Supermarket showdown: Survey reveals price differences between three major retailers
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As the cost of living continues to rise, many people are more aware of their expenses than ever.
A recent study by consumer group CHOICE shed some light on the supermarket where you can save 25 per cent on your weekly shopping—a significant saving amid the pinch of increased costs.
These findings should be of particular interest to those who want to reduce their grocery bills.
As a response to the growing frustration over supermarket prices and living costs, the Albanese government commissioned a quarterly survey to be conducted for the next three years.
Last March, 81 undercover shoppers were dispatched to various regional and metropolitan supermarkets nationwide, including 27 Woolworths, 27 Coles, 23 ALDI shops, and 4 IGA stores.
These shoppers recorded the prices of 14 common grocery items, including packaged products, fresh fruit and vegetables, Weet-Bix, and milk.
According to CHOICE chief executive Ashley de Silva, ALDI emerged as the 'clear leader on value for money'.
The basket of 14 products at ALDI cost just $51.51, which is about 25 per cent cheaper than the same basket at Coles or Woolworths.
Coles was the most expensive at $69.33, while Woolworths trailed behind at $68.58.
Aside from prices, locations played a significant role throughout the survey.
There are no ALDI stores in Tasmania or the Northern Territory, where the prices are 'significantly more'.
Western Australians also pay more on average—around a dollar more for a basket of items—than people in other parts of the country.
In Victoria, the average basket cost was $62.85, with ALDI again being the cheapest option.
New South Wales and Queensland showed similar trends, with ALDI offering the most savings; Coles and Woolworths prices also matched closely.
CHOICE's commitment to supermarket price research every quarter is a boon for consumers.
'This kind of transparency is more important than ever as the cost of living crisis continues, and prices of basic grocery items climb,' Mr de Silva pointed out.
'Competition is the consumer's friend. Economics teaches us that monopolies tend to overcharge and underdeliver.'
Federal Competition Minister Andrew Leigh said that the government received the report well.
'Australians are under cost-of-living pressure, and we know that a lot of that pressure piles on at the cash register,' he said.
'This research will help consumers make more informed choices so they can get cheaper prices at the checkout.'
Former Labor minister Craig Emerson's review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct could determine whether it effectively improves supermarkets' conduct towards their suppliers.
The findings of this review could have further implications for our shopping experiences and costs.
For members who have an ALDI store nearby, it might be worth trying it for your next grocery run.
Knowing the price differences could help you make more cost-effective decisions or even prompt you to split your shop between stores to maximise savings.
Have you noticed a difference in your grocery bills when shopping at different supermarkets? Do you have any tips for stretching your dollar further at the checkout? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
A recent study by consumer group CHOICE shed some light on the supermarket where you can save 25 per cent on your weekly shopping—a significant saving amid the pinch of increased costs.
These findings should be of particular interest to those who want to reduce their grocery bills.
As a response to the growing frustration over supermarket prices and living costs, the Albanese government commissioned a quarterly survey to be conducted for the next three years.
Last March, 81 undercover shoppers were dispatched to various regional and metropolitan supermarkets nationwide, including 27 Woolworths, 27 Coles, 23 ALDI shops, and 4 IGA stores.
These shoppers recorded the prices of 14 common grocery items, including packaged products, fresh fruit and vegetables, Weet-Bix, and milk.
Grocery prices have steadily increased over the years, causing concerns for shoppers nationwide. Image Credit: Pexels/Tara Clark
According to CHOICE chief executive Ashley de Silva, ALDI emerged as the 'clear leader on value for money'.
The basket of 14 products at ALDI cost just $51.51, which is about 25 per cent cheaper than the same basket at Coles or Woolworths.
Coles was the most expensive at $69.33, while Woolworths trailed behind at $68.58.
Aside from prices, locations played a significant role throughout the survey.
There are no ALDI stores in Tasmania or the Northern Territory, where the prices are 'significantly more'.
Western Australians also pay more on average—around a dollar more for a basket of items—than people in other parts of the country.
In Victoria, the average basket cost was $62.85, with ALDI again being the cheapest option.
New South Wales and Queensland showed similar trends, with ALDI offering the most savings; Coles and Woolworths prices also matched closely.
CHOICE's commitment to supermarket price research every quarter is a boon for consumers.
'This kind of transparency is more important than ever as the cost of living crisis continues, and prices of basic grocery items climb,' Mr de Silva pointed out.
'Competition is the consumer's friend. Economics teaches us that monopolies tend to overcharge and underdeliver.'
Federal Competition Minister Andrew Leigh said that the government received the report well.
'Australians are under cost-of-living pressure, and we know that a lot of that pressure piles on at the cash register,' he said.
'This research will help consumers make more informed choices so they can get cheaper prices at the checkout.'
Former Labor minister Craig Emerson's review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct could determine whether it effectively improves supermarkets' conduct towards their suppliers.
The findings of this review could have further implications for our shopping experiences and costs.
For members who have an ALDI store nearby, it might be worth trying it for your next grocery run.
Knowing the price differences could help you make more cost-effective decisions or even prompt you to split your shop between stores to maximise savings.
