Heritage
It is thought that pineapples were first grown commercially in Queensland in the 1840s. Golden Circle began as a grower cooperative in the 1940's with the pineapple cannery commencing production in Northgate in 1947. Initially producing around 40,000 tonnes of canned pineapple annually, in addition to some canned fruit salad, tropical fruit chutneys and fruit juice cordials, the Northgate cannery now produces over 150,000 tonnes per year of canned pineapple, fruit juices and cordials. Pineapples have been at the heart of the Golden Circle brand since its earliest beginnings. With its rich soils and near perfect growing conditions, Queensland has become synonymous with Australian-grown pineapple.
Northgate Cannery
The beginning
Golden Circle began operations in 1947 after construction of the main canning factory at Northgate was completed. The new facility was opened by the then Premier of Queensland, the Hon Edward Hanlon. The company was originally called 'Queensland Tropical Fruit Products', with 'Golden Circle' used as their brand name. Golden Circle was initially part of the Committee of Direction of Fruit Marketing in Queensland (COD).
Pineapple Sectional
Group Committee
The 60’s
Under the leadership of Bernard Flewell-Smith and Percival Savage, the cannery was established as a separate business. It was split off from the COD by an amendment to the Fruit Marketing Organisation Acts. Initially, the company processed and canned pineapples and produced fruit jams. Pineapples have been at the heart of the Golden Circle brand since its earliest beginnings. It is thought that they were first grown commercially in Queensland, with its rich soils and near perfect growing conditions,
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Today
The Northgate cannery now produces over 150,000 tonnes per year of canned pineapple, fruit juices and cordials. With new techniques such as Living Mulch and Conservation Tillage producing benefits such as reduced soil erosion, improved soil structure and less fuel usage, Golden Circle products are also minimising their impact on the environment.
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