Australia's supermarket giants are under the microscope as the Albanese government takes aim at the escalating cost of living crisis.

The government focuses on the high grocery prices that have been a thorn in the side of Australian consumers, particularly seniors who are on fixed incomes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that former Labor MP Craig Emerson will spearhead a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

'We find it completely unacceptable...when supermarkets are getting goods cheaper, then the prices should go down,' Albanese said.

The government will look into the voluntary code regulating grocery prices in supermarkets. Credit: Pexels

'When that doesn't happen, then there's something wrong in the system—that's an abuse of market power.'

This statement came in the wake of rising tensions between producers and supermarkets.

Producers alleged that supermarkets charged customers exorbitantly more than what they pay farmers, creating a significant disparity in the value chain.

In one story, a Cape York Peninsula producer refused to do business with Coles and Woolworths, saying supermarkets are ‘holding down’ wholesale prices.

‘Coles and Woolworths send their staff around [to each others' stores] with a little notepad to make note of prices,’ Melon farmer Shaun Jackson said.

'They're manipulating the market. When you own 76 per cent of the food supply, it's a perfect excuse.'

Ross Marsolino, a 61-year-old farmer from Shepparton who recently had to abandon his 80-acre zucchini crop, also shared his sentiment.

He criticised the supermarket giants for their high prices, which he believed were diminishing demand for his produce and making it nearly impossible for him to profit.

‘We're controlled by what the retail sector sells our product at, that determines whether we keep selling the product or not,' he complained.

'This is what is concerning to me; we should be able to service the country with all our produce that we have here. Farmers are just trying to pay their bills.’

Farmers across Australia are malcontent, accusing Australia’s supermarket giants of exploiting them through price gouging.

The situation has become so dire that some farmers are threatening to close their shops and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. Read more about this story here.

The review will delve into whether a revamp of the supermarket industry code is necessary to improve the conduct of retailers and wholesalers towards their suppliers.

The government is prepared to take further action based on the review's recommendations, signalling a potential shake-up in the supermarket industry.

'We want to see supermarkets do the right thing by their customer,' Albanese said.

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, which was announced for review in October, regulates how ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA operator Metcash deal with suppliers and customers.

This voluntary code covers aspects such as good faith dealings, dispute resolution, and prohibiting certain types of conduct. For instance, it prohibits retailers and wholesalers from varying supply agreements retrospectively. It also requires them to act lawfully and in good faith.

The government is considering a shift from industry-led codes of conduct and consumer function to mandating requirements and consumer complaints handling.

The review will also examine strengthening consumer rights in circumstances where a lack of market competition results in price gouging and unacceptable service standards.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, led by former Labor MP Craig Emerson.
• The review will assess whether the code needs an overhaul to improve retailers' and wholesalers' conduct towards suppliers.
• The government is collaborating with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to address what is perceived as an abuse of market power by supermarkets.
• Depending on the review's recommendations, the government is prepared to enact further measures to ensure supermarkets act in the interest of their customers, with a focus on fair pricing and acceptable service standards.

What are your thoughts on the high cost of groceries? Have you noticed a significant increase in prices? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[ElizabethL]

About time the government did a deep dive into Coles and Woolworths. They have been exploiting farmers for many years. They have been ripping off customers for many years and grossly inflated prices during and since Covid-19.

It's time to pay the piper Coles and Woolworths. Those two companies are just greed machines.

I notice that quite often, Coles will put the price up on an item then roughly two weeks later put it back down to what it was and call it DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, "look how good of a company we are". They must think we are stupid and don't notice these practices.

 

[Cheezil]

Australia's supermarket giants are under the microscope as the Albanese government takes aim at the escalating cost of living crisis.

The government focuses on the high grocery prices that have been a thorn in the side of Australian consumers, particularly seniors who are on fixed incomes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that former Labor MP Craig Emerson will spearhead a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

'We find it completely unacceptable...when supermarkets are getting goods cheaper, then the prices should go down,' Albanese said.

View attachment 38942

The government will look into the voluntary code regulating grocery prices in supermarkets. Credit: Pexels

'When that doesn't happen, then there's something wrong in the system—that's an abuse of market power.'

This statement came in the wake of rising tensions between producers and supermarkets.

Producers alleged that supermarkets charged customers exorbitantly more than what they pay farmers, creating a significant disparity in the value chain.

In one story, a Cape York Peninsula producer refused to do business with Coles and Woolworths, saying supermarkets are ‘holding down’ wholesale prices.

‘Coles and Woolworths send their staff around [to each others' stores] with a little notepad to make note of prices,’ Melon farmer Shaun Jackson said.

'They're manipulating the market. When you own 76 per cent of the food supply, it's a perfect excuse.'

Ross Marsolino, a 61-year-old farmer from Shepparton who recently had to abandon his 80-acre zucchini crop, also shared his sentiment.

He criticised the supermarket giants for their high prices, which he believed were diminishing demand for his produce and making it nearly impossible for him to profit.

‘We're controlled by what the retail sector sells our product at, that determines whether we keep selling the product or not,' he complained.

'This is what is concerning to me; we should be able to service the country with all our produce that we have here. Farmers are just trying to pay their bills.’

Farmers across Australia are malcontent, accusing Australia’s supermarket giants of exploiting them through price gouging.

The situation has become so dire that some farmers are threatening to close their shops and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. Read more about this story here.

The review will delve into whether a revamp of the supermarket industry code is necessary to improve the conduct of retailers and wholesalers towards their suppliers.

The government is prepared to take further action based on the review's recommendations, signalling a potential shake-up in the supermarket industry.

'We want to see supermarkets do the right thing by their customer,' Albanese said.

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, which was announced for review in October, regulates how ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA operator Metcash deal with suppliers and customers.

This voluntary code covers aspects such as good faith dealings, dispute resolution, and prohibiting certain types of conduct. For instance, it prohibits retailers and wholesalers from varying supply agreements retrospectively. It also requires them to act lawfully and in good faith.

The government is considering a shift from industry-led codes of conduct and consumer function to mandating requirements and consumer complaints handling.

The review will also examine strengthening consumer rights in circumstances where a lack of market competition results in price gouging and unacceptable service standards.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, led by former Labor MP Craig Emerson.
• The review will assess whether the code needs an overhaul to improve retailers' and wholesalers' conduct towards suppliers.
• The government is collaborating with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to address what is perceived as an abuse of market power by supermarkets.
• Depending on the review's recommendations, the government is prepared to enact further measures to ensure supermarkets act in the interest of their customers, with a focus on fair pricing and acceptable service standards.

What are your thoughts on the high cost of groceries? Have you noticed a significant increase in prices? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Stupid question, but can't see it changing anything, will prob jus increase our taxes to pay for a review that's a total waste if time, but i hope I'm wrong!

 

[Cheezil]

About time the government did a deep dive into Coles and Woolworths. They have been exploiting farmers for many years. They have been ripping off customers for many years and grossly inflated prices during and since Covid-19.

It's time to pay the piper Coles and Woolworths. Those two companies are just greed machines.

I notice that quite often, Coles will put the price up on an item then roughly two weeks later put it back down to what it was and call it DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, "look how good of a company we are". They must think we are stupid and don't notice these practices.

See the tik tok vid where the couple showed all the yellow reduced/half price tags pretty much right along every shelf in every aisle of a Coles store? They claiming Coles apparently sh*tting themselves just proor to review! Funny

 

[darrellh]

It really is far too little far too late especially for some farmers who are being forced to stop farming by the likes of Coles and Woolworths. Do they not realise they are nothing without suppliers and customers and they need to do right by all and can still do that and make a decent profit.

 

[Col@45]

Australia's supermarket giants are under the microscope as the Albanese government takes aim at the escalating cost of living crisis.

The government focuses on the high grocery prices that have been a thorn in the side of Australian consumers, particularly seniors who are on fixed incomes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that former Labor MP Craig Emerson will spearhead a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

'We find it completely unacceptable...when supermarkets are getting goods cheaper, then the prices should go down,' Albanese said.

View attachment 38942

The government will look into the voluntary code regulating grocery prices in supermarkets. Credit: Pexels

'When that doesn't happen, then there's something wrong in the system—that's an abuse of market power.'

This statement came in the wake of rising tensions between producers and supermarkets.

Producers alleged that supermarkets charged customers exorbitantly more than what they pay farmers, creating a significant disparity in the value chain.

In one story, a Cape York Peninsula producer refused to do business with Coles and Woolworths, saying supermarkets are ‘holding down’ wholesale prices.

‘Coles and Woolworths send their staff around [to each others' stores] with a little notepad to make note of prices,’ Melon farmer Shaun Jackson said.

'They're manipulating the market. When you own 76 per cent of the food supply, it's a perfect excuse.'

Ross Marsolino, a 61-year-old farmer from Shepparton who recently had to abandon his 80-acre zucchini crop, also shared his sentiment.

He criticised the supermarket giants for their high prices, which he believed were diminishing demand for his produce and making it nearly impossible for him to profit.

‘We're controlled by what the retail sector sells our product at, that determines whether we keep selling the product or not,' he complained.

'This is what is concerning to me; we should be able to service the country with all our produce that we have here. Farmers are just trying to pay their bills.’

Farmers across Australia are malcontent, accusing Australia’s supermarket giants of exploiting them through price gouging.

The situation has become so dire that some farmers are threatening to close their shops and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. Read more about this story here.

The review will delve into whether a revamp of the supermarket industry code is necessary to improve the conduct of retailers and wholesalers towards their suppliers.

The government is prepared to take further action based on the review's recommendations, signalling a potential shake-up in the supermarket industry.

'We want to see supermarkets do the right thing by their customer,' Albanese said.

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, which was announced for review in October, regulates how ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA operator Metcash deal with suppliers and customers.

This voluntary code covers aspects such as good faith dealings, dispute resolution, and prohibiting certain types of conduct. For instance, it prohibits retailers and wholesalers from varying supply agreements retrospectively. It also requires them to act lawfully and in good faith.

The government is considering a shift from industry-led codes of conduct and consumer function to mandating requirements and consumer complaints handling.

The review will also examine strengthening consumer rights in circumstances where a lack of market competition results in price gouging and unacceptable service standards.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, led by former Labor MP Craig Emerson.
• The review will assess whether the code needs an overhaul to improve retailers' and wholesalers' conduct towards suppliers.
• The government is collaborating with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to address what is perceived as an abuse of market power by supermarkets.
• Depending on the review's recommendations, the government is prepared to enact further measures to ensure supermarkets act in the interest of their customers, with a focus on fair pricing and acceptable service standards.

What are your thoughts on the high cost of groceries? Have you noticed a significant increase in prices? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Disgusting how much prices have gone up at the supermarkets.....money hungry vultures Give the farmers a fair go or we won't have any farmers left !

 

[mylittletibbies]

What's taken them so damn long?

 

[Annna]

We will have to wait and see what results from the review for:

1. Farmers - will the get fair payment for produce?; and

2. Consumers - will we get some REAL RELIEF? Will we be able to do a reasonable shop without having to cut everyday items off our list because we can't afford the bottom line?

I'm doubtful, but time will tell.

 

[Pat T]

This has been going on long before Covid. I worked on my sister’s strawberry farm. Not including plants, planting, fertilisers etc, it cost $2 per punnet to get them to market. These were the top grade ones. At the beginning of the season when there were few and prices at their best prices for farmers, Woolies buyers went round and said they would buy a box of 15 punnets for $20. Agent said $25. Woolies,”No , $20 we’re putting them on sale”. Agent, “ Buy elsewhere “. Woollies came back later and paid the price. Not only would they still be doing the same but have gotten greedier.

 

[Clancieblue]

Tuna in Woolies yesterday ,2 for $3 or $1.50 each ,I had to get out my calculator .

 

[Cheezil]

It really is far too little far too late especially for some farmers who are being forced to stop farming by the likes of Coles and Woolworths. Do they not realise they are nothing without suppliers and customers and they need to do right by all and can still do that and make a decent profit.

Thats pretty much how it works for most other businesses when there's no monopoly

 

[buttons1426]

Australia's supermarket giants are under the microscope as the Albanese government takes aim at the escalating cost of living crisis.

The government focuses on the high grocery prices that have been a thorn in the side of Australian consumers, particularly seniors who are on fixed incomes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that former Labor MP Craig Emerson will spearhead a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

'We find it completely unacceptable...when supermarkets are getting goods cheaper, then the prices should go down,' Albanese said.

View attachment 38942

The government will look into the voluntary code regulating grocery prices in supermarkets. Credit: Pexels

'When that doesn't happen, then there's something wrong in the system—that's an abuse of market power.'

This statement came in the wake of rising tensions between producers and supermarkets.

Producers alleged that supermarkets charged customers exorbitantly more than what they pay farmers, creating a significant disparity in the value chain.

In one story, a Cape York Peninsula producer refused to do business with Coles and Woolworths, saying supermarkets are ‘holding down’ wholesale prices.

‘Coles and Woolworths send their staff around [to each others' stores] with a little notepad to make note of prices,’ Melon farmer Shaun Jackson said.

'They're manipulating the market. When you own 76 per cent of the food supply, it's a perfect excuse.'

Ross Marsolino, a 61-year-old farmer from Shepparton who recently had to abandon his 80-acre zucchini crop, also shared his sentiment.

He criticised the supermarket giants for their high prices, which he believed were diminishing demand for his produce and making it nearly impossible for him to profit.

‘We're controlled by what the retail sector sells our product at, that determines whether we keep selling the product or not,' he complained.

'This is what is concerning to me; we should be able to service the country with all our produce that we have here. Farmers are just trying to pay their bills.’

Farmers across Australia are malcontent, accusing Australia’s supermarket giants of exploiting them through price gouging.

The situation has become so dire that some farmers are threatening to close their shops and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. Read more about this story here.

The review will delve into whether a revamp of the supermarket industry code is necessary to improve the conduct of retailers and wholesalers towards their suppliers.

The government is prepared to take further action based on the review's recommendations, signalling a potential shake-up in the supermarket industry.

'We want to see supermarkets do the right thing by their customer,' Albanese said.

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, which was announced for review in October, regulates how ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA operator Metcash deal with suppliers and customers.

This voluntary code covers aspects such as good faith dealings, dispute resolution, and prohibiting certain types of conduct. For instance, it prohibits retailers and wholesalers from varying supply agreements retrospectively. It also requires them to act lawfully and in good faith.

The government is considering a shift from industry-led codes of conduct and consumer function to mandating requirements and consumer complaints handling.

The review will also examine strengthening consumer rights in circumstances where a lack of market competition results in price gouging and unacceptable service standards.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, led by former Labor MP Craig Emerson.
• The review will assess whether the code needs an overhaul to improve retailers' and wholesalers' conduct towards suppliers.
• The government is collaborating with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to address what is perceived as an abuse of market power by supermarkets.
• Depending on the review's recommendations, the government is prepared to enact further measures to ensure supermarkets act in the interest of their customers, with a focus on fair pricing and acceptable service standards.

What are your thoughts on the high cost of groceries? Have you noticed a significant increase in prices? Share your experiences in the comments below.

its just a stunt and will make no difference,roy

 

[Cheezil]

its just a stunt and will make no difference,roy

Agree & an expensive stunt no doubt at that!

 

[Janice McKay]

Australia's supermarket giants are under the microscope as the Albanese government takes aim at the escalating cost of living crisis.

The government focuses on the high grocery prices that have been a thorn in the side of Australian consumers, particularly seniors who are on fixed incomes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that former Labor MP Craig Emerson will spearhead a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

'We find it completely unacceptable...when supermarkets are getting goods cheaper, then the prices should go down,' Albanese said.

View attachment 38942

The government will look into the voluntary code regulating grocery prices in supermarkets. Credit: Pexels

'When that doesn't happen, then there's something wrong in the system—that's an abuse of market power.'

This statement came in the wake of rising tensions between producers and supermarkets.

Producers alleged that supermarkets charged customers exorbitantly more than what they pay farmers, creating a significant disparity in the value chain.

In one story, a Cape York Peninsula producer refused to do business with Coles and Woolworths, saying supermarkets are ‘holding down’ wholesale prices.

‘Coles and Woolworths send their staff around [to each others' stores] with a little notepad to make note of prices,’ Melon farmer Shaun Jackson said.

'They're manipulating the market. When you own 76 per cent of the food supply, it's a perfect excuse.'

Ross Marsolino, a 61-year-old farmer from Shepparton who recently had to abandon his 80-acre zucchini crop, also shared his sentiment.

He criticised the supermarket giants for their high prices, which he believed were diminishing demand for his produce and making it nearly impossible for him to profit.

‘We're controlled by what the retail sector sells our product at, that determines whether we keep selling the product or not,' he complained.

'This is what is concerning to me; we should be able to service the country with all our produce that we have here. Farmers are just trying to pay their bills.’

Farmers across Australia are malcontent, accusing Australia’s supermarket giants of exploiting them through price gouging.

The situation has become so dire that some farmers are threatening to close their shops and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. Read more about this story here.

The review will delve into whether a revamp of the supermarket industry code is necessary to improve the conduct of retailers and wholesalers towards their suppliers.

The government is prepared to take further action based on the review's recommendations, signalling a potential shake-up in the supermarket industry.

'We want to see supermarkets do the right thing by their customer,' Albanese said.

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, which was announced for review in October, regulates how ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA operator Metcash deal with suppliers and customers.

This voluntary code covers aspects such as good faith dealings, dispute resolution, and prohibiting certain types of conduct. For instance, it prohibits retailers and wholesalers from varying supply agreements retrospectively. It also requires them to act lawfully and in good faith.

The government is considering a shift from industry-led codes of conduct and consumer function to mandating requirements and consumer complaints handling.

The review will also examine strengthening consumer rights in circumstances where a lack of market competition results in price gouging and unacceptable service standards.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, led by former Labor MP Craig Emerson.
• The review will assess whether the code needs an overhaul to improve retailers' and wholesalers' conduct towards suppliers.
• The government is collaborating with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to address what is perceived as an abuse of market power by supermarkets.
• Depending on the review's recommendations, the government is prepared to enact further measures to ensure supermarkets act in the interest of their customers, with a focus on fair pricing and acceptable service standards.

What are your thoughts on the high cost of groceries? Have you noticed a significant increase in prices? Share your experiences in the comments below.

There definitely higher prices in Coles. We live in a country town, so only have Coles and now IGA. I think they take advantage of us because we are rural. Something has to be done.

 

[AlanQ]

I hope equally the focus of the supermarkets responses are turned back onto government fees and taxes. Given the high amount paid in fuel excise in this country and the expectation of consumers that strawberries and tomatoes are available 12mths of the year. The only place these can be grown all year is Qld, the 2 biggest markets are NSW & Vic, so the transport alone to bring to market is several 1000's in fuel cost alone, of which the govt take 48% of said cost in taxes.

 

[Luckyus]

Australia's supermarket giants are under the microscope as the Albanese government takes aim at the escalating cost of living crisis.

The government focuses on the high grocery prices that have been a thorn in the side of Australian consumers, particularly seniors who are on fixed incomes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that former Labor MP Craig Emerson will spearhead a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.

'We find it completely unacceptable...when supermarkets are getting goods cheaper, then the prices should go down,' Albanese said.

View attachment 38942

The government will look into the voluntary code regulating grocery prices in supermarkets. Credit: Pexels

'When that doesn't happen, then there's something wrong in the system—that's an abuse of market power.'

This statement came in the wake of rising tensions between producers and supermarkets.

Producers alleged that supermarkets charged customers exorbitantly more than what they pay farmers, creating a significant disparity in the value chain.

In one story, a Cape York Peninsula producer refused to do business with Coles and Woolworths, saying supermarkets are ‘holding down’ wholesale prices.

‘Coles and Woolworths send their staff around [to each others' stores] with a little notepad to make note of prices,’ Melon farmer Shaun Jackson said.

'They're manipulating the market. When you own 76 per cent of the food supply, it's a perfect excuse.'

Ross Marsolino, a 61-year-old farmer from Shepparton who recently had to abandon his 80-acre zucchini crop, also shared his sentiment.

He criticised the supermarket giants for their high prices, which he believed were diminishing demand for his produce and making it nearly impossible for him to profit.

‘We're controlled by what the retail sector sells our product at, that determines whether we keep selling the product or not,' he complained.

'This is what is concerning to me; we should be able to service the country with all our produce that we have here. Farmers are just trying to pay their bills.’

Farmers across Australia are malcontent, accusing Australia’s supermarket giants of exploiting them through price gouging.

The situation has become so dire that some farmers are threatening to close their shops and stop supplying supermarkets altogether. Read more about this story here.

The review will delve into whether a revamp of the supermarket industry code is necessary to improve the conduct of retailers and wholesalers towards their suppliers.

The government is prepared to take further action based on the review's recommendations, signalling a potential shake-up in the supermarket industry.

'We want to see supermarkets do the right thing by their customer,' Albanese said.

The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, which was announced for review in October, regulates how ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA operator Metcash deal with suppliers and customers.

This voluntary code covers aspects such as good faith dealings, dispute resolution, and prohibiting certain types of conduct. For instance, it prohibits retailers and wholesalers from varying supply agreements retrospectively. It also requires them to act lawfully and in good faith.

The government is considering a shift from industry-led codes of conduct and consumer function to mandating requirements and consumer complaints handling.

The review will also examine strengthening consumer rights in circumstances where a lack of market competition results in price gouging and unacceptable service standards.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, led by former Labor MP Craig Emerson.
• The review will assess whether the code needs an overhaul to improve retailers' and wholesalers' conduct towards suppliers.
• The government is collaborating with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to address what is perceived as an abuse of market power by supermarkets.
• Depending on the review's recommendations, the government is prepared to enact further measures to ensure supermarkets act in the interest of their customers, with a focus on fair pricing and acceptable service standards.

What are your thoughts on the high cost of groceries? Have you noticed a significant increase in prices? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Typical, good on you Albo, to little to bloody to late as usual. (GIVE ALBO THE ELBOW)

 

[Cyberchook]

Shopped at ALDI yesterday and paid over $55 for a few veg and some cat food.

 

[Gunpark]

Look what at what happened in the dairy industry not so long ago when the "big two" were screwing it to the wall. A lot of dairy farmers walked away and once they are gone it is hard to get them back. What make people think the fruit and vegetable industry is any different.

 

[Lei]

It’s not just the cost of fresh produce that needs investigating but all groceries have had huge price increases and consumers need an explanation and proof that this is justified.

 

[Pat T]

Agree & an expensive stunt no doubt at that!

Giving a job to one of their buddies.