'People are fed up': Interview with major supermarket executives draw flak amid rising grocery costs
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In a time when every penny counts, the rising cost of groceries is more than just a minor inconvenience—it's a significant strain on the budget.
It's no wonder that a recent video resonated with so many Australians and sparked a heated debate about the major supermarkets' pricing practices.
Victorian MP and Greens member Aiv Puglielli caught people's attention with a video that put a spotlight on Aussie supermarkets and what he called 'rip-off' prices.
The video featured a candid interview with Woolworths Chief Commercial Officer Paul Harker and Coles Head of Public Affairs Adam Fitzgibbons.
He asked both executives if it was still feasible to feed a family for under $10.
In the video, both supermarket representatives incorrectly quoted the price of a 450g packet of shredded cheese.
When Puglielli revealed that the cheapest option is $7.50 at Coles, and Woolworths pricing the same item at $9.50, it's clear that a $10 family meal is far from reality.
'What is it? A handful of cheese each?' Puglielli quipped.
'Who knows what they're going to do with the remaining $2.50? It's pretty bleak,' he added.
The aftermath of the interview saw Coles raising their cheese price to match Woolworths'—adding fuel to the fire.
The prices have been a long-standing sentiment echoed across the country.
'My colleagues and myself have been hearing this for ages now—people are paying too much at the checkout,' Puglielli shared.
Puglielli also raised concerns about farmers who feel they are not getting a fair deal from these supermarkets.
'Coles and Woolies make billions of dollars in profit. Millions of dollars are paid to the CEOs every year, and it just doesn't stack up. People are fed up,' he concluded.
According to recent data, Coles and Woolworths have a duopoly that holds about 70 per cent of the market share in Australia.
This dominance could allow them to set prices, much to the detriment of the average consumer.
Earlier this year, a Senate inquiry suggested that Coles and Woolworths are setting unfair prices and abusing their market power.
Lawmakers also suggested amending the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to prevent price-gouging.
Puglielli's call to action is clear: grocery shopping should be an essential service, with price caps on key items like bread, cheese, and vegetables for accessibility, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
Watch a clip of the interview here:
Source: @aivgoesgreen/Instagram
'People need to make their voices heard,' Puglielli urges, pointing out that the record-high prices are unacceptable.
While it's important to manage a budget, it should not compromise the quality of life or, in this case, the food we consume.
This interview reminds us that the cost-of-living crisis is a daily challenge that could affect what we put on our tables.
What do you think of this interview? Have you noticed a significant increase in your grocery bills? Do you have strategies or alternatives that offer better value for money? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.
It's no wonder that a recent video resonated with so many Australians and sparked a heated debate about the major supermarkets' pricing practices.
Victorian MP and Greens member Aiv Puglielli caught people's attention with a video that put a spotlight on Aussie supermarkets and what he called 'rip-off' prices.
The video featured a candid interview with Woolworths Chief Commercial Officer Paul Harker and Coles Head of Public Affairs Adam Fitzgibbons.
He asked both executives if it was still feasible to feed a family for under $10.
In the video, both supermarket representatives incorrectly quoted the price of a 450g packet of shredded cheese.
Greens member Aiv Puglielli invited both Coles and Woolworths executives on an online meeting to discuss about the prices of some staple grocery items. Image Credit: Instagram/Aiv Puglielli
When Puglielli revealed that the cheapest option is $7.50 at Coles, and Woolworths pricing the same item at $9.50, it's clear that a $10 family meal is far from reality.
'What is it? A handful of cheese each?' Puglielli quipped.
'Who knows what they're going to do with the remaining $2.50? It's pretty bleak,' he added.
The aftermath of the interview saw Coles raising their cheese price to match Woolworths'—adding fuel to the fire.
The prices have been a long-standing sentiment echoed across the country.
'My colleagues and myself have been hearing this for ages now—people are paying too much at the checkout,' Puglielli shared.
Puglielli also raised concerns about farmers who feel they are not getting a fair deal from these supermarkets.
'Coles and Woolies make billions of dollars in profit. Millions of dollars are paid to the CEOs every year, and it just doesn't stack up. People are fed up,' he concluded.
According to recent data, Coles and Woolworths have a duopoly that holds about 70 per cent of the market share in Australia.
This dominance could allow them to set prices, much to the detriment of the average consumer.
Earlier this year, a Senate inquiry suggested that Coles and Woolworths are setting unfair prices and abusing their market power.
Lawmakers also suggested amending the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to prevent price-gouging.
Puglielli's call to action is clear: grocery shopping should be an essential service, with price caps on key items like bread, cheese, and vegetables for accessibility, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
Watch a clip of the interview here:
Source: @aivgoesgreen/Instagram
'People need to make their voices heard,' Puglielli urges, pointing out that the record-high prices are unacceptable.
While it's important to manage a budget, it should not compromise the quality of life or, in this case, the food we consume.
This interview reminds us that the cost-of-living crisis is a daily challenge that could affect what we put on our tables.
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