One of the greatest pleasures in life is enjoying simple, wholesome food – a delicious piece of fruit or a hearty, homemade meal.

But in recent times, the rising cost of living has begun to make these small joys harder to come by. It's hard not to notice the prices of everyday grocery items creeping up, putting more strain on our budgets.

A recent spike in the price of a popular fruit has left many Australian shoppers aghast and feeling the pinch.

Coles and Woolworths have recently confirmed that the price of strawberries has taken a hit due to a supply issue, resulting in the cost being 'higher than usual'.

The steep increase is most noticeable in the 'premium' variety of the fruit, with Coles selling a 350g punnet for a jaw-dropping $10.90, while Woolworths is selling the same size of premium strawberries for a more reasonable, but still high, $6.50.

​

Outraged customers have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the exorbitant increase. One shopper shared a video questioning the ridiculous pricing: 'I was going to buy some berries for breakfast tomorrow, but they’re $10.90. That’s like a dollar for a strawberry.'

The video also highlighted the current price of other popular fruits, with blueberries at $6.70 and raspberries on special for $5.

Although strawberries are grown continuously throughout the year in Australia, the current season has been impacted by some harsh 'adverse weather conditions', according to supermarkets.

However, these explanations haven't eased the disappointment and frustration felt by shoppers. Comments on social media such as 'Fruit shouldn’t be expensive' and 'That price is ridiculous even out of season. Usually, it’s $5.90 at the most. What a rip-off' reflect the sentiment of many Australians.

Aussies are furious over the price of premium strawberries at Coles. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

In response to the backlash, Coles acknowledged that 'prices are higher than usual' due to unforeseen circumstances. They reassured customers that the prices would drop later in the year when 'strawberry season is in full swing'.

A Coles spokesperson said, 'We know our customers love strawberries, but right now is not the season for them as we are in between seasons in two different growing regions. Every year we go through a seasonal change, which means prices are higher than usual at the moment.'

Regarding the premium strawberries, the spokesperson explained, 'The pickers need to search more plants to find the right quality as the weather is limiting the ripeness of this fruit.'

Woolworths has also taken note of the supply issues, citing poor weather conditions as a major factor impacting the strawberry crop. A spokesperson said, 'We are working with our growers to improve supply and expect the supply to recover in June.'

This price shock is just one of numerous grocery cost increases experienced by Australians in recent months, with the price of essentials like milk, eggs, and even popular chips rising significantly.

Even the iconic supermarket mud cake hasn't escaped unscathed, reaching a record-breaking $6.40 in Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are outraged by the dramatic price hike of strawberries in Coles supermarkets due to supply issues.
• The price of a 350g punnet of premium strawberries at Coles is now $10.90 as opposed to Woolworths' price of $6.50.
• Disappointed shoppers have expressed their frustration on social media over the increasing cost of fruit.
• Coles reassures customers that the higher prices are due to the seasonal change and that prices will drop once the strawberry season is in full swing.

While we wait for prices to come down – fingers crossed – we here at the Seniors Discount Club encourage you to keep an eye out for sales and deals and enjoy other in-season fruits while we wait for our beloved strawberries to become more affordable again.

​

Dear members, we would love to hear your thoughts on this news story! It appears that the price of fresh produce, particularly strawberries, has been on the rise. But let's take a moment to ponder whether there have been similar price hikes in other essential grocery items as well.

Have you observed any increases in the cost of other staple goods during your recent shopping trips? We're eager to hear your experiences and perspectives, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and insights in the comment section below!

 

[SGH]

I only ever buy Australian grown, and if the fruit or vegetable is out of season here, it does not get bought. The other day while in Woolies I picked up a whole pile of melons, I know that we could never finish them in time before they go off so I called a friend around to take half of them. Simple no waste, and we are both happy.

 

[Rosalie30]

The age old rule is eat what fruit is in season. Thanks for the handy reference guide - though you can usually tell by the price and availability.

 

[Milica]

In Australia - we have masses of land - we could set up hydroponic or aquaponic systems in each state to grow strawberries all year round - cutting transport costs to supermarkets, creating employment, and keeping costs down for shoppers, where have we come to, that we have to think about buying fresh fruit to eat for our health!

 

[thomas]

One of the greatest pleasures in life is enjoying simple, wholesome food – a delicious piece of fruit or a hearty, homemade meal.

But in recent times, the rising cost of living has begun to make these small joys harder to come by. It's hard not to notice the prices of everyday grocery items creeping up, putting more strain on our budgets.

A recent spike in the price of a popular fruit has left many Australian shoppers aghast and feeling the pinch.

Coles and Woolworths have recently confirmed that the price of strawberries has taken a hit due to a supply issue, resulting in the cost being 'higher than usual'.

The steep increase is most noticeable in the 'premium' variety of the fruit, with Coles selling a 350g punnet for a jaw-dropping $10.90, while Woolworths is selling the same size of premium strawberries for a more reasonable, but still high, $6.50.

​

Outraged customers have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the exorbitant increase. One shopper shared a video questioning the ridiculous pricing: 'I was going to buy some berries for breakfast tomorrow, but they’re $10.90. That’s like a dollar for a strawberry.'

The video also highlighted the current price of other popular fruits, with blueberries at $6.70 and raspberries on special for $5.

Although strawberries are grown continuously throughout the year in Australia, the current season has been impacted by some harsh 'adverse weather conditions', according to supermarkets.

However, these explanations haven't eased the disappointment and frustration felt by shoppers. Comments on social media such as 'Fruit shouldn’t be expensive' and 'That price is ridiculous even out of season. Usually, it’s $5.90 at the most. What a rip-off' reflect the sentiment of many Australians.

View attachment 21688

Aussies are furious over the price of premium strawberries at Coles. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

In response to the backlash, Coles acknowledged that 'prices are higher than usual' due to unforeseen circumstances. They reassured customers that the prices would drop later in the year when 'strawberry season is in full swing'.

A Coles spokesperson said, 'We know our customers love strawberries, but right now is not the season for them as we are in between seasons in two different growing regions. Every year we go through a seasonal change, which means prices are higher than usual at the moment.'

Regarding the premium strawberries, the spokesperson explained, 'The pickers need to search more plants to find the right quality as the weather is limiting the ripeness of this fruit.'

Woolworths has also taken note of the supply issues, citing poor weather conditions as a major factor impacting the strawberry crop. A spokesperson said, 'We are working with our growers to improve supply and expect the supply to recover in June.'

This price shock is just one of numerous grocery cost increases experienced by Australians in recent months, with the price of essentials like milk, eggs, and even popular chips rising significantly.

Even the iconic supermarket mud cake hasn't escaped unscathed, reaching a record-breaking $6.40 in Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are outraged by the dramatic price hike of strawberries in Coles supermarkets due to supply issues.
• The price of a 350g punnet of premium strawberries at Coles is now $10.90 as opposed to Woolworths' price of $6.50.
• Disappointed shoppers have expressed their frustration on social media over the increasing cost of fruit.
• Coles reassures customers that the higher prices are due to the seasonal change and that prices will drop once the strawberry season is in full swing.

While we wait for prices to come down – fingers crossed – we here at the Seniors Discount Club encourage you to keep an eye out for sales and deals and enjoy other in-season fruits while we wait for our beloved strawberries to become more affordable again.

View attachment 21697​

Dear members, we would love to hear your thoughts on this news story! It appears that the price of fresh produce, particularly strawberries, has been on the rise. But let's take a moment to ponder whether there have been similar price hikes in other essential grocery items as well.

Have you observed any increases in the cost of other staple goods during your recent shopping trips? We're eager to hear your experiences and perspectives, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and insights in the comment section below!

yesterday I went shopping at Coles in Geraldtonm, I normally shop at Woolies as it is close to home but I had to go into town for other business and Coles was next door to where I had to go to so I did the shopping there.
among other purchases I bought a small bag of carrots, cost $1.80, woolie sell the same thing for $80 cents, some other purchases were priced higher than Woolies
I had the idea that Woolies were cheaper but I didn't want to be going from one shop to another so it cost me about $3 more at coles than it would have done at Woolies, $3 not you say but having only bought 6 items it would have mounted up if I had done a week's shop there, still, it did save me going shop to shop and trying to find a place to park

 

[Macarj]

True. They are always changing recommendations. The food pyramid has basically been debunked.

The facts are you should know your own body and metabolism and that should determine what you eat and when I know it isn't easy for everyone but I have maintained my current weight of 82kg for 40years

 

[Ralph's mum]

One of the greatest pleasures in life is enjoying simple, wholesome food – a delicious piece of fruit or a hearty, homemade meal.

But in recent times, the rising cost of living has begun to make these small joys harder to come by. It's hard not to notice the prices of everyday grocery items creeping up, putting more strain on our budgets.

A recent spike in the price of a popular fruit has left many Australian shoppers aghast and feeling the pinch.

Coles and Woolworths have recently confirmed that the price of strawberries has taken a hit due to a supply issue, resulting in the cost being 'higher than usual'.

The steep increase is most noticeable in the 'premium' variety of the fruit, with Coles selling a 350g punnet for a jaw-dropping $10.90, while Woolworths is selling the same size of premium strawberries for a more reasonable, but still high, $6.50.

​

Outraged customers have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the exorbitant increase. One shopper shared a video questioning the ridiculous pricing: 'I was going to buy some berries for breakfast tomorrow, but they’re $10.90. That’s like a dollar for a strawberry.'

The video also highlighted the current price of other popular fruits, with blueberries at $6.70 and raspberries on special for $5.

Although strawberries are grown continuously throughout the year in Australia, the current season has been impacted by some harsh 'adverse weather conditions', according to supermarkets.

However, these explanations haven't eased the disappointment and frustration felt by shoppers. Comments on social media such as 'Fruit shouldn’t be expensive' and 'That price is ridiculous even out of season. Usually, it’s $5.90 at the most. What a rip-off' reflect the sentiment of many Australians.

View attachment 21688

Aussies are furious over the price of premium strawberries at Coles. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

In response to the backlash, Coles acknowledged that 'prices are higher than usual' due to unforeseen circumstances. They reassured customers that the prices would drop later in the year when 'strawberry season is in full swing'.

A Coles spokesperson said, 'We know our customers love strawberries, but right now is not the season for them as we are in between seasons in two different growing regions. Every year we go through a seasonal change, which means prices are higher than usual at the moment.'

Regarding the premium strawberries, the spokesperson explained, 'The pickers need to search more plants to find the right quality as the weather is limiting the ripeness of this fruit.'

Woolworths has also taken note of the supply issues, citing poor weather conditions as a major factor impacting the strawberry crop. A spokesperson said, 'We are working with our growers to improve supply and expect the supply to recover in June.'

This price shock is just one of numerous grocery cost increases experienced by Australians in recent months, with the price of essentials like milk, eggs, and even popular chips rising significantly.

Even the iconic supermarket mud cake hasn't escaped unscathed, reaching a record-breaking $6.40 in Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are outraged by the dramatic price hike of strawberries in Coles supermarkets due to supply issues.
• The price of a 350g punnet of premium strawberries at Coles is now $10.90 as opposed to Woolworths' price of $6.50.
• Disappointed shoppers have expressed their frustration on social media over the increasing cost of fruit.
• Coles reassures customers that the higher prices are due to the seasonal change and that prices will drop once the strawberry season is in full swing.

While we wait for prices to come down – fingers crossed – we here at the Seniors Discount Club encourage you to keep an eye out for sales and deals and enjoy other in-season fruits while we wait for our beloved strawberries to become more affordable again.

View attachment 21697​

Dear members, we would love to hear your thoughts on this news story! It appears that the price of fresh produce, particularly strawberries, has been on the rise. But let's take a moment to ponder whether there have been similar price hikes in other essential grocery items as well.

Have you observed any increases in the cost of other staple goods during your recent shopping trips? We're eager to hear your experiences and perspectives, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and insights in the comment section below!

What happens to the fruit that isn't sold due to their high prices?
Wouldn't it be better to lower price and not have to throw it out?

 

[Milica]

What happens to the fruit that isn't sold due to their high prices?
Wouldn't it be better to lower price and not have to throw it out?

That's exactly what they should be doing! although this would require a care factor - common sense - and thinking of others! not just about the $$$ sign.

 

[Sharon55]

Fruit, has changed over our lifetime. Our dietary needs have changed as well. Biologically, we are not suppose to each a lot of fruit. Our ancestors gouged themselves seasonally on fruits and then went without that fruit til the next year (remember raiding grandma's fruit tree in the backyard). But nowadays we can eat just about any fruit at anytime of the year. Though, please consider the process of growing modified fruit and transportation. Plus the amount of chemicals to present the fruit of "marketing" value. Not to mention the very high sugar content of a lot of fruits. The recommendations for fruit intake is one serve per day. Choose you fruit well, spoil yourself and eat the best you can find and afford. One serve a day, when you consider these criteria, may put a smile on your face. Enjoy.

2 serves of fruit a day is recommended

 

[Ricki]

One of the greatest pleasures in life is enjoying simple, wholesome food – a delicious piece of fruit or a hearty, homemade meal.

But in recent times, the rising cost of living has begun to make these small joys harder to come by. It's hard not to notice the prices of everyday grocery items creeping up, putting more strain on our budgets.

A recent spike in the price of a popular fruit has left many Australian shoppers aghast and feeling the pinch.

Coles and Woolworths have recently confirmed that the price of strawberries has taken a hit due to a supply issue, resulting in the cost being 'higher than usual'.

The steep increase is most noticeable in the 'premium' variety of the fruit, with Coles selling a 350g punnet for a jaw-dropping $10.90, while Woolworths is selling the same size of premium strawberries for a more reasonable, but still high, $6.50.

​

Outraged customers have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the exorbitant increase. One shopper shared a video questioning the ridiculous pricing: 'I was going to buy some berries for breakfast tomorrow, but they’re $10.90. That’s like a dollar for a strawberry.'

The video also highlighted the current price of other popular fruits, with blueberries at $6.70 and raspberries on special for $5.

Although strawberries are grown continuously throughout the year in Australia, the current season has been impacted by some harsh 'adverse weather conditions', according to supermarkets.

However, these explanations haven't eased the disappointment and frustration felt by shoppers. Comments on social media such as 'Fruit shouldn’t be expensive' and 'That price is ridiculous even out of season. Usually, it’s $5.90 at the most. What a rip-off' reflect the sentiment of many Australians.

View attachment 21688

Aussies are furious over the price of premium strawberries at Coles. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

In response to the backlash, Coles acknowledged that 'prices are higher than usual' due to unforeseen circumstances. They reassured customers that the prices would drop later in the year when 'strawberry season is in full swing'.

A Coles spokesperson said, 'We know our customers love strawberries, but right now is not the season for them as we are in between seasons in two different growing regions. Every year we go through a seasonal change, which means prices are higher than usual at the moment.'

Regarding the premium strawberries, the spokesperson explained, 'The pickers need to search more plants to find the right quality as the weather is limiting the ripeness of this fruit.'

Woolworths has also taken note of the supply issues, citing poor weather conditions as a major factor impacting the strawberry crop. A spokesperson said, 'We are working with our growers to improve supply and expect the supply to recover in June.'

This price shock is just one of numerous grocery cost increases experienced by Australians in recent months, with the price of essentials like milk, eggs, and even popular chips rising significantly.

Even the iconic supermarket mud cake hasn't escaped unscathed, reaching a record-breaking $6.40 in Coles.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are outraged by the dramatic price hike of strawberries in Coles supermarkets due to supply issues.
• The price of a 350g punnet of premium strawberries at Coles is now $10.90 as opposed to Woolworths' price of $6.50.
• Disappointed shoppers have expressed their frustration on social media over the increasing cost of fruit.
• Coles reassures customers that the higher prices are due to the seasonal change and that prices will drop once the strawberry season is in full swing.

While we wait for prices to come down – fingers crossed – we here at the Seniors Discount Club encourage you to keep an eye out for sales and deals and enjoy other in-season fruits while we wait for our beloved strawberries to become more affordable again.

View attachment 21697​

Dear members, we would love to hear your thoughts on this news story! It appears that the price of fresh produce, particularly strawberries, has been on the rise. But let's take a moment to ponder whether there have been similar price hikes in other essential grocery items as well.

Have you observed any increases in the cost of other staple goods during your recent shopping trips? We're eager to hear your experiences and perspectives, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and insights in the comment section below!

I wonder how much the farmer is actually getting for them. It's best to buy what's in season.

 

[Cheb]

I was told to eat two pieces of fruit a day

I have also been told by my Doctor, to only eat two pieces of fruit a day, and that is a shame, because my feijoa tree has had an amazingly great crop this year and I have been giving most of them away.

 

[Baz1960]

2 serves of fruit a day is recommended

Not according to some new research. The food pyramid is being revised all the time. This time because of sugar content in most fruits. All good though, we do what feels right for ourselves. Enjoy.

 

[Penny4]

Not according to some new research. The food pyramid is being revised all the time. This time because of sugar content in most fruits. All good though, we do what feels right for ourselves. Enjoy.

A Dietitian told me to eat 2 whole pieces of fruit/day. She said the sugar present in fruit is bound up in the plant cells along with fibre, nutrients and antioxidants. I won't buy watermelon as I absolutely love it and eat too much!
In saying that, your one piece of fruit is better than none.

 

[Baz1960]

A Dietitian told me to eat 2 whole pieces of fruit/day. She said the sugar present in fruit is bound up in the plant cells along with fibre, nutrients and antioxidants. I won't buy watermelon as I absolutely love it and eat too much!
In saying that, your one piece of fruit is better than none.

Please refer to the last sentence of my previous quote. Enjoy. As for dietitian, their opinion doesn't line up with other experts. Also if you think of it this way, we don't expell the same enery that we did in our youth. Do what feels right to/for you. Enjoy.