Junee chocolate factory has bittersweet victory in perishables ban battle with Australia Post

The regional producer, like many around Australia, had been left wondering if a significant and growing part of its business would be cut off by perishables being added to a list of prohibited mail items from June 30.

Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory general manager Rhiannon Druce said it was good news but she could not celebrate while other producers in the Riverina still faced a food-by-mail ban.

"I got a phone call [Wednesday] morning from Australia Post that confirmed that confectionery would not be on the list," she said.

"We're thrilled that none of our customers will be going without chocolate but in the same breath it's hard for us to be happy when you know so many other industries are going to be suffering come June 30.

"Our staff are very comforted to know that nobody will have to reshuffle [out of packing deliveries] or potentially lose their job."

In other news

Australia Post said the ban was "due to the complex food safety and regulatory requirements differing across states and territories".

Coolamon Cheese Co general manager Keiran Spencer said his company still faced a ban from the government-owned mail carrier, which he said had the most cost-effective and widespread network.

"Online has never been a large part of our business, we did put more focus on that during COVID, however with these rules we're not keen to give it as much focus," he said.

"The government pushed businesses into these opportunities and now they are taking it away again."

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