Nostalgic Tinned Fruit Labels

Overview

Between the late 1920s and the late 1940s, primary production consistently amounted to around 20 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP). With output far exceeding the needs of Australia’s own population, Australia became one of the world’s major food exporters.  

In 1924, a government primary production bonus scheme (which had begun in 1907) was expanded to include payments for the production and export of canned apricots, peaches, pears and pineapples. A government-funded bounty was paid to each manufacturer based on the quantity of produce that was processed. Export control boards were established to maintain minimum standards and regulate overseas marketing (in 1926, this included the Canned Fruit Export Control Board). 

After World War II, Britain continued to guarantee a market for Australian canned produce. The Department of Commerce and Agriculture, in Perth, had a Chief Fruit Inspector, who ensured that fruit tin labels met Australian food description standards and those of their destination. The inspector was also keen to ensure that overseas consumers knew where their fruit was coming from, so labels were checked for accuracy of information.

Today fruit tin labelling provides an insight into past culinary habits and tastes. 

Technical specifications