Woolworths has been criticized for flouting an iconic Anzac Day tradition by refusing to stock RSL Australia’s special limited-edition Anzac biscuit tins.
The cans, which feature alternative designs for different wars and conflicts, are a collector’s item.
A percentage of the profits from each sale goes to RSL to help veterans and their families, but Woolworths has decided not to stock them this year.
The decision comes despite the supermarket selling biscuits all year round and being the only store selling Anzac Appeal badges in the country.
The controversial move comes after Woolworths was criticized for banning the sale of Australia Day products in January.
Second World War veteran Jack Bartlett, who was a chief petty officer when he served aboard HMAS Manoora, said he was “horrified” by the decision not to sell the cans.
Woolworths has been criticized for not stocking special tins of Anzac biscuits this year (file image)
The cans (pictured above), which have alternative designs for different wars and conflicts, are collectors’ items and part of the profits from their sale are donated to the RSL, which helps veterans and their families (pictured below).
‘I collect those cans and value them highly because of my association. “I’m very sorry to hear that Woolworths won’t (sell them),” Mr Bartlett said. 2GB Ben Fordham.
‘It is something very small for such a large commercial conglomerate. I don’t think it’s a big deal to ask them to continue what they’ve done for some time.’
Bartlett, who is 100 and lives in Avoca on the New South Wales Central Coast, said the cans helped support veterans like him.
“In January 1942, together with thousands of young men, we took up arms to defend this country with one thought in mind: to live our way of life,” he said.
“We fought and we won and I believe it is common courtesy to ask our industry leaders to support us in our time of need.”
Woolworths is the only store selling Anzac Appeal badges
Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said she had not “shopped at Woolworths since they announced they would not be supporting Australia Day”.
“Now that I have learned that Woolworths has also refused to stock RSL’s special Anzac biscuit tins, this reinforces my original decision,” he posted on X.
‘If Woolworths is not interested in celebrating Australia and doing everything it can to support our veterans through organizations like RSL, then I am proud to continue to boycott Woolworths and hope others will join me in taking their business elsewhere’
A Woolworths spokesperson said they had raised almost $13 million for Anzac-related appeals over the past ten years.
“Our teams across the country are delighted to once again proudly support this year’s ANZAC Campaign as we are the only supermarket to carry campaign badges and all sales funds will go to the RSL,” added the spokesman.
“We sell Bakers Finest Anzac biscuits in our stores all year round, this product is supported by the RSL and generates income for the RSL to support veterans and their families.”
Woolworths was ridiculed for its decision not to stock Australia Day products in January.
The move sparked widespread fury, with opposition leader Peter Dutton calling for a boycott of the supermarket chain.
