Nuttelex
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food processing |
| Founded | 1932 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Founder | Hugh Halpin |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Key people | Gordon McNally, Ian G. McNally |
| Products | Margarine |
Nuttelex stands as Australia's longest-established margarine brand, having been founded in 1932.
History
Hugh Halpin initiated the company in Melbourne. In 1941, ownership transferred to Gordon McNally and Ted Mayes; however, their collaboration ended in 1947 when Mayes departed to create the Meadow Lea margarine brand.
The company initially faced significant opposition from Australia's influential dairy sector. Victoria's 1893 Margarine Act forbade margarine from mimicking butter's appearance, which led to a 1936 regulation mandating a saffron hue for margarine. During the 1930s, production limits were enforced to safeguard butter manufacturers. Gordon McNally actively petitioned government officials to raise these quotas, achieving only slight improvements until Victoria eliminated all quotas by 1990.
In the early 1990s, Gordon McNally openly confronted supermarket chains Coles and Safeway over their decision to increase Nuttelex prices at retail despite unchanged wholesale costs, encouraging consumers to consider alternatives like Franklins. This action resulted in a swift reversal of the price hikes.
Following Gordon McNally's passing in 1996, leadership was assumed by his son Ian G. McNally. By 2006, Nuttelex was producing 3,500 tonnes of margarine each year, capturing an 8% share of the domestic market and exporting products to Southeast Asia.
Products
Nuttelex offers margarine varieties designed for individuals attentive to health, including those with allergies, dietary laws, vegetarians, and vegans. Its formulations exclude animal-based components and genetically modified substances.
Initially containing nuts and featuring a squirrel emblem, Nuttelex has since eliminated nuts from its recipe and discontinued the use of the squirrel logo.