Something in the supermarket world recently caught our attention here at the Seniors Discount Club.

Grant Ramage, the chief executive of Metcash's food division, blew the whistle on the questionable tactics of his larger competitors, Coles and Woolworths.

Commenting on the state of the ready-made microwave meals market, Mr Ramage points a damning finger at the two retail giants, indicating that they are cornering the ready meals market–leaving Aussie shoppers worse off.

Let’s have a closer look at this supermarket saga.

You may remember Metcash as the supplier behind independently-owned grocery stores IGA and Foodland–two chains that have become staples for quick grocery trips. During a recent parliamentary hearing, Metcash threw a spanner in the works for Coles and Woolworths by stating these two bigwigs have a stranglehold over the microwave meal section.

Justifying his statement, Mr Ramage pointed out that Coles and Woolworths have been buying up companies manufacturing microwave meals. This manoeuvre, he alleges, makes it far more challenging for smaller grocery chains like his to sell these products at competitive prices.

Mr Ramage told the House of Representatives economics committee, 'They've also chosen to vertically integrate by buying production facilities in areas like ready-made meals, where the capacity overall in the market is significantly limited in Australia and therefore there are fewer and fewer suppliers left for us to deal with.'

This dominance of Coles and Woolworths has, he claims, led to a market where less competition and higher prices reign.

Critics allege that Coles and Woolies have a stranglehold on the grocery market in Australia

'When we want to source private label products, there are often only a small number of manufacturers who are both willing and have the capacity to produce,' the Metcash boss said.

Before we start storming the aisles of Coles and Woolworths, however, Mr Ramage acknowledged that there is more competition in the fresh food market, where there are still many independent suppliers of fruit and vegetables. Still, he emphasised the predicament affecting ready-made meals affects the Australian community's interests, painting a rather concerning picture for our convenience food market.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Proving the Australian spirit of resilience, Mr Ramage assures that they're not giving up without a fight: 'We do our very best to overcome that and work hard to be competitive.'

To provide a clearer picture of the supermarket hierarchy, let’s crunch some numbers. As per IBISWorld figures, Metcash has a 7.4 per cent market share. This slice of the Aussie grocery pie looks tiny compared with Woolworths with 37.2 per cent, Coles with 30.3 per cent, and even ALDI with 9.2 per cent.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, inflation grew by a relatively modest 5.6 per cent in the year to May. However, the 'other food products' category, where our beloved microwave meals reside, shot up by a hefty 11.5 per cent. For those of us watching our budgets, it's an incredibly worrying price increase.

If the thought of being swindled by supermarket giants is souring your next bite of a microwave lasagne, don't fret–there are plenty of other affordable options out there if you're willing to give them a try.

Key Takeaways

• Metcash food chief, Grant Ramage, has warned that Australians who eat ready-made microwave meals are being ripped off, citing that Coles and Woolworths have cornered the ready-made meal market.
• The larger supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are buying production facilities that make microwave meals, leaving fewer suppliers for the smaller grocery chains like IGA and Foodland. This is leading to less competition and higher prices.
• Ramage suggests the dominance of Coles and Woolworths is making it difficult for Metcash to source private label products at a competitive price, with Australians ultimately paying more for ready-made meals.
• According to IBISWorld figures, Metcash only holds a 7.4 per cent market share, compared to Woolworths at 37.2 per cent, Coles at 30.3 per cent and Aldi at 9.2 per cent.

For those after convenience, a slow cooker might become your new best kitchen friend. These wonderful appliances are the epitome of 'set and forget'–just add your ingredients in the morning. By evening, you're rewarded with a delicious, home-cooked feast.

You're not restricted with what you can slow-cook, either. From fragrant curries and succulent roasts to soups and even desserts, the world really becomes your oyster–or in this case, your slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew!

Moreover, the advantage of slow cooking is that it's perfect for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat, too. So, not only are you getting a better meal (in terms of both taste and nutrition), but you’re also saving a few pennies in the process.

For those who love a good ready-made meal, there’s also batch cooking, the DIY version of premade microwave meals! Spend a couple of hours one day cooking up a storm, then portion out your creations into meal-sized servings and freeze. You'll still get to keep the convenience of a microwave meal but have more control over the ingredients and price.

Have you noticed the price of ready-made meals jumping over the last couple of years? Let us know if you have any strategies for dealing with these price hikes in the comments below.

 

[Col@45]

Something in the supermarket world recently caught our attention here at the Seniors Discount Club.

Grant Ramage, the chief executive of Metcash's food division, blew the whistle on the questionable tactics of his larger competitors, Coles and Woolworths.

Commenting on the state of the ready-made microwave meals market, Mr Ramage points a damning finger at the two retail giants, indicating that they are cornering the ready meals market–leaving Aussie shoppers worse off.

Let’s have a closer look at this supermarket saga.

You may remember Metcash as the supplier behind independently-owned grocery stores IGA and Foodland–two chains that have become staples for quick grocery trips. During a recent parliamentary hearing, Metcash threw a spanner in the works for Coles and Woolworths by stating these two bigwigs have a stranglehold over the microwave meal section.

Justifying his statement, Mr Ramage pointed out that Coles and Woolworths have been buying up companies manufacturing microwave meals. This manoeuvre, he alleges, makes it far more challenging for smaller grocery chains like his to sell these products at competitive prices.

Mr Ramage told the House of Representatives economics committee, 'They've also chosen to vertically integrate by buying production facilities in areas like ready-made meals, where the capacity overall in the market is significantly limited in Australia and therefore there are fewer and fewer suppliers left for us to deal with.'

This dominance of Coles and Woolworths has, he claims, led to a market where less competition and higher prices reign.

View attachment 25975

Critics allege that Coles and Woolies have a stranglehold on the grocery market in Australia

'When we want to source private label products, there are often only a small number of manufacturers who are both willing and have the capacity to produce,' the Metcash boss said.

Before we start storming the aisles of Coles and Woolworths, however, Mr Ramage acknowledged that there is more competition in the fresh food market, where there are still many independent suppliers of fruit and vegetables. Still, he emphasised the predicament affecting ready-made meals affects the Australian community's interests, painting a rather concerning picture for our convenience food market.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Proving the Australian spirit of resilience, Mr Ramage assures that they're not giving up without a fight: 'We do our very best to overcome that and work hard to be competitive.'

To provide a clearer picture of the supermarket hierarchy, let’s crunch some numbers. As per IBISWorld figures, Metcash has a 7.4 per cent market share. This slice of the Aussie grocery pie looks tiny compared with Woolworths with 37.2 per cent, Coles with 30.3 per cent, and even ALDI with 9.2 per cent.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, inflation grew by a relatively modest 5.6 per cent in the year to May. However, the 'other food products' category, where our beloved microwave meals reside, shot up by a hefty 11.5 per cent. For those of us watching our budgets, it's an incredibly worrying price increase.

If the thought of being swindled by supermarket giants is souring your next bite of a microwave lasagne, don't fret–there are plenty of other affordable options out there if you're willing to give them a try.

Key Takeaways

• Metcash food chief, Grant Ramage, has warned that Australians who eat ready-made microwave meals are being ripped off, citing that Coles and Woolworths have cornered the ready-made meal market.
• The larger supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are buying production facilities that make microwave meals, leaving fewer suppliers for the smaller grocery chains like IGA and Foodland. This is leading to less competition and higher prices.
• Ramage suggests the dominance of Coles and Woolworths is making it difficult for Metcash to source private label products at a competitive price, with Australians ultimately paying more for ready-made meals.
• According to IBISWorld figures, Metcash only holds a 7.4 per cent market share, compared to Woolworths at 37.2 per cent, Coles at 30.3 per cent and Aldi at 9.2 per cent.

For those after convenience, a slow cooker might become your new best kitchen friend. These wonderful appliances are the epitome of 'set and forget'–just add your ingredients in the morning. By evening, you're rewarded with a delicious, home-cooked feast.

You're not restricted with what you can slow-cook, either. From fragrant curries and succulent roasts to soups and even desserts, the world really becomes your oyster–or in this case, your slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew!

Moreover, the advantage of slow cooking is that it's perfect for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat, too. So, not only are you getting a better meal (in terms of both taste and nutrition), but you’re also saving a few pennies in the process.

For those who love a good ready-made meal, there’s also batch cooking, the DIY version of premade microwave meals! Spend a couple of hours one day cooking up a storm, then portion out your creations into meal-sized servings and freeze. You'll still get to keep the convenience of a microwave meal but have more control over the ingredients and price.

Have you noticed the price of ready-made meals jumping over the last couple of years? Let us know if you have any strategies for dealing with these price hikes in the comments below.

Like everything else, Coles and Woolies have no thought for older citizens who might depend on buying these ready cooked meals if they're not able to cook for themselves.
Where's the empathy? It's all about greed, greed, greed.

 

[MaggieMay1948]

Something in the supermarket world recently caught our attention here at the Seniors Discount Club.

Grant Ramage, the chief executive of Metcash's food division, blew the whistle on the questionable tactics of his larger competitors, Coles and Woolworths.

Commenting on the state of the ready-made microwave meals market, Mr Ramage points a damning finger at the two retail giants, indicating that they are cornering the ready meals market–leaving Aussie shoppers worse off.

Let’s have a closer look at this supermarket saga.

You may remember Metcash as the supplier behind independently-owned grocery stores IGA and Foodland–two chains that have become staples for quick grocery trips. During a recent parliamentary hearing, Metcash threw a spanner in the works for Coles and Woolworths by stating these two bigwigs have a stranglehold over the microwave meal section.

Justifying his statement, Mr Ramage pointed out that Coles and Woolworths have been buying up companies manufacturing microwave meals. This manoeuvre, he alleges, makes it far more challenging for smaller grocery chains like his to sell these products at competitive prices.

Mr Ramage told the House of Representatives economics committee, 'They've also chosen to vertically integrate by buying production facilities in areas like ready-made meals, where the capacity overall in the market is significantly limited in Australia and therefore there are fewer and fewer suppliers left for us to deal with.'

This dominance of Coles and Woolworths has, he claims, led to a market where less competition and higher prices reign.

View attachment 25975

Critics allege that Coles and Woolies have a stranglehold on the grocery market in Australia

'When we want to source private label products, there are often only a small number of manufacturers who are both willing and have the capacity to produce,' the Metcash boss said.

Before we start storming the aisles of Coles and Woolworths, however, Mr Ramage acknowledged that there is more competition in the fresh food market, where there are still many independent suppliers of fruit and vegetables. Still, he emphasised the predicament affecting ready-made meals affects the Australian community's interests, painting a rather concerning picture for our convenience food market.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Proving the Australian spirit of resilience, Mr Ramage assures that they're not giving up without a fight: 'We do our very best to overcome that and work hard to be competitive.'

To provide a clearer picture of the supermarket hierarchy, let’s crunch some numbers. As per IBISWorld figures, Metcash has a 7.4 per cent market share. This slice of the Aussie grocery pie looks tiny compared with Woolworths with 37.2 per cent, Coles with 30.3 per cent, and even ALDI with 9.2 per cent.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, inflation grew by a relatively modest 5.6 per cent in the year to May. However, the 'other food products' category, where our beloved microwave meals reside, shot up by a hefty 11.5 per cent. For those of us watching our budgets, it's an incredibly worrying price increase.

If the thought of being swindled by supermarket giants is souring your next bite of a microwave lasagne, don't fret–there are plenty of other affordable options out there if you're willing to give them a try.

Key Takeaways

• Metcash food chief, Grant Ramage, has warned that Australians who eat ready-made microwave meals are being ripped off, citing that Coles and Woolworths have cornered the ready-made meal market.
• The larger supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are buying production facilities that make microwave meals, leaving fewer suppliers for the smaller grocery chains like IGA and Foodland. This is leading to less competition and higher prices.
• Ramage suggests the dominance of Coles and Woolworths is making it difficult for Metcash to source private label products at a competitive price, with Australians ultimately paying more for ready-made meals.
• According to IBISWorld figures, Metcash only holds a 7.4 per cent market share, compared to Woolworths at 37.2 per cent, Coles at 30.3 per cent and Aldi at 9.2 per cent.

For those after convenience, a slow cooker might become your new best kitchen friend. These wonderful appliances are the epitome of 'set and forget'–just add your ingredients in the morning. By evening, you're rewarded with a delicious, home-cooked feast.

You're not restricted with what you can slow-cook, either. From fragrant curries and succulent roasts to soups and even desserts, the world really becomes your oyster–or in this case, your slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew!

Moreover, the advantage of slow cooking is that it's perfect for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat, too. So, not only are you getting a better meal (in terms of both taste and nutrition), but you’re also saving a few pennies in the process.

For those who love a good ready-made meal, there’s also batch cooking, the DIY version of premade microwave meals! Spend a couple of hours one day cooking up a storm, then portion out your creations into meal-sized servings and freeze. You'll still get to keep the convenience of a microwave meal but have more control over the ingredients and price.

Have you noticed the price of ready-made meals jumping over the last couple of years? Let us know if you have any strategies for dealing with these price hikes in the comments below.

I have tried ready made meals from all the supermarkets and find that they are all of low quality compared to those in the UK When you look at what Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys, Tescos etc offer and their prices, there is absolutely no comparison. There is no excuse for low or poor quality and lack of choices and I think Coles and Woolies are both.
When I visit the UK I can't wait to hit M&S for their Duck a l'orange it's to die for.
Another thing their supermarkets do are freshly cooked meals you can buy on the way home. For example, roast meat with either roast potatoes, lyonnaise ir mash and veg, a dessert PLUS a small bottle of wine or soft drink and all for £10 for TWO people!
This has been a boon for my sister and hubby who spend every day at the hospital with my nephew. If they're too tired or it's too late to cook, they call in at Tescos on the way home and puck up one of their freshly cooked meal deals.
Now really take a look at what Coles and Woolies offer us. Sadly lacking.

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

Something in the supermarket world recently caught our attention here at the Seniors Discount Club.

Grant Ramage, the chief executive of Metcash's food division, blew the whistle on the questionable tactics of his larger competitors, Coles and Woolworths.

Commenting on the state of the ready-made microwave meals market, Mr Ramage points a damning finger at the two retail giants, indicating that they are cornering the ready meals market–leaving Aussie shoppers worse off.

Let’s have a closer look at this supermarket saga.

You may remember Metcash as the supplier behind independently-owned grocery stores IGA and Foodland–two chains that have become staples for quick grocery trips. During a recent parliamentary hearing, Metcash threw a spanner in the works for Coles and Woolworths by stating these two bigwigs have a stranglehold over the microwave meal section.

Justifying his statement, Mr Ramage pointed out that Coles and Woolworths have been buying up companies manufacturing microwave meals. This manoeuvre, he alleges, makes it far more challenging for smaller grocery chains like his to sell these products at competitive prices.

Mr Ramage told the House of Representatives economics committee, 'They've also chosen to vertically integrate by buying production facilities in areas like ready-made meals, where the capacity overall in the market is significantly limited in Australia and therefore there are fewer and fewer suppliers left for us to deal with.'

This dominance of Coles and Woolworths has, he claims, led to a market where less competition and higher prices reign.

View attachment 25975

Critics allege that Coles and Woolies have a stranglehold on the grocery market in Australia

'When we want to source private label products, there are often only a small number of manufacturers who are both willing and have the capacity to produce,' the Metcash boss said.

Before we start storming the aisles of Coles and Woolworths, however, Mr Ramage acknowledged that there is more competition in the fresh food market, where there are still many independent suppliers of fruit and vegetables. Still, he emphasised the predicament affecting ready-made meals affects the Australian community's interests, painting a rather concerning picture for our convenience food market.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Proving the Australian spirit of resilience, Mr Ramage assures that they're not giving up without a fight: 'We do our very best to overcome that and work hard to be competitive.'

To provide a clearer picture of the supermarket hierarchy, let’s crunch some numbers. As per IBISWorld figures, Metcash has a 7.4 per cent market share. This slice of the Aussie grocery pie looks tiny compared with Woolworths with 37.2 per cent, Coles with 30.3 per cent, and even ALDI with 9.2 per cent.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, inflation grew by a relatively modest 5.6 per cent in the year to May. However, the 'other food products' category, where our beloved microwave meals reside, shot up by a hefty 11.5 per cent. For those of us watching our budgets, it's an incredibly worrying price increase.

If the thought of being swindled by supermarket giants is souring your next bite of a microwave lasagne, don't fret–there are plenty of other affordable options out there if you're willing to give them a try.

Key Takeaways

• Metcash food chief, Grant Ramage, has warned that Australians who eat ready-made microwave meals are being ripped off, citing that Coles and Woolworths have cornered the ready-made meal market.
• The larger supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are buying production facilities that make microwave meals, leaving fewer suppliers for the smaller grocery chains like IGA and Foodland. This is leading to less competition and higher prices.
• Ramage suggests the dominance of Coles and Woolworths is making it difficult for Metcash to source private label products at a competitive price, with Australians ultimately paying more for ready-made meals.
• According to IBISWorld figures, Metcash only holds a 7.4 per cent market share, compared to Woolworths at 37.2 per cent, Coles at 30.3 per cent and Aldi at 9.2 per cent.

For those after convenience, a slow cooker might become your new best kitchen friend. These wonderful appliances are the epitome of 'set and forget'–just add your ingredients in the morning. By evening, you're rewarded with a delicious, home-cooked feast.

You're not restricted with what you can slow-cook, either. From fragrant curries and succulent roasts to soups and even desserts, the world really becomes your oyster–or in this case, your slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew!

Moreover, the advantage of slow cooking is that it's perfect for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat, too. So, not only are you getting a better meal (in terms of both taste and nutrition), but you’re also saving a few pennies in the process.

For those who love a good ready-made meal, there’s also batch cooking, the DIY version of premade microwave meals! Spend a couple of hours one day cooking up a storm, then portion out your creations into meal-sized servings and freeze. You'll still get to keep the convenience of a microwave meal but have more control over the ingredients and price.

Have you noticed the price of ready-made meals jumping over the last couple of years? Let us know if you have any strategies for dealing with these price hikes in the comments below.

I buy all my meals from Lite and Easy, reasonably priced and excellent quality and no I'm not on a diet

 

[Leenie]

A few years ago they found ready cooked meals from.? France had horse meat in them, so home cooked is by far the best.

 

[johno cpfc]

Yes you don't have to be on a diet to order from Lite n easy as they make excellent meals for older people as well as sweets and drinks and calorie controlled meals for those who wish to lose weight . We get all our dinners from them and the choice is excellent .

 

[margaretritchie48@hotmail]

I buy all my meals from Lite and Easy, reasonably priced and excellent quality and no I'm not on a diet

I have bought these when mum was ill and I had no time to cook. Unfortunatley in Perth we do not get the same as over east. Wish the food looked as good they show on tv.

 

[Leenie]

Do they make plant based options?

 

[chrissie2700]

I have tried ready made meals from all the supermarkets and find that they are all of low quality compared to those in the UK When you look at what Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys, Tescos etc offer and their prices, there is absolutely no comparison. There is no excuse for low or poor quality and lack of choices and I think Coles and Woolies are both.
When I visit the UK I can't wait to hit M&S for their Duck a l'orange it's to die for.
Another thing their supermarkets do are freshly cooked meals you can buy on the way home. For example, roast meat with either roast potatoes, lyonnaise ir mash and veg, a dessert PLUS a small bottle of wine or soft drink and all for £10 for TWO people!
This has been a boon for my sister and hubby who spend every day at the hospital with my nephew. If they're too tired or it's too late to cook, they call in at Tescos on the way home and puck up one of their freshly cooked meal deals.
Now really take a look at what Coles and Woolies offer us. Sadly lacking.

have always felt this way about ready cooked meals. Personally I'd rather make something from scratch unless in circumstances like your sister. When I was younger and studying at night school I would program my oven to come on at a certain time and cook my ready prepped roast for me while I studied. It was a welcome meal for me after a long day at work and night school.

 

[The CAJAN]

Something in the supermarket world recently caught our attention here at the Seniors Discount Club.

Grant Ramage, the chief executive of Metcash's food division, blew the whistle on the questionable tactics of his larger competitors, Coles and Woolworths.

Commenting on the state of the ready-made microwave meals market, Mr Ramage points a damning finger at the two retail giants, indicating that they are cornering the ready meals market–leaving Aussie shoppers worse off.

Let’s have a closer look at this supermarket saga.

You may remember Metcash as the supplier behind independently-owned grocery stores IGA and Foodland–two chains that have become staples for quick grocery trips. During a recent parliamentary hearing, Metcash threw a spanner in the works for Coles and Woolworths by stating these two bigwigs have a stranglehold over the microwave meal section.

Justifying his statement, Mr Ramage pointed out that Coles and Woolworths have been buying up companies manufacturing microwave meals. This manoeuvre, he alleges, makes it far more challenging for smaller grocery chains like his to sell these products at competitive prices.

Mr Ramage told the House of Representatives economics committee, 'They've also chosen to vertically integrate by buying production facilities in areas like ready-made meals, where the capacity overall in the market is significantly limited in Australia and therefore there are fewer and fewer suppliers left for us to deal with.'

This dominance of Coles and Woolworths has, he claims, led to a market where less competition and higher prices reign.

View attachment 25975

Critics allege that Coles and Woolies have a stranglehold on the grocery market in Australia

'When we want to source private label products, there are often only a small number of manufacturers who are both willing and have the capacity to produce,' the Metcash boss said.

Before we start storming the aisles of Coles and Woolworths, however, Mr Ramage acknowledged that there is more competition in the fresh food market, where there are still many independent suppliers of fruit and vegetables. Still, he emphasised the predicament affecting ready-made meals affects the Australian community's interests, painting a rather concerning picture for our convenience food market.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Proving the Australian spirit of resilience, Mr Ramage assures that they're not giving up without a fight: 'We do our very best to overcome that and work hard to be competitive.'

To provide a clearer picture of the supermarket hierarchy, let’s crunch some numbers. As per IBISWorld figures, Metcash has a 7.4 per cent market share. This slice of the Aussie grocery pie looks tiny compared with Woolworths with 37.2 per cent, Coles with 30.3 per cent, and even ALDI with 9.2 per cent.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, inflation grew by a relatively modest 5.6 per cent in the year to May. However, the 'other food products' category, where our beloved microwave meals reside, shot up by a hefty 11.5 per cent. For those of us watching our budgets, it's an incredibly worrying price increase.

If the thought of being swindled by supermarket giants is souring your next bite of a microwave lasagne, don't fret–there are plenty of other affordable options out there if you're willing to give them a try.

Key Takeaways

• Metcash food chief, Grant Ramage, has warned that Australians who eat ready-made microwave meals are being ripped off, citing that Coles and Woolworths have cornered the ready-made meal market.
• The larger supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are buying production facilities that make microwave meals, leaving fewer suppliers for the smaller grocery chains like IGA and Foodland. This is leading to less competition and higher prices.
• Ramage suggests the dominance of Coles and Woolworths is making it difficult for Metcash to source private label products at a competitive price, with Australians ultimately paying more for ready-made meals.
• According to IBISWorld figures, Metcash only holds a 7.4 per cent market share, compared to Woolworths at 37.2 per cent, Coles at 30.3 per cent and Aldi at 9.2 per cent.

For those after convenience, a slow cooker might become your new best kitchen friend. These wonderful appliances are the epitome of 'set and forget'–just add your ingredients in the morning. By evening, you're rewarded with a delicious, home-cooked feast.

You're not restricted with what you can slow-cook, either. From fragrant curries and succulent roasts to soups and even desserts, the world really becomes your oyster–or in this case, your slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew!

Moreover, the advantage of slow cooking is that it's perfect for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat, too. So, not only are you getting a better meal (in terms of both taste and nutrition), but you’re also saving a few pennies in the process.

For those who love a good ready-made meal, there’s also batch cooking, the DIY version of premade microwave meals! Spend a couple of hours one day cooking up a storm, then portion out your creations into meal-sized servings and freeze. You'll still get to keep the convenience of a microwave meal but have more control over the ingredients and price.

Have you noticed the price of ready-made meals jumping over the last couple of years? Let us know if you have any strategies for dealing with these price hikes in the comments below.

Something in the supermarket world recently caught our attention here at the Seniors Discount Club.

Grant Ramage, the chief executive of Metcash's food division, blew the whistle on the questionable tactics of his larger competitors, Coles and Woolworths.

Commenting on the state of the ready-made microwave meals market, Mr Ramage points a damning finger at the two retail giants, indicating that they are cornering the ready meals market–leaving Aussie shoppers worse off.

Let’s have a closer look at this supermarket saga.

You may remember Metcash as the supplier behind independently-owned grocery stores IGA and Foodland–two chains that have become staples for quick grocery trips. During a recent parliamentary hearing, Metcash threw a spanner in the works for Coles and Woolworths by stating these two bigwigs have a stranglehold over the microwave meal section.

Justifying his statement, Mr Ramage pointed out that Coles and Woolworths have been buying up companies manufacturing microwave meals. This manoeuvre, he alleges, makes it far more challenging for smaller grocery chains like his to sell these products at competitive prices.

Mr Ramage told the House of Representatives economics committee, 'They've also chosen to vertically integrate by buying production facilities in areas like ready-made meals, where the capacity overall in the market is significantly limited in Australia and therefore there are fewer and fewer suppliers left for us to deal with.'

This dominance of Coles and Woolworths has, he claims, led to a market where less competition and higher prices reign.

View attachment 25975

Critics allege that Coles and Woolies have a stranglehold on the grocery market in Australia

'When we want to source private label products, there are often only a small number of manufacturers who are both willing and have the capacity to produce,' the Metcash boss said.

Before we start storming the aisles of Coles and Woolworths, however, Mr Ramage acknowledged that there is more competition in the fresh food market, where there are still many independent suppliers of fruit and vegetables. Still, he emphasised the predicament affecting ready-made meals affects the Australian community's interests, painting a rather concerning picture for our convenience food market.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Proving the Australian spirit of resilience, Mr Ramage assures that they're not giving up without a fight: 'We do our very best to overcome that and work hard to be competitive.'

To provide a clearer picture of the supermarket hierarchy, let’s crunch some numbers. As per IBISWorld figures, Metcash has a 7.4 per cent market share. This slice of the Aussie grocery pie looks tiny compared with Woolworths with 37.2 per cent, Coles with 30.3 per cent, and even ALDI with 9.2 per cent.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, inflation grew by a relatively modest 5.6 per cent in the year to May. However, the 'other food products' category, where our beloved microwave meals reside, shot up by a hefty 11.5 per cent. For those of us watching our budgets, it's an incredibly worrying price increase.

If the thought of being swindled by supermarket giants is souring your next bite of a microwave lasagne, don't fret–there are plenty of other affordable options out there if you're willing to give them a try.

Key Takeaways

• Metcash food chief, Grant Ramage, has warned that Australians who eat ready-made microwave meals are being ripped off, citing that Coles and Woolworths have cornered the ready-made meal market.
• The larger supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths are buying production facilities that make microwave meals, leaving fewer suppliers for the smaller grocery chains like IGA and Foodland. This is leading to less competition and higher prices.
• Ramage suggests the dominance of Coles and Woolworths is making it difficult for Metcash to source private label products at a competitive price, with Australians ultimately paying more for ready-made meals.
• According to IBISWorld figures, Metcash only holds a 7.4 per cent market share, compared to Woolworths at 37.2 per cent, Coles at 30.3 per cent and Aldi at 9.2 per cent.

For those after convenience, a slow cooker might become your new best kitchen friend. These wonderful appliances are the epitome of 'set and forget'–just add your ingredients in the morning. By evening, you're rewarded with a delicious, home-cooked feast.

You're not restricted with what you can slow-cook, either. From fragrant curries and succulent roasts to soups and even desserts, the world really becomes your oyster–or in this case, your slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew!

Moreover, the advantage of slow cooking is that it's perfect for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat, too. So, not only are you getting a better meal (in terms of both taste and nutrition), but you’re also saving a few pennies in the process.

For those who love a good ready-made meal, there’s also batch cooking, the DIY version of premade microwave meals! Spend a couple of hours one day cooking up a storm, then portion out your creations into meal-sized servings and freeze. You'll still get to keep the convenience of a microwave meal but have more control over the ingredients and price.

Have you noticed the price of ready-made meals jumping over the last couple of years? Let us know if you have any strategies for dealing with these price hikes in the comments below.

Butter Chicken m/wave meal: Woolies around $9.00, but ALDI for a significantly better Butter Chicken m/wave meal, only $3.00!!! Everything about the Aldi product including the packaging is far better. A few ALDI m/wave meals are rubbish, eg. Tuna Mornay has less than a soup spoon of tuna in it and their Chinese Chicken and Cashews had only five half-cashews (2.5 cashews in it).

 

[KSS]

A few years ago they found ready cooked meals from.? France had horse meat in them, so home cooked is by far the best.

Horse meat is a permitted food in France and other European countries as is dog in Korea and Kangaroo in Australia. Because others may not find the meat appetizing does not mean it should not be used if it is raised as a human food source.

I do not disagree that home-cooked is best, in fact, I never buy the ready-made meals myself. I find they are all bland with a texture like mush or baby food. The only one I used to buy was a single-serve Dhaal from Coles but as usual, they discontinued it since catering for singles is not their MO.

 

[Leenie]

Sorry I prefer home cooked you know what’s in it and fresh is always best.everyone to their own taste. If it was an emergency that would be different.

 

[Bibo]

Sorry I prefer home cooked you know what’s in it and fresh is always best.everyone to their own taste. If it was an emergency that would be different.

A few years ago they found ready cooked meals from.? France had horse meat in them, so home cooked is by far the best.

I get my meals delivered at my home by Meals on Wheels. Fresh cooked with three vegetables meat and gravy or what ever I have chosen for that day. Only chips I do not like as the crispiness is lost in the sealing of the container. They are generous portions. Very good nutritious well balanced meals.
volunteers deliver these meals before MD. to our door.

 

[Leenie]

When I was younger I delivered meals on wheels the people were always to see u and have a chat ,those days are now gone .

 

[anne2162]

A few years ago they found ready cooked meals from.? France had horse meat in them, so home cooked is by far the best.

Actually I had horse meat when I was there in the 70's and I just loved it. I think it's a real shame we can't get it in Australia.

 

[anne2162]

A few years ago they found ready cooked meals from.? France had horse meat in them, so home cooked is by far the best.

Actually I had horse meat when I was there in the 70's and I just loved it. I think it's a real shame we can't get it in Australia

 

[Leenie]

Actually I had horse meat when I was there in the 70's and I just loved it. I think it's a real shame we can't get it in Australia

Actually I had horse meat when I was there in the 70's and I just loved it. I think it's a real shame we can't get it in Australia

Actually I had horse meat when I was there in the 70's and I just loved it. I think it's a real shame we can't get it in Australia

J

Actually I had horse meat when I was there in the 70's and I just loved it. I think it's a real shame we can't get it in Australia

 

[Leenie]

Actually I had horse meat when I was there in the 70's and I just loved it. I think it's a real shame we can't get it in Australia

Makes me sick thinking anyone can eat horse meat, people seem to eat anything these days including cockroaches ,grubs ,etc. what is the world coming too., next into will be people, some tribes do .