Photo of $5.50 lettuce displayed at Coles sparks controversy, many point out that the image reflects Australia’s true cost of living
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A photo of lettuces on display on one of the shelves at a Coles store has sparked controversy among Aussies, with many pointing out that the image is a reflection of the true cost of living in the country.
Can you see what the fuss is all about?
The concerning image, posted on Reddit on Tuesday, has sparked an uproar on social media after it featured $5.50 lettuces being retailed at Coles.
A Coles shopper has taken to Reddit to share a photo of lettuces being sold for $5.50. Credit: Reddit.
Aussie social media users said that the "shocking" price of the crop did not surprise them as prices of commodities have drastically soared.
One person wrote: “A few weeks ago when our supermarkets had a massive food shortage as a last resort I went to my local Aldi to try and get some fresh fruit and vegetables."
“They had lettuce half this size and were charging $5.50 each for them.”
Another asked: "What's going on?"
"Nearly everything I routinely buy seems to have increased [by] 15-20%. The increases are not small."
We previously reported that several factors — such as the COVID economic recovery, high freight costs due to supply chain issues, recent extreme weather events, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict — are causing massive price hikes in groceries.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed these issues earlier this month at the AFR Business Summit, saying: “Food and grain prices are rising, which will pose challenges to lower-income economies, including many in our own region.”
“Commodity price rises will be the most obvious transmission channel to Australia. Petrol prices in Australia have risen like they are elsewhere.”
It should also be noted that last week, Ritchies IGA chief executive Fred Harrison warned Aussies to brace for the increase in prices on fresh and frozen food in the coming weeks.
Mr Harrison said: “Vegetables are very scarce at the moment due to the floods.”
“So we’ve seen cabbages, potatoes and broccoli in particular jump 75 per cent compared to a couple of weeks ago.”
While frozen products will still remain "relatively cheaper" compared to fresh produce, price hikes on various food items will remain high for at least six months.
“Frozen vegetables have not recovered from the pandemic,” he said.
“There’s a major shortage – whether it be McCain Foods or Simplot, suppliers are really battling to get the good stock weight to us.
“I’ve got no doubt those suppliers are going to put price increases through the system, but that will take a few months to come through.
“There is going to be a shortage of frozen products in the next couple of months, but it will still be relatively cheaper than buying fresh produce.”
Australians are warned to brace for soaring prices of groceries that may last for at least six months. Credit: Brad Fleet.
Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson also commented on the issue, saying that the company is working on minimising the impacts of inflation on its products.
The spokesperson said: "Coles’ mission is to build strong, multigenerational, collaborative partnerships with Australian farmers and producers”.
“These partnerships enable us to source directly from suppliers and help us secure faster, fresher produce at great value for our customers."
“We are supporting our suppliers in areas impacted by the recent floods by visiting their sites to meet with growers and understand their individual impact, purchasing the product they have available, and continuing to work collaboratively with them in coming weeks and months as they re-establish operations.”
What are your thoughts on this? Is the government doing enough to address the soaring prices of commodities? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!