Is this the end of cheap tomatoes? Coles shopper outraged over $13 per kilo price tag
- Replies 4
A Coles shopper has taken to Reddit to share that tomatoes now cost $12.90/kg in his local store.
This news comes as a shock to many, as the humble tomato is usually one of the more affordable items in the fresh produce section of supermarkets.
"Tomatoes are the new avocado," the customer wrote, making light of the popular cliche of overpriced ‘avo on toast’ that the younger generations have for brunch, and noting that other fresh produce is following suit after skyrocketing costs made headlines earlier this year.
A Coles customer took to Reddit to share the high cost of a tomato, comparing it with the skyrocketing price of other groceries. Credit: Reddit.
The post has sparked a discussion among Australian users, with some users sharing their own experiences with the skyrocketing cost of tomatoes.
One user wrote: "Coworker's wife wasn't paying attention, it cost her $5 for ONE piece."
Several pointed out that tomatoes are currently out of season, hence the increased price.
One person claimed: "Seasonal produce outside of its typical harvest is going to cost more."
Meanwhile, another user emphasised that truss tomatoes, which the shopper purchased, were more expensive than regular tomatoes.
The user wrote: "Regular tomato is $9.90kg. Truss has always been more expensive."
However, it seems that the rising costs of freight and fertiliser are at least partly to blame.
One Reddit user, who claims to work at a tomato farm in NSW, says that freight prices have risen sharply in the last 6 months, from 30k to 50k per shipment. This, combined with the cost of fertiliser, which is often imported, is driving up the price of tomatoes.
The worker explained: "I work at a tomato farm in NSW. We buy our fertiliser from across the ocean. Our freight prices in the last 6 months rose from 30k to 50k."
"Sea freight is ghastly. I look after an imported category of products from Korea. A couple of years ago we were paying about 2500 for a 40' container, taking about 30 days (Inc road time at each end). Lately, it's over 10k and 100-day turnaround."
"So look forward to even higher fruit and veg prices I guess!"
Other users have reported seeing similarly high prices for other fruits and vegetables, such as capsicum and lettuce. [READ: Pair of shoppers spark outrage after stripping the outer leaves of iceberg lettuces and filling their trolley]
One comment read: "I take it you haven't bought capsicum recently. $12 in QLD."
"I haven't even been able to find capsicum recently, I took the last sad looking one off the shelf at the Coles near me a few weeks ago and they haven't returned," another shared.
A third added: "I saw a lettuce for $12 the other day."
So what can we do about it? One Reddit user has a pro tip – go for the tinned tomatoes!
Shoppers pointed out that capsicums are also currently being sold at high prices. Credit: HealthyFood.com.
Tinned tomatoes are a great way to get your tomato fix without having to pay high prices.
Nutritionist Susie Burrell said that with fresh tomatoes currently costing $10 to $14 per kilo in supermarket stores, tinned tomatoes can be a budget-friendly alternative.
She explained: "Not only is it hard to find fresh tomatoes that are flavoursome but canned tomatoes have been cooked, which means they offer the nutrient lycopene, known for its power anti-cancer action, especially for prostate cancer."
It seems like price hikes will not be slowing down anytime soon. The SDC team is committed to delivering fresh information on the best deals and money-saving tips, so make sure to always check out the website's Money-Saving Hacks section and Deals, Discounts, and Bargains section so you can plan out your finances.
What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you noticed this drastic price increase in tomatoes at your local store? Share your insights with us in the comments below.
This news comes as a shock to many, as the humble tomato is usually one of the more affordable items in the fresh produce section of supermarkets.
"Tomatoes are the new avocado," the customer wrote, making light of the popular cliche of overpriced ‘avo on toast’ that the younger generations have for brunch, and noting that other fresh produce is following suit after skyrocketing costs made headlines earlier this year.
A Coles customer took to Reddit to share the high cost of a tomato, comparing it with the skyrocketing price of other groceries. Credit: Reddit.
The post has sparked a discussion among Australian users, with some users sharing their own experiences with the skyrocketing cost of tomatoes.
One user wrote: "Coworker's wife wasn't paying attention, it cost her $5 for ONE piece."
Several pointed out that tomatoes are currently out of season, hence the increased price.
One person claimed: "Seasonal produce outside of its typical harvest is going to cost more."
Meanwhile, another user emphasised that truss tomatoes, which the shopper purchased, were more expensive than regular tomatoes.
The user wrote: "Regular tomato is $9.90kg. Truss has always been more expensive."
However, it seems that the rising costs of freight and fertiliser are at least partly to blame.
One Reddit user, who claims to work at a tomato farm in NSW, says that freight prices have risen sharply in the last 6 months, from 30k to 50k per shipment. This, combined with the cost of fertiliser, which is often imported, is driving up the price of tomatoes.
The worker explained: "I work at a tomato farm in NSW. We buy our fertiliser from across the ocean. Our freight prices in the last 6 months rose from 30k to 50k."
"Sea freight is ghastly. I look after an imported category of products from Korea. A couple of years ago we were paying about 2500 for a 40' container, taking about 30 days (Inc road time at each end). Lately, it's over 10k and 100-day turnaround."
"So look forward to even higher fruit and veg prices I guess!"
Other users have reported seeing similarly high prices for other fruits and vegetables, such as capsicum and lettuce. [READ: Pair of shoppers spark outrage after stripping the outer leaves of iceberg lettuces and filling their trolley]
One comment read: "I take it you haven't bought capsicum recently. $12 in QLD."
"I haven't even been able to find capsicum recently, I took the last sad looking one off the shelf at the Coles near me a few weeks ago and they haven't returned," another shared.
A third added: "I saw a lettuce for $12 the other day."
So what can we do about it? One Reddit user has a pro tip – go for the tinned tomatoes!
Shoppers pointed out that capsicums are also currently being sold at high prices. Credit: HealthyFood.com.
Tinned tomatoes are a great way to get your tomato fix without having to pay high prices.
Nutritionist Susie Burrell said that with fresh tomatoes currently costing $10 to $14 per kilo in supermarket stores, tinned tomatoes can be a budget-friendly alternative.
She explained: "Not only is it hard to find fresh tomatoes that are flavoursome but canned tomatoes have been cooked, which means they offer the nutrient lycopene, known for its power anti-cancer action, especially for prostate cancer."
It seems like price hikes will not be slowing down anytime soon. The SDC team is committed to delivering fresh information on the best deals and money-saving tips, so make sure to always check out the website's Money-Saving Hacks section and Deals, Discounts, and Bargains section so you can plan out your finances.
What are your thoughts on this? Better yet, have you noticed this drastic price increase in tomatoes at your local store? Share your insights with us in the comments below.
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