Prices are about to go up! Here's what you need to know about the Woolworths and Coles price hike
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Summer is here, which means everyone’s stocking up on their favourite seasonal fruit! But before you head to your local supermarket to load up on stone fruits such as peaches and apricots, you may want to brace yourself for a bit of bad news.
Due to the recent record rainfall and devastating floods, Australians may find that some of their favourite fruits will be harder to find – and more expensive – in the lead-up to Christmas.
Woolworths and Coles – two of the country’s supermarket giants – are starting to feel the impact of the floods on their produce supply. They also warned shoppers of potential shortages as farmers continue to work through the effects of natural disasters to save their harvest.
As a result, fruits (such as peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines) are going to see a price hike as recent floods affected the supply and transport of fruit coming from New South Wales, Victoria, and other key agricultural areas in the country.
A spokesperson from Coles released a statement regarding this matter: ‘The floods are impacting the ability to pick, pack, and transport fresh fruit around the country.’
They added that farmers – despite doing an ‘amazing’ job in mitigating the impact of natural disasters – have a lower supply of early-season stone fruit.
They explained that while floods have affected growers and suppliers for a few weeks now, supermarkets remain hopeful that the ‘quality, taste, and availability of the produce won’t be impacted into summer’.
Brad Banducci, Woolworths’ CEO, addressed Everyday Rewards Members to explain that they also expect a ‘delayed start’ to the season’s fruits and vegetables, as La Nina continues to ‘wreak havoc’.
‘The poor weather, especially in Tasmania, has also impacted the supply of frozen vegetables (such as corn and potatoes) and potato crisps,’ Mr Banducci shared.
He also mentioned, however, that mangoes have more supply on the way – so at least there’s a bit of good news!
He added: ‘We’re working hard to make sure we have enough stock of everything, but please bear with us if you’re currently seeing some gaps. The poor weather has compounded ongoing supply chain challenges (like shortages in raw materials, pallets, and truck drivers), so it’s anything but straightforward.’
Both Coles and Woolies said that they are working with farmers and other suppliers in the affected regions, as a pledge of support for those who have been negatively affected by the bad weather conditions.
The President of the NSW Farmers Association, Xavier Martin, admitted that they expect the financial impact of the weather events (and the supply shortages) to be ‘enormous’.
‘We know these farms are homes, not just workplaces, and having to deal with the uncertainty, stress, and anxiety of living through this ongoing cycle of natural disasters is challenging.’
‘A lot of this flood damage cannot be insured against, and we’ll be feeling the impact well into next year in terms of missing the summer sowing window because the ground is still so wet,’ he added.
NSW Farmers released a separate statement, calling for increased emergency payments to flood-affected communities.
‘There needs to be a rapid and equitable natural disaster response no matter where you live, so people know what to expect and can access the help they need,’ Mr Martin explained.
‘It is critical that the state and federal governments now offer the same sort of support they gave to farmers and businesses up north earlier in the year because these natural disasters take a long time to recover from – both emotionally and financially.’
What do you think about this, members? How will this affect your budget this summer? Do you know any farmers doing it tough? Let us know in the comments below!
Due to the recent record rainfall and devastating floods, Australians may find that some of their favourite fruits will be harder to find – and more expensive – in the lead-up to Christmas.
Woolworths and Coles – two of the country’s supermarket giants – are starting to feel the impact of the floods on their produce supply. They also warned shoppers of potential shortages as farmers continue to work through the effects of natural disasters to save their harvest.
As a result, fruits (such as peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines) are going to see a price hike as recent floods affected the supply and transport of fruit coming from New South Wales, Victoria, and other key agricultural areas in the country.
It’ll be harder to enjoy your favourite fruit this Christmas. Credit: Karolina Grabowska in Pexels
A spokesperson from Coles released a statement regarding this matter: ‘The floods are impacting the ability to pick, pack, and transport fresh fruit around the country.’
They added that farmers – despite doing an ‘amazing’ job in mitigating the impact of natural disasters – have a lower supply of early-season stone fruit.
They explained that while floods have affected growers and suppliers for a few weeks now, supermarkets remain hopeful that the ‘quality, taste, and availability of the produce won’t be impacted into summer’.
Brad Banducci, Woolworths’ CEO, addressed Everyday Rewards Members to explain that they also expect a ‘delayed start’ to the season’s fruits and vegetables, as La Nina continues to ‘wreak havoc’.
‘The poor weather, especially in Tasmania, has also impacted the supply of frozen vegetables (such as corn and potatoes) and potato crisps,’ Mr Banducci shared.
He also mentioned, however, that mangoes have more supply on the way – so at least there’s a bit of good news!
He added: ‘We’re working hard to make sure we have enough stock of everything, but please bear with us if you’re currently seeing some gaps. The poor weather has compounded ongoing supply chain challenges (like shortages in raw materials, pallets, and truck drivers), so it’s anything but straightforward.’
Mango season is upon us. Credit: Susan Flores in Pexels
Both Coles and Woolies said that they are working with farmers and other suppliers in the affected regions, as a pledge of support for those who have been negatively affected by the bad weather conditions.
The President of the NSW Farmers Association, Xavier Martin, admitted that they expect the financial impact of the weather events (and the supply shortages) to be ‘enormous’.
‘We know these farms are homes, not just workplaces, and having to deal with the uncertainty, stress, and anxiety of living through this ongoing cycle of natural disasters is challenging.’
Farmers bear the brunt of the situation. Credit: Tom Fisk in Pexels
‘A lot of this flood damage cannot be insured against, and we’ll be feeling the impact well into next year in terms of missing the summer sowing window because the ground is still so wet,’ he added.
NSW Farmers released a separate statement, calling for increased emergency payments to flood-affected communities.
‘There needs to be a rapid and equitable natural disaster response no matter where you live, so people know what to expect and can access the help they need,’ Mr Martin explained.
‘It is critical that the state and federal governments now offer the same sort of support they gave to farmers and businesses up north earlier in the year because these natural disasters take a long time to recover from – both emotionally and financially.’
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at really great prices in Sydney 
