With the hefty cost of living playing havoc for Australians, many shoppers were relieved when Coles and Woolworths introduced a price freeze on numerous products in the middle of last year, offering them some financial breathing room.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

It’s been reported that major supermarket Coles is set to end its price freeze on select products on Tuesday, January 31. Meanwhile, Woolworths already lapsed late last December.

This means prices on hundreds of items across both Coles and Woolworths shelves will go up, unless they introduce new pricing initiatives.

These developments are quite a nasty surprise for Australian consumers still grappling with high cost-of-living pressures as evidenced by astronomic inflation rates last year.

Coles and Woolworths have both stated they are committed to continuing to support customers through pricing adjustments. However, it is unclear what Coles plans to do once its price freeze ceases at the end of this month, but there are signals Aussie shoppers may see similar initiatives moving forward.

Many Aussies are in for quite a surprise this year with major supermarkets’ price freezes ending. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets

In an article by The Sydney Morning Herald, a spokesperson said: ‘Australian households are facing rising cost of living pressures, which is why we are continuing to invest in initiatives like “Dropped & Locked” to deliver trusted value to our customers.’

‘We will continue to focus on value through weekly specials, Down Down and Everyday Low Prices, which offer key staples at trusted pricing for the longer term.’

Tip

Check out some products covered by Coles’ price freeze here!

In October, Coles warned suppliers that they may not accept requests for price increases even if suppliers were able to justify their bids amid soaring prices of goods. Instead, suppliers were asked to cut operational costs.

Meanwhile, Woolworths is said to still be holding prices of goods covered by its previous price freeze.

‘We know cost-of-living pressures are being felt by Australian families, and throughout 2023 we will continue to work hard to help them save each time they shop with us,’ said a representative.

‘We will continue to review each cost increase request from our suppliers on a case-by-case basis, working together to sensitively manage market-wide inflationary pressures.’

Aussie consumers would surely benefit greatly if Coles and Woolworths follow through on their promises, considering there are concerns future interest rate hikes could cause the prices of grocery items to rise even higher.

Experts are torn as to what Aussies are in for in terms of interest rates this year, with some saying only one interest rate hike is expected, occurring within the first three months of 2023 and bringing the cash rate to 3.35 per cent.

However, other less optimistic outlooks expect more for the rest of 2023.

Aussie consumers are at the mercy of interest rate hikes for the rest of the year. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Hobi industri

Interest rate rises can cause a ripple effect, where costs get passed down the chain. With increased cash flow costs, producers are forced to increase prices of the goods they are providing to the supermarkets in order to cover those costs.

Ultimately, this places further pressure on consumers who will be faced with higher prices when at the supermarket.

In addition, market speculation and fluctuations due to the anticipation of rising interest rates can have an impact too.

Food commodities are traded on a global market and increased economic uncertainty as a result of rising interest rates can lead to market jitters, which could see prices for many food products increase rapidly.

This could cause major instability in the Australian food market, putting the cost of food out of the reach of a high number of households and further exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have imposed a price freeze on numerous products, however Woolworths ended its own last December, while Coles' is set to end on January 31.
• Interest rate rises could also see grocery prices surge. Experts are torn, however, on how many Aussies can expect the government to enact this year.
• Fruit and vegetable prices in Australia have risen by 16 per cent over the past 12 months, with bread and cereal prices up 10 per cent.
• Weather conditions, such as floods, have impacted on produce, resulting in higher prices.

According to retail analysts, fruit and vegetable prices have shot up 16 per cent in the past year alone, while bread and cereal prices have seen an increase of 10 per cent.

Last September saw a record-high consumer inflation rate for Australia at 7.3 per cent, which was attributed to soaring fuel and energy prices, and global downstream supply issues caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, foul weather, including massive floods hitting the east coast of Australia, contributed to the squeeze.

Source: YouTube/9 News Australia​

So, what are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

"Price Freeze"? What ***king Price Freeze?
Hardly a week goes by without finding (in addition to stripped-bare shelves) prices going up across the board. All they need is to spread a price-hike rumour and Up the prices go...
Seriously, people, the only thing the retailers understand is Supply & Demand; it's time for us to hit back with some old-fashioned Buyer Resistance.

 

[Suzanne rose]

They need to extend the price freeze and add other items.

Why not at least bring prices down on staples eg bread milk, rice, butter some meats and certain vegies eg potatoes.

Then increase other items eg luxury items

 

[Luckyus]

With the hefty cost of living playing havoc for Australians, many shoppers were relieved when Coles and Woolworths introduced a price freeze on numerous products in the middle of last year, offering them some financial breathing room.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

It’s been reported that major supermarket Coles is set to end its price freeze on select products on Tuesday, January 31. Meanwhile, Woolworths already lapsed late last December.

This means prices on hundreds of items across both Coles and Woolworths shelves will go up, unless they introduce new pricing initiatives.

These developments are quite a nasty surprise for Australian consumers still grappling with high cost-of-living pressures as evidenced by astronomic inflation rates last year.

Coles and Woolworths have both stated they are committed to continuing to support customers through pricing adjustments. However, it is unclear what Coles plans to do once its price freeze ceases at the end of this month, but there are signals Aussie shoppers may see similar initiatives moving forward.

View attachment 11364

Many Aussies are in for quite a surprise this year with major supermarkets’ price freezes ending. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets

In an article by The Sydney Morning Herald, a spokesperson said: ‘Australian households are facing rising cost of living pressures, which is why we are continuing to invest in initiatives like “Dropped & Locked” to deliver trusted value to our customers.’

‘We will continue to focus on value through weekly specials, Down Down and Everyday Low Prices, which offer key staples at trusted pricing for the longer term.’

Tip

Check out some products covered by Coles’ price freeze here!

In October, Coles warned suppliers that they may not accept requests for price increases even if suppliers were able to justify their bids amid soaring prices of goods. Instead, suppliers were asked to cut operational costs.

Meanwhile, Woolworths is said to still be holding prices of goods covered by its previous price freeze.

‘We know cost-of-living pressures are being felt by Australian families, and throughout 2023 we will continue to work hard to help them save each time they shop with us,’ said a representative.

‘We will continue to review each cost increase request from our suppliers on a case-by-case basis, working together to sensitively manage market-wide inflationary pressures.’

Aussie consumers would surely benefit greatly if Coles and Woolworths follow through on their promises, considering there are concerns future interest rate hikes could cause the prices of grocery items to rise even higher.

Experts are torn as to what Aussies are in for in terms of interest rates this year, with some saying only one interest rate hike is expected, occurring within the first three months of 2023 and bringing the cash rate to 3.35 per cent.

However, other less optimistic outlooks expect more for the rest of 2023.

View attachment 11365

Aussie consumers are at the mercy of interest rate hikes for the rest of the year. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Hobi industri

Interest rate rises can cause a ripple effect, where costs get passed down the chain. With increased cash flow costs, producers are forced to increase prices of the goods they are providing to the supermarkets in order to cover those costs.

Ultimately, this places further pressure on consumers who will be faced with higher prices when at the supermarket.

In addition, market speculation and fluctuations due to the anticipation of rising interest rates can have an impact too.

Food commodities are traded on a global market and increased economic uncertainty as a result of rising interest rates can lead to market jitters, which could see prices for many food products increase rapidly.

This could cause major instability in the Australian food market, putting the cost of food out of the reach of a high number of households and further exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have imposed a price freeze on numerous products, however Woolworths ended its own last December, while Coles' is set to end on January 31.
• Interest rate rises could also see grocery prices surge. Experts are torn, however, on how many Aussies can expect the government to enact this year.
• Fruit and vegetable prices in Australia have risen by 16 per cent over the past 12 months, with bread and cereal prices up 10 per cent.
• Weather conditions, such as floods, have impacted on produce, resulting in higher prices.

According to retail analysts, fruit and vegetable prices have shot up 16 per cent in the past year alone, while bread and cereal prices have seen an increase of 10 per cent.

Last September saw a record-high consumer inflation rate for Australia at 7.3 per cent, which was attributed to soaring fuel and energy prices, and global downstream supply issues caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, foul weather, including massive floods hitting the east coast of Australia, contributed to the squeeze.

Source: YouTube/9 News Australia​

So, what are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments below!

If it's too expensive then it will stay on the bloody shelf and rot.

 

[freedy50]

How long can they use floods and Ukraine as excuses?

So nowhere else in the country can grow any food people need other than in places where it floods.

Surely we don't need to import some of these goods from Ukraine? https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/imports/ukraine

 

[Anoush]

I didn't know there was a price freeze at one supermarket,,,it definitely didn't seem like it in the past while shopping,,massive hikes in things every household needs,,essentials,,,my groceries have sky rocketed by no less than $30 a week,,embarrassingly I have run out of money at the check-out,,luckily I had enough in my bank,,so that means there is no money for a week and there is only two in the house,,,it really isn't fair

 

[Penny4]

I remember years ago when bananas were an astronomical price & nobody would buy them.

 

[Singomate]

With the hefty cost of living playing havoc for Australians, many shoppers were relieved when Coles and Woolworths introduced a price freeze on numerous products in the middle of last year, offering them some financial breathing room.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

It’s been reported that major supermarket Coles is set to end its price freeze on select products on Tuesday, January 31. Meanwhile, Woolworths already lapsed late last December.

This means prices on hundreds of items across both Coles and Woolworths shelves will go up, unless they introduce new pricing initiatives.

These developments are quite a nasty surprise for Australian consumers still grappling with high cost-of-living pressures as evidenced by astronomic inflation rates last year.

Coles and Woolworths have both stated they are committed to continuing to support customers through pricing adjustments. However, it is unclear what Coles plans to do once its price freeze ceases at the end of this month, but there are signals Aussie shoppers may see similar initiatives moving forward.

View attachment 11364

Many Aussies are in for quite a surprise this year with major supermarkets’ price freezes ending. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets

In an article by The Sydney Morning Herald, a spokesperson said: ‘Australian households are facing rising cost of living pressures, which is why we are continuing to invest in initiatives like “Dropped & Locked” to deliver trusted value to our customers.’

‘We will continue to focus on value through weekly specials, Down Down and Everyday Low Prices, which offer key staples at trusted pricing for the longer term.’

Tip

Check out some products covered by Coles’ price freeze here!

In October, Coles warned suppliers that they may not accept requests for price increases even if suppliers were able to justify their bids amid soaring prices of goods. Instead, suppliers were asked to cut operational costs.

Meanwhile, Woolworths is said to still be holding prices of goods covered by its previous price freeze.

‘We know cost-of-living pressures are being felt by Australian families, and throughout 2023 we will continue to work hard to help them save each time they shop with us,’ said a representative.

‘We will continue to review each cost increase request from our suppliers on a case-by-case basis, working together to sensitively manage market-wide inflationary pressures.’

Aussie consumers would surely benefit greatly if Coles and Woolworths follow through on their promises, considering there are concerns future interest rate hikes could cause the prices of grocery items to rise even higher.

Experts are torn as to what Aussies are in for in terms of interest rates this year, with some saying only one interest rate hike is expected, occurring within the first three months of 2023 and bringing the cash rate to 3.35 per cent.

However, other less optimistic outlooks expect more for the rest of 2023.

View attachment 11365

Aussie consumers are at the mercy of interest rate hikes for the rest of the year. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Hobi industri

Interest rate rises can cause a ripple effect, where costs get passed down the chain. With increased cash flow costs, producers are forced to increase prices of the goods they are providing to the supermarkets in order to cover those costs.

Ultimately, this places further pressure on consumers who will be faced with higher prices when at the supermarket.

In addition, market speculation and fluctuations due to the anticipation of rising interest rates can have an impact too.

Food commodities are traded on a global market and increased economic uncertainty as a result of rising interest rates can lead to market jitters, which could see prices for many food products increase rapidly.

This could cause major instability in the Australian food market, putting the cost of food out of the reach of a high number of households and further exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have imposed a price freeze on numerous products, however Woolworths ended its own last December, while Coles' is set to end on January 31.
• Interest rate rises could also see grocery prices surge. Experts are torn, however, on how many Aussies can expect the government to enact this year.
• Fruit and vegetable prices in Australia have risen by 16 per cent over the past 12 months, with bread and cereal prices up 10 per cent.
• Weather conditions, such as floods, have impacted on produce, resulting in higher prices.

According to retail analysts, fruit and vegetable prices have shot up 16 per cent in the past year alone, while bread and cereal prices have seen an increase of 10 per cent.

Last September saw a record-high consumer inflation rate for Australia at 7.3 per cent, which was attributed to soaring fuel and energy prices, and global downstream supply issues caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, foul weather, including massive floods hitting the east coast of Australia, contributed to the squeeze.

Source: YouTube/9 News Australia​

So, what are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments below!

Good to these so-called Australian Companies are looking after us gouging again, well at least we still have Aldi.

 

[Cherelle]

There has not been a price freeze in Woolworths, I shop there every week and Cracker Barrel cheese slices were just under $7 4 weeks ago and yet when I bought them on 7th January,23 they were $9.70. Everything haas gone up in price, no price freeze and what Woolworths did do was put the prices up just before the so-called price freeze and kept putting them up.

 

[Sunnyside]

I didn’t notice a price freeze. My grocery bill is way bigger than it was half way through last year. I would say it’s been a lot more since about September. Just saying…
Heather

 

[Tipsy]

With the hefty cost of living playing havoc for Australians, many shoppers were relieved when Coles and Woolworths introduced a price freeze on numerous products in the middle of last year, offering them some financial breathing room.

But alas, all good things must come to an end.

It’s been reported that major supermarket Coles is set to end its price freeze on select products on Tuesday, January 31. Meanwhile, Woolworths already lapsed late last December.

This means prices on hundreds of items across both Coles and Woolworths shelves will go up, unless they introduce new pricing initiatives.

These developments are quite a nasty surprise for Australian consumers still grappling with high cost-of-living pressures as evidenced by astronomic inflation rates last year.

Coles and Woolworths have both stated they are committed to continuing to support customers through pricing adjustments. However, it is unclear what Coles plans to do once its price freeze ceases at the end of this month, but there are signals Aussie shoppers may see similar initiatives moving forward.

View attachment 11364

Many Aussies are in for quite a surprise this year with major supermarkets’ price freezes ending. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets

In an article by The Sydney Morning Herald, a spokesperson said: ‘Australian households are facing rising cost of living pressures, which is why we are continuing to invest in initiatives like “Dropped & Locked” to deliver trusted value to our customers.’

‘We will continue to focus on value through weekly specials, Down Down and Everyday Low Prices, which offer key staples at trusted pricing for the longer term.’

Tip

Check out some products covered by Coles’ price freeze here!

In October, Coles warned suppliers that they may not accept requests for price increases even if suppliers were able to justify their bids amid soaring prices of goods. Instead, suppliers were asked to cut operational costs.

Meanwhile, Woolworths is said to still be holding prices of goods covered by its previous price freeze.

‘We know cost-of-living pressures are being felt by Australian families, and throughout 2023 we will continue to work hard to help them save each time they shop with us,’ said a representative.

‘We will continue to review each cost increase request from our suppliers on a case-by-case basis, working together to sensitively manage market-wide inflationary pressures.’

Aussie consumers would surely benefit greatly if Coles and Woolworths follow through on their promises, considering there are concerns future interest rate hikes could cause the prices of grocery items to rise even higher.

Experts are torn as to what Aussies are in for in terms of interest rates this year, with some saying only one interest rate hike is expected, occurring within the first three months of 2023 and bringing the cash rate to 3.35 per cent.

However, other less optimistic outlooks expect more for the rest of 2023.

View attachment 11365

Aussie consumers are at the mercy of interest rate hikes for the rest of the year. Stock Image Credit: Pexels/Hobi industri

Interest rate rises can cause a ripple effect, where costs get passed down the chain. With increased cash flow costs, producers are forced to increase prices of the goods they are providing to the supermarkets in order to cover those costs.

Ultimately, this places further pressure on consumers who will be faced with higher prices when at the supermarket.

In addition, market speculation and fluctuations due to the anticipation of rising interest rates can have an impact too.

Food commodities are traded on a global market and increased economic uncertainty as a result of rising interest rates can lead to market jitters, which could see prices for many food products increase rapidly.

This could cause major instability in the Australian food market, putting the cost of food out of the reach of a high number of households and further exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have imposed a price freeze on numerous products, however Woolworths ended its own last December, while Coles' is set to end on January 31.
• Interest rate rises could also see grocery prices surge. Experts are torn, however, on how many Aussies can expect the government to enact this year.
• Fruit and vegetable prices in Australia have risen by 16 per cent over the past 12 months, with bread and cereal prices up 10 per cent.
• Weather conditions, such as floods, have impacted on produce, resulting in higher prices.

According to retail analysts, fruit and vegetable prices have shot up 16 per cent in the past year alone, while bread and cereal prices have seen an increase of 10 per cent.

Last September saw a record-high consumer inflation rate for Australia at 7.3 per cent, which was attributed to soaring fuel and energy prices, and global downstream supply issues caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, foul weather, including massive floods hitting the east coast of Australia, contributed to the squeeze.

Source: YouTube/9 News Australia​

So, what are your thoughts on this? Share them with us in the comments below!

what freeze.... they have never stopped going up even tho in small increments

 

[Kgee]

I didn’t notice a price freeze. My grocery bill is way bigger than it was half way through last year. I would say it’s been a lot more since about September. Just saying…
Heather

I agree. My grocery shop keeps increasing yet i only buy what i need. No extras.

 

[Evol P]

Good to these so-called Australian Companies are looking after us gouging again, well at least we still have Aldi.

Whaaaa!!! WE don't!

 

[Evol P]

We won't notice any difference. It seems all the price freezes were junk and convenience foods.
Fresh healthy food just goes up and up and I'll bet the farmers don't see any of it.