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.


1729131337552.png
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.
 
Sponsored
They need some competition down there as the prices of everything is ridiculous. Us mainlanders whinge about the prices but poor Tasmanians have to just deal with what is there. They have very little competition in their daily everything.
You do get used to it when you live in Tassie but I do find the lack of competition rather frustrating. Another supermarket would be great but I’m not expecting it to happen anytime soon. I think that’s why I’ve turned into an online shopper, along with a lot of others who reside in Tasmania. Another thing that annoys me with people here is that a lot of them expect top rate services wherever they live because we can’t be expected to drive a few kilometres to get there, let alone pay for parking when they get there. It’s a beautiful state and certainly worth a visit, but living here is different.
 
Another "no story here"! How about some real news? Just because we are older does not mean we are stupid
Do we want to see the real news? I personally prefer to have items like this opposed to the politics, lies and others thinking they are better than me because they live in a ritzy suburb and have attended some posh school. You should read these articles as they are meant, for a bit of information and highlighting that not everyone has it as easy as others do.
 
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.
 
We’re not that badly off in Tassie, while it would be wonderful to have a larger variety of stores we have Post Offices everywhere for our online deliveries! Tasmania isn’t that large that you’re confined to one area, I’m only roughly 2hours from Hobart. Our lack of public transport is a problem & Launceston has a shortage of taxi’s which makes it hard for seniors who no longer drive. I actually haven’t noticed a lot of difference in food prices between my local supermarket & my sons in Perth but will pay more attention this year. I think people who live in remote areas on the mainland where they travel for many hours to seek medical attention, or shop etc are far worse off than Tasmanian’s. Air travel out of Tassie can be difficult as you usually have to get to Melbourne first, but fortunately there are direct flights to Perth over summer so that’s convenient, only I hate being confined for over 4 hours but that’s entirely my problem.
 
I will believe it when I see it. This has been rumoured for ages but Coles & Woolies have areas tied up. It has also been told that the big 2 buy up big tracks of land to stop other supermarkets going there. Aldi says Tasmania doesn't have the population so won't come here. Another Supermarket hopefully would help.
 
I will believe it when I see it. This has been rumoured for ages but Coles & Woolies have areas tied up. It has also been told that the big 2 buy up big tracks of land to stop other supermarkets going there. Aldi says Tasmania doesn't have the population so won't come here. Another Supermarket hopefully would help.
Aldi should come here and see for themselves there are plenty of people here
BRING IN THE COMPETITION The good guys had to wait 7 years to get here. Why?
IGA is not competition and they know it.
IGA in Snug is not cheaper than Coles or Woolies.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Iggydi and PattiB
We’re not that badly off in Tassie, while it would be wonderful to have a larger variety of stores we have Post Offices everywhere for our online deliveries! Tasmania isn’t that large that you’re confined to one area, I’m only roughly 2hours from Hobart. Our lack of public transport is a problem & Launceston has a shortage of taxi’s which makes it hard for seniors who no longer drive. I actually haven’t noticed a lot of difference in food prices between my local supermarket & my sons in Perth but will pay more attention this year. I think people who live in remote areas on the mainland where they travel for many hours to seek medical attention, or shop etc are far worse off than Tasmanian’s. Air travel out of Tassie can be difficult as you usually have to get to Melbourne first, but fortunately there are direct flights to Perth over summer so that’s convenient, only I hate being confined for over 4 hours but that’s entirely my problem.
l love Tasmania mostly because it doesn't get too hot and cools down at night. l live about 30 mins south of Hobart .What we really need is a train service covering all of Tasmania and it wouldn't go amiss to have sewage and water connection plus postal delivery near us after all we are in the 21st. Century but l think the Council have gone to sleep.
We have lots of shops in Hobart and Rosny has good shopping too so why would we need another unless it's in Kingston.
 
l love Tasmania mostly because it doesn't get too hot and cools down at night. l live about 30 mins south of Hobart .What we really need is a train service covering all of Tasmania and it wouldn't go amiss to have sewage and water connection plus postal delivery near us after all we are in the 21st. Century but l think the Council have gone to sleep.
We have lots of shops in Hobart and Rosny has good shopping too so why would we need another unless it's in Kingston.
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.
 
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.
My Brother in law and Sister in law lived in Snug. There isn't much transport around Tassie at all. My Sister in law doesn't drive and my Brother in law passed away just before COVID. She moved to Kingston so she was closer to her kids and could get around
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ebby and PattiB

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×