Could you be overpaying? One shopper exposes the ‘infuriating’ cost of red capsicums at Woolworths
- Replies 45
The rising cost of living concerns many Australians, especially those on a fixed income. One area where this is particularly noticeable is the price of fresh produce.
Recently, a Woolworths shopper was left stunned by the 'outrageous' price of organic red capsicums, sparking a debate about the cost of organic produce and the value it offers.
While perusing the fresh vegetable section, the customer noticed that the Macro Organic red capsicums were priced at a staggering $16.90 for 400g.
The shopper took to social media to express their disbelief, sharing an image of the price tag and commenting, 'Nearly $17 for two organic capsicums.'
It is understood that organic produce is known to be more expensive than its non-organic counterparts due to the higher costs of farming.
However, the price of these capsicums, which equates to a staggering $42.25 per kilo, seemed extreme to many.
In comparison, a regular red capsicum from Woolworths costs $2.23 each, while green capsicums are priced at $1.73 each.
The high price of the organic capsicums sparked a lively discussion on social media, with some users even dubbing the price a 'scam'.
One user joked, 'I'm gonna start growing Capsicum, it's clearly lucrative,' while another quipped, 'Capsiscam'.
A third person asked, ‘Who in their right mind would buy capsicums at that price?!’
However, not everyone was surprised by the price. Some users pointed out that organic produce is typically more expensive, with one commenting, 'That's organic for you. The odd bunch are $5.50/kg.'
Another user argued that organic food is a 'scam' in itself, claiming that consumers are 'paying three times as much for something that's no different and is still covered in chemicals’.
In response to the controversy, a Woolworths spokesperson stated, 'We're acutely aware of the pressure that's being placed on Australian families through [the] cost of living increases, whether they are our customers or our team members.’
They continued, ‘We're doing more every day to help customers spend less with us. That's why we have more than 6,000 weekly specials, more than 3,000 products on our Low Price program, dropped the price of 150 products to help customers celebrate the festive season.'
Meanwhile, data from Deakin University’s Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition reported that vegetable prices in Australia have plunged to record lows, encouraged by optimum weather conditions that have resulted in an oversupply.
Analysts have highlighted that the price drop is the best value seen in years, with some varieties seeing reductions of 40 per cent. However, the report didn’t mention if it included the prices of organic produce. You can read more about it here.
Another issue raised in the social media discussion was using plastic packaging for fresh produce. One user commented, 'It is the amount of plastic around all these fruits and veggies that [annoys] me. I refuse to buy any fresh produce that is wrapped in plastic.'
Plastic waste is a major environmental issue, and supermarkets have come under fire for using unnecessary plastic packaging. In response, some supermarkets have introduced plastic-free aisles and encourage customers to bring their own bags for loose produce.
A new report has ranked the efforts of Woolworths, Coles, ALDI and IGA to reduce plastic use, with ALDI coming out on top with two out of five stars.
What are your thoughts on the price of organic produce, members? Have you noticed a significant price difference in your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Recently, a Woolworths shopper was left stunned by the 'outrageous' price of organic red capsicums, sparking a debate about the cost of organic produce and the value it offers.
While perusing the fresh vegetable section, the customer noticed that the Macro Organic red capsicums were priced at a staggering $16.90 for 400g.
The shopper took to social media to express their disbelief, sharing an image of the price tag and commenting, 'Nearly $17 for two organic capsicums.'
A Woolworths shopper was outraged to discover the price of red capsicums. Credit: Reddit
It is understood that organic produce is known to be more expensive than its non-organic counterparts due to the higher costs of farming.
However, the price of these capsicums, which equates to a staggering $42.25 per kilo, seemed extreme to many.
In comparison, a regular red capsicum from Woolworths costs $2.23 each, while green capsicums are priced at $1.73 each.
The high price of the organic capsicums sparked a lively discussion on social media, with some users even dubbing the price a 'scam'.
One user joked, 'I'm gonna start growing Capsicum, it's clearly lucrative,' while another quipped, 'Capsiscam'.
A third person asked, ‘Who in their right mind would buy capsicums at that price?!’
However, not everyone was surprised by the price. Some users pointed out that organic produce is typically more expensive, with one commenting, 'That's organic for you. The odd bunch are $5.50/kg.'
Another user argued that organic food is a 'scam' in itself, claiming that consumers are 'paying three times as much for something that's no different and is still covered in chemicals’.
In response to the controversy, a Woolworths spokesperson stated, 'We're acutely aware of the pressure that's being placed on Australian families through [the] cost of living increases, whether they are our customers or our team members.’
They continued, ‘We're doing more every day to help customers spend less with us. That's why we have more than 6,000 weekly specials, more than 3,000 products on our Low Price program, dropped the price of 150 products to help customers celebrate the festive season.'
Meanwhile, data from Deakin University’s Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition reported that vegetable prices in Australia have plunged to record lows, encouraged by optimum weather conditions that have resulted in an oversupply.
Analysts have highlighted that the price drop is the best value seen in years, with some varieties seeing reductions of 40 per cent. However, the report didn’t mention if it included the prices of organic produce. You can read more about it here.
Another issue raised in the social media discussion was using plastic packaging for fresh produce. One user commented, 'It is the amount of plastic around all these fruits and veggies that [annoys] me. I refuse to buy any fresh produce that is wrapped in plastic.'
Plastic waste is a major environmental issue, and supermarkets have come under fire for using unnecessary plastic packaging. In response, some supermarkets have introduced plastic-free aisles and encourage customers to bring their own bags for loose produce.
A new report has ranked the efforts of Woolworths, Coles, ALDI and IGA to reduce plastic use, with ALDI coming out on top with two out of five stars.
What are your thoughts on the price of organic produce, members? Have you noticed a significant price difference in your local supermarket? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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