Dairy product and stock feed manufacturer
Established in Byron Bay in 1895, today Norco is still a dairy farmer owned co-operative. They operate four business divisions: Agribusiness (animal feed manufacturing), Rural (agricultural needs stores), Foods (food processor, especially dairy) and Milk Supply. Norco produces house brand ice cream for Coles, Woolworths and Aldi..
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jun 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Norco Co-operative Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
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)
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 "Poor" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA
(2023)
Animal cruelty
Video footage from PETA Asia's investigation of a dairy farm in NSW between July and November 2016 exposes severe abuse and neglect. Calves deemed unprofitable were bludgeoned to death with hammers. When their milk production waned, some mother cows were killed by being shot in the head multiple times with a captive-bolt gun. During the investigation, the farm shown in the exposé supplied Norco.
Source: PETA Asia
(2018)
Unfair milk supply agreements
This company was one of five major dairy processors that agreed to amend its milk supply agreements after The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found them to be unfair. The ACCC said it had raised concerns with some processors about lengthy notice periods for farmers to terminate their contracts, one-sided termination rights, broad indemnities, and terms that restrict a farmer's ability to lease a farm or sell their cattle.
Source: ACCC
(2018)
Organic products
Company retails, manufactures or distributes products that are certified organic under the Australian Certified Organic label.
Source: ACO
(2022)
Company Details
Type:
Co-operative
Revenue:
430 million AUD
(2014)
Employees:
700
(2015)
Contact Details
Address:
Windmill Grove, 107 Wilson Street, South Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
Phone:
02 6627 8000
Website:
Products / Brands
Norco
Hinterland
Ice Cream
Mighty Cool
Flavoured Milk
Norco
Milk
★ some products certified organic
Norco
Ice Cream
Norco
Butter & Margarine
Norco
Flavoured Milk
Norco Natural Cheese Co
Cheese