Tasmania prepares for potential third major supermarket entrant

As Tasmanians navigate the aisles of their local Coles and Woolworths, many wonder if their grocery bills could be lighter.

The current supermarket duopoly in the state has long been a topic of discussion, with concerns that it limits competition and keeps prices high.

But there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as talks of introducing a third major player into the market could revolutionise the grocery game in Tasmania.


The idea of a new supermarket contender isn't just wishful thinking; it's gaining traction at the highest levels of state politics.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has expressed openness to the idea.

This statement comes amid growing concerns about the cost of living, with many Tasmanians feeling the pinch at the checkout.


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Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff shows openness to more supermarket competition if demand exists. Credit: Shutterstock


Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner is championing the push for a third major supermarket, highlighting the potential for significant grocery savings.

‘This is huge and could be the difference between having three or one meal daily,' he said.

‘Will your Government take the initiative and help introduce supermarket competition into the state to help alleviate the cost-of-living pressure that so many Tasmanians are currently facing?’


According to Jenner, Tasmanians could miss out on up to 30 per cent in savings due to the lack of competition.

In a passionate plea in parliament, Jenner underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that for some, this could mean the difference between having three meals a day or just one.

‘In terms of supermarket competition, we would welcome further competition if there was a market for that,’ Rockliff said.

‘We have the duopoly, as it’s called, and we have other IGAs across Tasmania.’

‘If there is a third player to come in that boosts that competition, then we would welcome that initiative.’


The call for a feasibility study into bringing a third major player to the state, backed by a proposed $1 million in the recent state budget, is a clear sign that the issue is being taken seriously.

Such a study would explore the viability of a new entrant and could lead to more affordable groceries for Tasmanian consumers.
Key Takeaways

  • Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has indicated openness to more supermarket competition if there is a market for it.
  • Tasmania's supermarket sector is currently dominated by a duopoly of Coles and Woolworths, potentially costing Tasmanians significant grocery savings.
  • Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner argued that increased competition could greatly alleviate cost-of-living pressures for Tasmanians.
  • Jenner has called for a feasibility study and suggested introducing a third major player could boost competition in the state's supermarket sector.
How do you feel about the current supermarket options in Tasmania? Would you welcome a third major player? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
 

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I live in Launceston & we could certainly use a proper shopping centre with more than a supermarket, Reject shop, newsagent & shoe shops. I shop online mostly but have a splurge on our yearly trip to Perth. Tasmania is a beautiful state but our winters are too cold & sometimes summer is a bit lacking. My husband loves it here, even the climate. You are so right about us needing train services. Are you near Snug. My niece lives there, up that terrible road to Snug Falls. She has a spectacular view though. I moan about Tassie but it’s home.
Yes l live ten mins from Snug .
l love Launceston but shopping wasn't very good when we lived there in 1979 only The Mall really. Loved Trevallyn we used to get boxes of apples around there for about $6 and also went strawberry picking. Brings back happy times taking about it.We spent a lot of time at Cataract Gorge but l never went on the Chair Lift my children loved the pool.ln some ways l like it better than Hobart.
 
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As they said only Coles, Woolworths & IGA, doesn't leave much but them.
Depends where they put a new player in the market? no good near Hobart for us northerners.
Two biggest problems in Tassie is cost & supply. Lots of supply issue, items on special with shelves empty doesn't help with the cost of living.
Is Aldi not represented in Tassie?
 
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Maybe looking at a site on the road leading to Cradle Mount to catch the tourist trade.

Beautiful Cradle Mountains is far out and last time l was there a long time ago there were hardly any shops around. We stayed in the cabins which were very basic and cheap with bunk beds, A child fell out of one of the bunks and ended in hospital. They had a little shop where you could buy bread which was frozen. Now it's been modernised and dearer to stay there.l wonder if the little animals still knock on the door for food!

 
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