 'Corn Fakes', exposes Kellogg's for reducing or removing two-thirds of essential micronutrients from their most popular breakfast cereal brands in Mexico since 2013. The report estimates that Kellogg's saves US$85 million over five years by removing key micronutrients, whilst the minimum cumulative social cost to Mexico for the removal of just three key nutrients - iron, calcium and folic acid - will be US$250 million over five years. This means for every dollar that Kellogg's saves by de-fortifying cereals it destroys at least three dollars in value to Mexican society.
Misleading advertising
In 2019 this company agreed to pay US$20 million to settle a class action lawsuit that claimed that they falsely advertised their sugar-filled cereals as healthy.
Misleading advertising
In 2021 this company agreed to pay US$13 million to settle a class action lawsuit that alleged Kellogg violated certain laws by labeling three of its cereals with certain nutritious statements even though plaintiffs alleged the products contained excessive amounts of sugar.
10/27 in pesticides scorecard
Over the last 60 years farming has become dependent on the intensive use of chemicals. As You Sow's 2021 report, Pesticides in the Pantry, examines the growing risks posed by the use of synthetic pesticides in agricultural supply chains to food manufacturers, and scores companies on their efforts to reduce pesticide use in their supply chains. Scores ranged from 16 to 0, with an average score of 7.5. This company received a score of 10/27.
Information
Palm oil from Wilmar
A 2016 report by Amnesty International found a range of labour rights abuses on the palm oil plantations operated by Wilmar's subsidiaries and suppliers in Indonesia. These abuses include worst forms of child labour, forced labour, discrimination against women workers, people being paid below the minimum wage, and workers suffering injuries from toxic chemicals. The report confirms that Kellogg's has a joint venture with, and sources palm oil from Wilmar. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Plastic pollution
In 2018 volunteers collected and catalogued more than 187,000 pieces of trash from beach cleanups around the world to find out which corporations are contributing the most to the global plastic pollution problem. While not in the top 10, this company ranked as one of the world's worst plastic polluters.
Blindingly Obvious Danger Award
Named in Consumers International's International Bad Product Awards 2008. Lego and Kellogg's came up with the idea of tapping into kids' love of Lego by releasing edible candy bricks made to look just like the real thing. It would seem they didn't realise that toddlers may mistake real Lego for their 'Fun Snacks'. It was discontinued soon afterwards (2008).
Advertising junk food to kids
Named in Consumers International's International Bad Product Awards 2007. Key to Kellogg's success has been the use of some of the most persistent and persuasive marketing methods to children. Many of these products are breakfast cereals high in fat, sugar and/or salt. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Fined US$4m for false advertising
In 2013 Kellogg agreed to pay $4 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over the marketing claims it made for Frosted Mini-Wheats. The company was sued for saying that the cereal improved children's attentiveness, memory and other cognitive functions.
Promotion of GE in USA
GMO Inside Campaign has called for a boycott of Kellogg's products for Kellogg's pro Genetically Engineered stance. Kellogg was a key player in the introduction of GMO Sugar in the USA in 2008.
Possible GE in US brands
This company has products rated RED in the Centre for Food Safety's True Food Shopper's Guide (USA). Products on the RED list contain ingredients that come from the most common GE crops (corn, soy, canola, cotton). Companies with products on this list have confirmed that their products may have or are likely to be made with GE ingredients, or have not denied using GE foods when given the opportunity to do so.
Nanoparticles in Pop-Tarts
Testing commissioned by As You Sow found potentially harmful nanoparticles in Pop-Tarts. Nanomaterials have undergone little or no safety testing. Research shows that these tiny particles are so small that they can easily penetrate cell walls and slip into organs, including the brain, with infants and children particularly susceptible.
47.9% in Newsweek Green Ranking 2017
This company received a score of 47.9/100 in the Newsweek Green Ranking 2017, which ranks the world's largest publicly traded companies on eight indicators covering energy, greenhouse gases, water, waste, fines and penalties, linking executive pay to sustainability targets, board-level committee oversight of environmental issues and third-party audits. Ranking methodology by Corporate Knights and HIP Investor.
CEO Pay Ratio of 214:1
In 2022 the median pay for a worker at this company was US$62,075. The CEO was paid 214 times this amount. Exorbitant CEO pay is a major contributor to rising inequality. CEOs are getting more because of their power to set pay, not because they are increasing productivity or possess specific, high-demand skills. The economy would suffer no harm if CEOs were paid less (or taxed more). In contrast, the CEO-to-typical-worker compensation ratio was 20-to-1 in 1965 and 58-to-1 in 1989.
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target; responsible corporate engagement in climate policy; commit to 100% renewable power.
Sustainable Agriculture Initiative member
This company is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the main food industry initiative supporting the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide. Created by Nestle, Unilever and Danone in 2002, the SAI Platform is a non-profit organization to facilitate sharing, at precompetitive level, of knowledge and initiatives to support the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices involving the different stakeholders of the food chain.
Corporate responsibility claims
This company has been issuing Corporate Responsibility Reports since 2008. Click link below to view report, or to see Kellogg's other corporate responsibility claims.
How2Recycle member
This company is a member of How2Recycle. The How2Recycle Label is a voluntary, standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. It involves a coalition of forward thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels. Companies must be a member of the program to use the How2Recycle Label.
Plastics Commitment signatory
This company is a signatory to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution at its source.
Climate change commitment
In May 2014 Oxfam singled out Kellogg and General Mills as two of the worst food companies on climate and called on them to lead the sector towards more responsible policies and practices. In August 2014, following public pressure, Oxfam welcomed Kellogg's climate action commitment to take industry-leading steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions in its agricultural supply chains in line with climate science.
CDP Forests score of C
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts towards removing commodity-driven deforestation and forest degradation from its direct operations and supply chains. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Forests score of C.
Source: CDP (2023)
C- grade in Plastic Promises Scorecard
As You Sow's 2024 Plastic Promises Scorecard measures the corporate ambition and action of 225 large companies across six industries on six core pillars of plastic packaging pollution prevention: 1) Recyclability, 2) Reduction, 3) Recycled Content, 4) Recovery, 5) Reuse, and 6) Producer Responsibility. This company received a grade of C-.
Modern Slavery statement
California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement.
20.5% in Gender Benchmark
The 2023 Gender Benchmark ranks 112 companies from the apparel and food and agriculture sectors on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, violence and harassment, and marketplace and community. This company ranked #59/112, with a total score of 20.5%. The average score was 23% and the highest score was 55%.
OpenSecrets.org profile
OpenSecrets.org tracks the influence of money on U.S. politics, and how that money affects policy and citizens' lives. Follow link to see this company's record of political donations, lobbying, outside spending and more.
JUST Capital ranking
JUST Capital polls Americans every year to identify the issues that matter most in defining just business behaviour. For their 2024 rankings the public identified 20 issues, which are organised under the headings Workers, Communities, Customers, Shareholders and Environment. JUST Capital then define metrics that map to those issues and track and analyse the largest, publicly traded U.S. companies. This analysis powers their rankings, in which this company ranked 262nd of 937 companies, and 9th of 32 Food, Beverage & Tobacco companies.
28% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2023 and is ranked #105/816, with a total score of 28/100.
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Company Details

Type:
Wholly-owned subsidiary
Founded:
1924
Revenue:
474 million AUD (2022)
Employees:
423 (2022)

Contact Details

Address:
41-51 Wentworth Ave, Pagewood, NSW, 2019, Australia
Phone:
02 9384 5555
Freecall:
1800 000 474
Website:
www.kellogg.com.au

Products / Brands

Kellogg Australia
Be Natural Cereal
Be Natural Muesli & Oats
K-Time Muesli Bars
Kellogg's Cereal
Kellogg's Muesli Bars
Kellogg's Muesli & Oats
LCMs Muesli Bars
Pop Tarts Muesli Bars
Pringles Chips/Crisps
SuniBrite Muesli Bars