Coles and Woolworths make their defence on supermarket prices to Senate inquiry
1 year, 1 month ago

Coles and Woolworths make their defence on supermarket prices to Senate inquiry

ABC  

In short: Coles has pointed to wage rises, supplier cost increases and high energy prices as some reasons for high grocery prices in recent months. "We work constructively with our suppliers on promotional campaigns to offer great value to customers and to limit or defer the impact of supplier cost price increases to keep costs low for customers." Woolworths confident prices will go down In its submission, Woolworths said increases to grocery costs were driven by "cost increases from our supplier partners, and cyclical impacts in fresh food markets". "Significant increases in global commodity prices have flowed through to Australia and impacted Coles and its suppliers, resulting in the pass-through of increasing input costs to fresh and packaged goods," Coles said.

Inquiry Costs Prices Price Senate Cost Increases Supermarket Woolworths Coles Grocery Suppliers Senate Inquiry Submission Supermarket Prices Its Submission Our Suppliers  senate  price  costs  prices  woolworths  cost  inquiry  suppliers  coles  increases  submission  defence  supermarket  grocery

History of this topic

From price gouging to promotion tactics, here are the key takeaways from the ACCC's supermarkets report
1 week ago

From price gouging to promotion tactics, here are the key takeaways from the ACCC's supermarkets report

ABC  

It's been 12 months in the making, but an inquiry into Australia's supermarkets by the competition watchdog has been unable to conclude whether price gouging is taking place. Woolies and Coles have 'limited incentive' to compete hard on price, ACCC finds Photo shows A Woolworths sign next to a Coles sign outside the shops The consumer watchdog finds Australia's supermarkets …

Woolworths and Coles are emphasising the threat of Aldi — is it really a competitive force to be reckoned with?
4 months ago

Woolworths and Coles are emphasising the threat of Aldi — is it really a competitive force to be reckoned with?

ABC  

Admittedly, the ACCC's supermarket inquiry has lacked the drama of this year's Senate probe —which saw then-Woolworths boss Brad Banducci threatened with jail time. Why Woolworths thinks Amazon is big competition Photo shows A Woolworths logo in Adelaide's Rundle Mall The supermarket giant told Australia's competition watchdog its competition went far beyond Coles, Aldi, and Costco. According to the ACCC's …

Australia's Word of the Year is revealed - and it exposes a very sad reality in the country
4 months, 1 week ago

Australia's Word of the Year is revealed - and it exposes a very sad reality in the country

Daily Mail  

Australia's word of the year has exposed the sad reality for millions of people across the country who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Senior Researcher at the ANU's National Dictionary Centre Mark Gwynn said the word has grown in popularity even though it has been used for several years. Researchers at the Australian National University selected Colesworth as their …

ACCC's supermarket inquiry to hear from Woolworths followed by its rival, Coles
4 months, 1 week ago

ACCC's supermarket inquiry to hear from Woolworths followed by its rival, Coles

ABC  

It might not have the explosive drama of a Senate inquiry but for the past 10 days hearings led by Australia's consumer watchdog have been quietly unpicking the mechanics of the nation's supermarkets. "The chain stores have grown in size, and it's become a real duopoly, and it's been unchecked by governments," Mr Hall told ABC News. The ACCC's scope …

Aldi boss explains why their groceries are so much cheaper - as he takes a swipe at Coles and Woolworths
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Aldi boss explains why their groceries are so much cheaper - as he takes a swipe at Coles and Woolworths

Daily Mail  

A senior Aldi executive has taken a swipe at major competitors Coles and Woolworths while revealing why the German discounter is so much cheaper. Jordan Lack, Aldi's managing director of buying in Australia, said the chain was more focused on providing cheap prices than convenience during a cost of living crisis. A senior Aldi executive has taken a swipe at …

High Street retailers could be forced to increase prices, bosses warn - following an 'avalanche of costs' after the Budget
4 months, 3 weeks ago

High Street retailers could be forced to increase prices, bosses warn - following an 'avalanche of costs' after the Budget

Daily Mail  

High Street bosses have furiously told the government an ‘avalanche of costs’ after the Budget will force them to increase prices. On a call with business minister Jonathan Reynolds, chiefs of some of Britain’s best known retailers and pub chains warned tax hikes would hit expansion and hiring plans. Morrisons chief executive Rami Baitieh told Reynolds that Labour’s first Budget …

Grocery prices at Coles and Woolworths go up and down. What's behind the pattern?
5 months ago

Grocery prices at Coles and Woolworths go up and down. What's behind the pattern?

ABC  

If you were to grab a box of Cadbury Favourites off the supermarket shelf, how much would it cost? The thinking behind high-low price changes Sanjoy Paul, an associate professor in operations and supply chain management at the University of Technology Sydney's business school, said these price movements were a retail strategy called "high-low" pricing. Sales prices condition consumers Dr …

Aldi is still cheaper than Coles and Woolworths, which are 'almost identical on prices', Choice survey finds
6 months ago

Aldi is still cheaper than Coles and Woolworths, which are 'almost identical on prices', Choice survey finds

ABC  

Buying a basket of Aldi groceries is $18 cheaper when compared with the same items sold at Coles and Woolworths, according to new Choice research, which again found little price difference between the two major grocers. Shopping List: Apples Carrots Weet-Bix Sliced white bread Flour Penne White sugar Tea bags Tinned diced tomatoes Block of tasty cheese Full-cream dairy milk …

ACCC report finds Australians have lost trust in supermarkets as it focuses on Coles and Woolworths' market power and barriers to entry
6 months ago

ACCC report finds Australians have lost trust in supermarkets as it focuses on Coles and Woolworths' market power and barriers to entry

ABC  

A new report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has found many Australians have lost trust in supermarkets as it investigates Coles and Woolworths' market power and potential barriers to entry in the sector. Mr Keogh said food price inflation is lower in Australia than in most OECD countries but they will be looking closely at the extent to …

Coles and Woolworths accused of 'sneaky' tactic impacting Australian shoppers
6 months ago

Coles and Woolworths accused of 'sneaky' tactic impacting Australian shoppers

Daily Mail  

The psychology of supermarket shoppers is in focus as Coles and Woolworths stand accused of sneaky price practices. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the duopoly would briefly jack up product prices by around 15 per cent, before dropping them to below the peak but above the initial price. Dr Harrison said supermarkets and retailers would be aware of …

Coles and Woolworths hit with more reputational damage after year of negative headlines
6 months ago

Coles and Woolworths hit with more reputational damage after year of negative headlines

ABC  

With the price of everyday items front of mind for many consumers at the check-outs, it shouldn't come as a shock that the actions of our major supermarket giants are under the microscope. After months of scrutiny over supermarket prices, the court action is yet another blow to Coles' and Woolworths' reputations, which were already under a cloud due to …

Coles and Woolworths promised discounts for years. Now the ACCC alleges they 'misled' customers on more than 500 products
6 months ago

Coles and Woolworths promised discounts for years. Now the ACCC alleges they 'misled' customers on more than 500 products

ABC  

Supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles have been accused of using their "Prices Dropped" and "Down Down" promotions to mislead Australian shoppers. Supermarket prices increased 'by at least 15 per cent' Both supermarkets allegedly offered certain products at their regular price "for at least 180 days", according to the ACCC. "The ACCC alleged the display of the Prices Dropped and Down …

Woolworths and Coles accused of disgraceful act
6 months ago

Woolworths and Coles accused of disgraceful act

Daily Mail  

Australia's two biggest supermarket chains will face court over allegations they misled customers with fake discounts. The consumer watchdog claims both retailers bumped prices of products by 15 per cent for brief periods before placing them in Woolworths' Prices Dropped promotion and Coles' Down Down promotion at prices that were actually the same as, or higher than, their regular price. …

Woolworths boss walks away from the supermarket with multi-million dollar payout as Oxfam declares Aussies are fed up with Woolies and Coles duopoly
6 months, 4 weeks ago

Woolworths boss walks away from the supermarket with multi-million dollar payout as Oxfam declares Aussies are fed up with Woolies and Coles duopoly

Daily Mail  

Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci has left the grocery giant with a payout reported to be as much as $24million as new research shows struggling Aussies want more accountability from the big two supermarkets. Woolworths, which makes 2.5 cents off every dollar spent, this week announced an initial net profit of $1.7 billion, down 0.6 per cent from the year before. …

There's no shortage of supermarket price inquiries. But will they help customers at the check-out?
7 months, 1 week ago

There's no shortage of supermarket price inquiries. But will they help customers at the check-out?

ABC  

Australians are struggling to keep pace with the cost of living, with some essentials becoming increasingly out of reach. University of Technology Sydney Associate Professor Sanjoy Paul said improving transparency and helping customers understand pricing decisions was key to maintaining trust. "I think the reputation of supermarkets has taken something of a battering in consequence of that, but the actual …

If supermarket inquiries alone provided cost-of-living relief, groceries would already be cheaper at the check-out
9 months, 1 week ago

If supermarket inquiries alone provided cost-of-living relief, groceries would already be cheaper at the check-out

ABC  

It was always going to be a matter of when, not if, Coles and Woolworths would fall from the public's good graces. The tactics Coles and Woolworths use to keep prices high, and competitors out Photo shows A number of illustrations of grocery items, like milk, apples, sausages, around two 'specials' signs 'half price' and '40% off'. ACCC to investigate …

Senate inquiry recommends powers to forcibly break up supermarkets and imposition of mandatory code of conduct
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Senate inquiry recommends powers to forcibly break up supermarkets and imposition of mandatory code of conduct

ABC  

In short: A Greens-led inquiry has recommended hefty fines for grocers who mistreat suppliers. Committee chair and Greens senator Nick McKim, who has also introduced a bill in the Senate to create break-up powers, said the report proposed concrete steps to tackle the price of food and supermarket "profiteering". National Farmers Federation Horticulture Council's Jolyon Burnett said the committee's report …

Woolworths flags customer caution amid sales slowdown and cost-of-living pain
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Woolworths flags customer caution amid sales slowdown and cost-of-living pain

Live Mint  

May 2 - Australia's Woolworths warned of continued caution among consumers and cost-of-living pressures on Thursday, even as inflation moderated, as the supermarkets operator faced a slowdown in sales from its biggest segment, Australian Food. "Customers are looking for more ways to save," Banducci said, while customer segments across the Australian Food division reported highest levels of concern amid a …

Woolworths, Coles and Aldi accused of using promotional labels that confuse and may mislead supermarket shoppers
11 months ago

Woolworths, Coles and Aldi accused of using promotional labels that confuse and may mislead supermarket shoppers

ABC  

In short: A Choice survey of supermarket shoppers found many mistakenly believe some promotional tags meant they were receiving a discounted price. A variety of price tags from Woolworths, Coles and Aldi — including "While Stocks Last", "Super Savers", "Down Down", "Prices Dropped" and "Member Price" — were examined in the research and more than 1,000 consumers across the country …

Supermarket price gouging: Rise in farmers selling directly to customers
1 year ago

Supermarket price gouging: Rise in farmers selling directly to customers

Daily Mail  

A growing number of Aussie farmers want shoppers to buy directly from them as supermarkets come under increased scrutiny due to rising prices. Pictured is Bianca Tarrant and Dave McGiveron, founders of farm-direct service Our Cow A growing number of Australians are opting to use farm-direct delivery services than buy their weekly shop at major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths …

How did Coles and Woolworths become so powerful? The story of the big two supermarkets
1 year, 1 month ago

How did Coles and Woolworths become so powerful? The story of the big two supermarkets

ABC  

Australia is the land of the supermarket duopoly — where the big two of Coles and Woolworths control 65 per cent of the grocery market. "One of the key strategic innovations in Australian business history is that both Coles and Woolworths pivot in the 1950s … They decided to go into food." Gary Mortimer, a professor of marketing at Queensland …

There are multiple inquiries running on the climbing price of groceries. Here's what they are examining
1 year, 1 month ago

There are multiple inquiries running on the climbing price of groceries. Here's what they are examining

ABC  

With reports of the tactics Coles and Woolworths have used to increase profits at the check-out, you might have wondered what the government is doing to examine the industry. The tactics Coles and Woolworths use to keep prices high, and competitors out Photo shows A number of illustrations of grocery items, like milk, apples, sausages, around two 'specials' signs 'half …

The tactics Coles and Woolworths use to maintain their power over Australia's grocery market
1 year, 1 month ago

The tactics Coles and Woolworths use to maintain their power over Australia's grocery market

ABC  

Coles and Woolworths say they're looking out for you – they are the fresh food people or the home of everyday low prices. Meanwhile, an industry insider says Woolworths began a campaign 18 months ago to increase its profit margins – asking to "share" in any price increases it granted to its suppliers. Coles CEO Leah Weckert says she wasn't …

Supermarket industry insiders reveal how Coles and Woolworths profit off rising prices
1 year, 1 month ago

Supermarket industry insiders reveal how Coles and Woolworths profit off rising prices

ABC  

In short: Emails show how Coles increases the prices you pay for products in return for one-off payments from its suppliers. Shoppers 'getting screwed' The emails show Coles received a one-off payment from a multinational supplier for allowing a price increase, then passed on this cost to customers. The price increase of around 5 per cent, which the supplier sought …

Super Power: The cost of living with Coles and Woolworths
1 year, 1 month ago

Super Power: The cost of living with Coles and Woolworths

ABC  

"SUPER POWER" 19 Feb, 2024 Four Corners CUSTOMER: Have a go at this. ANGUS GRIGG, REPORTER: It's hard to see how you haven't used the cover of inflation to drive price increases above that, and that's what most people would see as price gouging. ANGUS GRIGG, REPORTER: This might give you the impression that Coles and Woolworths are in a …

Supermarkets as you know them are disappearing from our inner cities — and it means more uncertainty about what you'll pay
1 year, 1 month ago

Supermarkets as you know them are disappearing from our inner cities — and it means more uncertainty about what you'll pay

ABC  

Supermarkets as we once knew them are quietly disappearing from inner-city suburbs. Springing up in their place are boutique "metro" or "local" iterations, a version of a Woolworths or Coles grocery store that depending on where you are could mean it's smaller than a traditional supermarket, stocks a bespoke range of local products, hosts a sushi bar, artisan bakery, or …

Farmers shun Coles, Woolworths amid grocery price anger as ACCC launches probe
1 year, 1 month ago

Farmers shun Coles, Woolworths amid grocery price anger as ACCC launches probe

ABC  

In short: Some Australian farmers are no longer supplying major retailers because of the widening gap between farm gate and supermarket prices. ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh told the ABC the inquiry would examine whether supermarkets were treating "farmers and other suppliers fairly" and "reasonably pricing goods for consumers." "In the past, we supplied an agent, but now we just …

Pressure mounts for ACCC inquiry into supermarket pricing amid claim farmers being paid 1978 prices
1 year, 2 months ago

Pressure mounts for ACCC inquiry into supermarket pricing amid claim farmers being paid 1978 prices

ABC  

As grocery prices rose and major supermarkets made billion-dollar profits last year, one of Australia's most generous farmers lost $9 million — and he is now considering whether rock-bottom "1978" prices will force him to leave the industry he loves. Key points: Trevor Cross has backed calls for an ACCC inquiry into alleged supermarket price gouging Queensland's premier has asked …

Coles and Woolworths set to face a Senate inquiry. NZ has been down this road before
1 year, 3 months ago

Coles and Woolworths set to face a Senate inquiry. NZ has been down this road before

ABC  

At Australia's annual Christmas lunch the biggest slice of pie will again go to Coles and Woolworths, and while a new inquiry looks set to examine their profit margins, New Zealand offers a lesson in just how difficult it is to disrupt a duopoly. The study found New Zealand's grocery sector was dominated by a duopoly and those conditions led …

Greens move to establish Senate inquiry into allegations of price-gouging by Coles and Woolworths
1 year, 3 months ago

Greens move to establish Senate inquiry into allegations of price-gouging by Coles and Woolworths

ABC  

The Greens say an inquiry can find a way to "dismantle" the power of Australia's two major supermarkets and bring down soaring grocery prices. Key points: The Greens want the Australian parliament to interrogate the costs and revenues of the major supermarkets While food inflation has eased this year from its 9.2 per cent peak in December 2022, it is …

Woolworths to cut lamb prices but frustration remains for farmers and processors
1 year, 4 months ago

Woolworths to cut lamb prices but frustration remains for farmers and processors

ABC  

Woolworths says it is a pre-Christmas gift for struggling families, the meat industry says it is the market adjusting to oversupply, and farmers battling record-low sheep prices say it is an admission consumers are being ripped off. Key points: Woolworths will cut lamb prices by 20 per cent and other supermarkets are expected to follow An oversupply of the market …

Coles is called out over price of 'tiny' grocery haul - as female tradie breaks down in tears over Australia's skyrocketing prices
1 year, 7 months ago

Coles is called out over price of 'tiny' grocery haul - as female tradie breaks down in tears over Australia's skyrocketing prices

Daily Mail  

A young Aussie has exposed how much his tiny haul of groceries cost, just days after Woolworths and Coles posted enormous multi-billion dollar profits. The Coles grocery haul included cage-free eggs, soy milk, twiggy sticks, bacon, rice, coffee, dog food, onions, garlic and carrots. While Woolworths and Coles posted enormous multi-billion dollar profits this week, a young man made it …

Dairy, frozen and tinned food costs rise as Coles announces full-year profit
1 year, 7 months ago

Dairy, frozen and tinned food costs rise as Coles announces full-year profit

ABC  

In short: The price of groceries is going up across the board, data from Deakin University shows, including for staples like canned goods and frozen vegetables The price of groceries is going up across the board, data from Deakin University shows, including for staples like canned goods and frozen vegetables What's next? Coles has revealed a 4.8 per cent full-year …

Coles and Woolworths items Aussies have stopped buying
1 year, 9 months ago

Coles and Woolworths items Aussies have stopped buying

Daily Mail  

Australians have revealed the everyday food items and household products they are no longer buying as prices soar. With inflation still worryingly high at 6.8 per cent, consumers are thinking twice before spending money on entertainment, insurance, self-care, coffee and even some grocery staples to make ends meet. RBA Governor Philip Lowe said the rate rises must continue to drive …

Coles and Woolworths food prices rise by 9.6 per cent in past year, outpacing inflation rate
1 year, 10 months ago

Coles and Woolworths food prices rise by 9.6 per cent in past year, outpacing inflation rate

ABC  

Australian supermarket food prices have increased by a new peak of nearly 10 per cent over the past 12 months, outpacing annual inflation as the cost of living continues to rise. Key points: Analysis by UBS found food prices at Coles and Woolworths increased to 9.6 per cent in the past 12 months Coles prices increased to 10.5 per cent …

Coles, Woolworths profit surge raises questions over inflation profiteering
2 years, 1 month ago

Coles, Woolworths profit surge raises questions over inflation profiteering

ABC  

Daniel Comins's freezer is packed with frozen vegetables. Key points: Coles' profit increased by 17.1 per cent, and Woolworths' profit rose by 14 per cent Both supermarkets increased their gross profit margins The grocery giants argue a decrease in COVID-related costs drove much of the profit rise He has changed his shopping habits as he had tried to ward off …

Supermarket prices surge and there's more inflation to come, warn analysts
2 years, 2 months ago

Supermarket prices surge and there's more inflation to come, warn analysts

ABC  

Supermarket price increases accelerated over the past three months of 2022, with Woolworths leading the charge, according to research by investment bank UBS. Key points: Food prices at the two major supermarkets were up 9.2 per cent over the year to December Fruit and vegetable prices stabilised in the December quarter, while dairy and meat continued to post double-digit increases …

Woolworths reduces the price of 400 items in its stores Australia-wide
2 years, 7 months ago

Woolworths reduces the price of 400 items in its stores Australia-wide

Daily Mail  

As the cost of living crisis worsens in Australia one supermarket has taken to reducing the price of some of its key food products to help customers feeling the pinch. Woolworths is heavily discounting up to 400 of its most popular items including mince, coffee, cheese, tea, butter, cleaning products and selected snacks to give buyers' some relief to the …

Coles and Woolworths increase price of milk and happy farmers say they brought it upon themselves
2 years, 8 months ago

Coles and Woolworths increase price of milk and happy farmers say they brought it upon themselves

ABC  

Woolworths and Coles are bumping up milk prices and there could be more price hikes to come due to an expected drop in the national supply. Key points: Farmers are getting record prices for milk They say aggressively low pricing drove farmers out of the industry, which has led to higher demand now Other factors are at play, including lower …

Australian farmers lash Coles, Woolworths saying they make huge profits on fruit and vegetables
2 years, 9 months ago

Australian farmers lash Coles, Woolworths saying they make huge profits on fruit and vegetables

Daily Mail  

Aussie farmers claim families can save hundreds of dollars on fresh fruit and vegetables by buying them away from major supermarkets. Farmer Guy Gaeta has suggested a boycott of major supermarkets because he says they rip off consumers and farmers Independent grower Guy Gaeta claims families could save '50 or 60 per cent' on their fresh produce costs by shopping …

Single Woolworths receipt exposes how much prices have risen
2 years, 9 months ago

Single Woolworths receipt exposes how much prices have risen

Daily Mail  

Australians were left in shock after a Sydney man revealed what an almost $100 grocery shop looks like as the cost of living soars. Data from the Consumer Price Index shows inflation has raised the cost of living in Australia's eight capital cities by 5.1 per cent when compared to the March quarter last year. Inflation rose by 2.1 per …

Coles introduces new purchase limits in NT supermarkets after flooding in South Australia
3 years, 2 months ago

Coles introduces new purchase limits in NT supermarkets after flooding in South Australia

ABC  

Territorians will only be allowed to buy two bags of flour, two packets of rice and two bottles of fresh milk from Coles supermarkets under new purchase limits introduced today. Key points: Major supermarkets in the Northern Territory are facing temporary food shortages and delivery delays related to COVID-19 and recent flooding Work to repair washed out rail tracks connecting …

Coles joins Aldi, Woolworths raising price of milk, but benefit to dairy farmers unclear
5 years, 8 months ago

Coles joins Aldi, Woolworths raising price of milk, but benefit to dairy farmers unclear

ABC  

The dairy industry has welcomed a surprise move, first by Aldi, then Woolworths and Coles, to raise the retail price of their home brand milk, but it remains unclear if farmers will benefit. Key points: Aldi raised the price of its home brand milk by 10 cents a litre on Wednesday and Woolworths' increase will takes effect on Friday The …

Minister who called for Coles boycott over $1 milk owns Woolworths shares
6 years, 1 month ago

Minister who called for Coles boycott over $1 milk owns Woolworths shares

ABC  

Labor has demanded an explanation from a federal minister who called for a boycott of Coles and Aldi while owning shares in rival supermarket Woolworths. Key points: David Littleproud has defended his stake in Woolworths and told Coles to "expect more heat" Coles and Aldi refuse to axe $1 milk despite Woolworths lifting its price Agriculture Minister slammed both supermarkets …

Coles and Woolworths fundraising for drought stricken farmers as 'a media stunt' after milk 'farce'
6 years, 5 months ago

Coles and Woolworths fundraising for drought stricken farmers as 'a media stunt' after milk 'farce'

Daily Mail  

Australia's Agricultural Minister has hit out at the country's major supermarkets, calling their support of drought-stricken dairy farmers a 'farce'. In a statement released on Sunday, David Littleproud said Coles' milk levy on their supermarket branded milk was an 'empty media stunt'. Coles' milk levy is being slammed by Australia's Agricultural Minister as an 'empty media stunt' Agricultural Minister David …

'Down Down' and 'Cheap Cheap' are gone gone: Coles, Woolworths moving away from 'supermarket price wars'
7 years ago

'Down Down' and 'Cheap Cheap' are gone gone: Coles, Woolworths moving away from 'supermarket price wars'

ABC  

On January 26, 2011, Coles fired the first shot in what would soon be dubbed the "supermarket price wars" by reducing the price of its own-brand milk to A$1 per litre. Woolworths' new campaign features athletes and their connection with fresh food, positioning the company, once again, as "Australia's Fresh Food People". Their By moving away from price and focusing …

Milk price crisis: Barnaby Joyce urges supermarkets to do more to help dairy farmers
8 years, 10 months ago

Milk price crisis: Barnaby Joyce urges supermarkets to do more to help dairy farmers

ABC  

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce wants other supermarket chains to follow Coles and return more money to dairy farmers from milk sales. Coles announced yesterday that it would develop a new milk brand which would return 20 cents a litre to a fighting fund aimed at helping dairy farmers facing devastating cuts in their payments from processors. Some farmers and …

Discover Related