Coles draws flak for ‘sneakily’ raising milk prices

Aussie shoppers are again on alert because of the ‘sneaky’ changes Coles have made to their own-brand milk range.

The grocery giant has increased the price of their 3L (now $4.80), 2L (now $3.30), and 1L (now $1.70) cartons and bottles of milk by 10 cents per litre, leading to an 80-cent increase in just over a year. That's a 20 per cent rise, by the way.



Unfortunately, for shoppers who regularly buy Coles' milk products, this increase in price means a decrease in their weekly spending.

The retailer's move has attracted a lot of criticism on social media, too.


photo 1.jpg
Coles has raised the price of its brand of milk products by 10 cents a litre. Credit: Facebook.



Markdown Addicts Australia, a popular Facebook group for keen shoppers, is just one platform where the price rise has been met with harsh words.

'Milk's gone up again', noted one user. Another said, 'It doesn't seem like that long ago it was $3'.

And people who use a lot of milk (especially those with young kids at home) aren't too pleased either. 'For people with one-year-olds, it will be cheaper to keep them on formula than change to real milk,' said one angry commenter.

Others suggested that—if it would mean more money for the farmers—they'd be willing to pay the increased price.

'Let's hope the farmers get the extra money that we are paying,' commented one user.



When asked by news outlets, a Coles spokesperson confirmed the price rise and said that the change was not easy for the supermarket.

'We have reluctantly raised the price of Coles Own Brand milk by 10 cents a litre due to ongoing cost increases in the supply chain,' the spokesperson said.

'We don't take the decision to raise prices lightly, particularly because of the increased cost-of-living pressures faced by our customers.'



It's understandable why Coles would occasionally resort to this kind of price rise. But, as usual, the shoppers bear the brunt of such costs.

It's no wonder people are pushing for the extra 10 cents per litre to be guaranteed to go to the dairy farmers doing the hard yards.

On the other hand, Woolworths hasn't changed its milk price. This means their own-brand milk products are 10 cents cheaper per litre than Coles'.

This price hike follows recent reports of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) delaying its decision regarding Coles’ acquisition of two major milk processing facilities.



In April, the supermarket giant announced plans to purchase two milk processing plants from the dairy processor Saputo for $105 million. However, this acquisition is contingent on receiving regulatory approval from the Australian watchdog.

Initially, the ACCC was expected to deliver its decision last week, but it has been postponed due to the regulator's request for additional documents from both Coles and Saputo.

Should the watchdog approve the acquisition, Coles would achieve the distinction of becoming the first supermarket in Australia to own and operate its milk processing facilities.

Dairy farmers are concerned that this acquisition could further reduce competition and lead to lower milk prices.

Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket has increased the price of its brand of milk by 10 cents a litre, bringing the cost of 1L, 2L and 3L cartons to $1.70, $3.30 and $4.80, respectively.
  • The move has led to widespread criticism on social media, with many expressing concern for ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
  • A spokesperson for Coles confirmed the price increase, attributing it to ongoing cost increases in the supply chain.
  • Some customers have stated they would not mind the increase if they were assured that the extra money is going to the dairy farmers.



Members, do you regularly purchase Coles brand milk? If so, what is your reaction to these price hikes? Are you considering switching to other brands? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
 
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I live rural so have to shop locally,Woolies Cole's, Aldi but we have a WA Spud Shed which is really competitive I shop there then cruise the others for specials. There are certain brands I buy and won't compromise but that is my treat to myself. I only buy WA milk and produce where possible
 
No
Aussie shoppers are again on alert because of the ‘sneaky’ changes Coles have made to their own-brand milk range.

The grocery giant has increased the price of their 3L (now $4.80), 2L (now $3.30), and 1L (now $1.70) cartons and bottles of milk by 10 cents per litre, leading to an 80-cent increase in just over a year. That's a 20 per cent rise, by the way.



Unfortunately, for shoppers who regularly buy Coles' milk products, this increase in price means a decrease in their weekly spending.

The retailer's move has attracted a lot of criticism on social media, too.


View attachment 30308
Coles has raised the price of its brand of milk products by 10 cents a litre. Credit: Facebook.



Markdown Addicts Australia, a popular Facebook group for keen shoppers, is just one platform where the price rise has been met with harsh words.

'Milk's gone up again', noted one user. Another said, 'It doesn't seem like that long ago it was $3'.

And people who use a lot of milk (especially those with young kids at home) aren't too pleased either. 'For people with one-year-olds, it will be cheaper to keep them on formula than change to real milk,' said one angry commenter.

Others suggested that—if it would mean more money for the farmers—they'd be willing to pay the increased price.

'Let's hope the farmers get the extra money that we are paying,' commented one user.



When asked by news outlets, a Coles spokesperson confirmed the price rise and said that the change was not easy for the supermarket.

'We have reluctantly raised the price of Coles Own Brand milk by 10 cents a litre due to ongoing cost increases in the supply chain,' the spokesperson said.

'We don't take the decision to raise prices lightly, particularly because of the increased cost-of-living pressures faced by our customers.'



It's understandable why Coles would occasionally resort to this kind of price rise. But, as usual, the shoppers bear the brunt of such costs.

It's no wonder people are pushing for the extra 10 cents per litre to be guaranteed to go to the dairy farmers doing the hard yards.

On the other hand, Woolworths hasn't changed its milk price. This means their own-brand milk products are 10 cents cheaper per litre than Coles'.

This price hike follows recent reports of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) delaying its decision regarding Coles’ acquisition of two major milk processing facilities.



In April, the supermarket giant announced plans to purchase two milk processing plants from the dairy processor Saputo for $105 million. However, this acquisition is contingent on receiving regulatory approval from the Australian watchdog.

Initially, the ACCC was expected to deliver its decision last week, but it has been postponed due to the regulator's request for additional documents from both Coles and Saputo.

Should the watchdog approve the acquisition, Coles would achieve the distinction of becoming the first supermarket in Australia to own and operate its milk processing facilities.

Dairy farmers are concerned that this acquisition could further reduce competition and lead to lower milk prices.

Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket has increased the price of its brand of milk by 10 cents a litre, bringing the cost of 1L, 2L and 3L cartons to $1.70, $3.30 and $4.80, respectively.
  • The move has led to widespread criticism on social media, with many expressing concern for ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
  • A spokesperson for Coles confirmed the price increase, attributing it to ongoing cost increases in the supply chain.
  • Some customers have stated they would not mind the increase if they were assured that the extra money is going to the dairy farmers.



Members, do you regularly purchase Coles brand milk? If so, what is your reaction to these price hikes? Are you considering switching to other brands? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
 
I went to Coles last Friday and bought the Homebrand Cornflakes . When I backed the boxes in the pantry , there was still one for the previous shop and I noticed the box had the same size , but only a little skinnier and looked at the boxes and the latest has 440 grams and the previous one 475 grams . So , that has been scrinking and I find that very sneaky .
 
Coles profit margin will be up a few more million this financial year. But of course it’s not them putting up the prices it’s the farmers and the manufacturers. They are full of it.
Don’t put the blame on farmers ,they get very little for their crops , same with dairy farmers and supermarkets get away with charging what. They like. Without them. You would be buying more imported rubbish .
 
Why can't Coles keep the prices lower and make less of a profit. It's so easy to say "due to ongoing cost increases in the supply chain," That is a copout really. They should say because we want more profit.
Shareholders!
 
Aussie shoppers are again on alert because of the ‘sneaky’ changes Coles have made to their own-brand milk range.

The grocery giant has increased the price of their 3L (now $4.80), 2L (now $3.30), and 1L (now $1.70) cartons and bottles of milk by 10 cents per litre, leading to an 80-cent increase in just over a year. That's a 20 per cent rise, by the way.



Unfortunately, for shoppers who regularly buy Coles' milk products, this increase in price means a decrease in their weekly spending.

The retailer's move has attracted a lot of criticism on social media, too.


View attachment 30308
Coles has raised the price of its brand of milk products by 10 cents a litre. Credit: Facebook.



Markdown Addicts Australia, a popular Facebook group for keen shoppers, is just one platform where the price rise has been met with harsh words.

'Milk's gone up again', noted one user. Another said, 'It doesn't seem like that long ago it was $3'.

And people who use a lot of milk (especially those with young kids at home) aren't too pleased either. 'For people with one-year-olds, it will be cheaper to keep them on formula than change to real milk,' said one angry commenter.

Others suggested that—if it would mean more money for the farmers—they'd be willing to pay the increased price.

'Let's hope the farmers get the extra money that we are paying,' commented one user.



When asked by news outlets, a Coles spokesperson confirmed the price rise and said that the change was not easy for the supermarket.

'We have reluctantly raised the price of Coles Own Brand milk by 10 cents a litre due to ongoing cost increases in the supply chain,' the spokesperson said.

'We don't take the decision to raise prices lightly, particularly because of the increased cost-of-living pressures faced by our customers.'



It's understandable why Coles would occasionally resort to this kind of price rise. But, as usual, the shoppers bear the brunt of such costs.

It's no wonder people are pushing for the extra 10 cents per litre to be guaranteed to go to the dairy farmers doing the hard yards.

On the other hand, Woolworths hasn't changed its milk price. This means their own-brand milk products are 10 cents cheaper per litre than Coles'.

This price hike follows recent reports of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) delaying its decision regarding Coles’ acquisition of two major milk processing facilities.



In April, the supermarket giant announced plans to purchase two milk processing plants from the dairy processor Saputo for $105 million. However, this acquisition is contingent on receiving regulatory approval from the Australian watchdog.

Initially, the ACCC was expected to deliver its decision last week, but it has been postponed due to the regulator's request for additional documents from both Coles and Saputo.

Should the watchdog approve the acquisition, Coles would achieve the distinction of becoming the first supermarket in Australia to own and operate its milk processing facilities.

Dairy farmers are concerned that this acquisition could further reduce competition and lead to lower milk prices.

Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket has increased the price of its brand of milk by 10 cents a litre, bringing the cost of 1L, 2L and 3L cartons to $1.70, $3.30 and $4.80, respectively.
  • The move has led to widespread criticism on social media, with many expressing concern for ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
  • A spokesperson for Coles confirmed the price increase, attributing it to ongoing cost increases in the supply chain.
  • Some customers have stated they would not mind the increase if they were assured that the extra money is going to the dairy farmers.



Members, do you regularly purchase Coles brand milk? If so, what is your reaction to these price hikes? Are you considering switching to other brands? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
I used to buy Coles and woolies milk, but recently when Coles put up their price(a few months back)I purchased dairy farmers and wow could you taste the difference, real milk and lasted longer, now I wont go back to Coles and woolies, also Aldi has a nice milk and cheaply sometimes get that, Actually I find I am buying more from Aldi lately and saving heaps, and I like human checkouts, ive tried some of their different and strange brands and found them actually superior
 
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Reactions: Ezzy
Our Dairy Farms used to be a dime a dozen when l was young, even having one a few KMs from where l once lived, but they've all disappeared. Competition, low return for products. We used to hear ads about drinking milk because this was good for us, but not anymore. Mothers with young babies are talking about using milk substitutes due to shortages. Not good at all for any age in our generation, is it?

So much missing from our milk now. Those of us old enough will remember the taste of milk in glass bottles with a metal top & thick layer of cream on top of the milk. A very different taste to today. This used to be so creamy.

We can't afford to lose all our Dairy Farmers due to circumstances beyond their control. Something has to change for them & us. More milk needs to be available from farmers without increasing the final cost to consumers.

WHAT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM & WHAT HAS IT EVER DONE TO REVERSE THIS TREND???
 
Coles are the rip off company that wants more profits ahead of their customers basic needs. They dont advertise their product increases because they are deceitful and greedy grubs. I wont shop there because of their dishonesty and I encourage others to do the same.
Where do you go then? Woolies will follow soon enough. They are all in it for financial gain. Shareholders want a return in their investment so these guys continue to plunder the customer for more money.
 
We don't need milk! Not in the quantities we consume. It should not be a major dietary staple. Eat better and you'll get all the calcium needed. And no, I'm not vegan or lactose intolerant, and I pumped that stuff into my kids too. I am however intolerant of the BS the dairy industry (and others) has been peddling us for years!
 
"We don't take the decision to raise prices lightly, particularly because of the increased cost-of-living pressures faced by our customers."

They don't care one bit, they just bang it up because they can, and it helps the shareholders.
Their loyalty lies in the shareholder....not the customer.. that's for sure.
 

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