With the golden leaves and crisp air, many of us enjoy the cosy comforts of autumn.

However, this season has brought more than just a change in the weather for Australian shoppers; it's also seen a steep rise in the price of a beloved everyday fruit, causing quite a stir among bargain hunters and health-conscious consumers alike.

Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have left customers wide-eyed and wallets wincing with the new price tags on punnets of blueberries.

In recent weeks, the cost of these small but mighty fruit has skyrocketed, with reports of prices reaching a staggering $9 for a mere 125g.

A Woolworths shopper was taken aback to find packs of blueberries priced at $8.90 at the Metro Sydney CBD store, while another customer was dismayed to see them hit $9 a punnet at a Coles store in South West Rocks, NSW.

The season for 100 per cent Aussie-grown blueberries is typically between May to October. Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay

As of writing, the Woolworths website lists blueberries at $7.90 a pack, and Coles has them pegged at $6.90 a punnet.

The reason behind this price hike? Coles and Woolworths have cited the fruit being out of season in Australia as the primary cause.

As the Tasmanian blueberry season has ended and we await the peak of the Coffs Harbour season, the reduced availability has led to higher wholesale prices across the market.

But this explanation hasn't soothed the frustration of many shoppers who remember the days not so long ago when blueberries could be snagged for as little as $2.50 per punnet.

Social media has become a hotbed of disgruntlement, with customers voicing their disbelief and dissatisfaction over the sudden surge in cost.

One Facebook user lamented, 'You think a country the size of ours would grow these things in so many states in Australia.'

Another pointed out the price discrepancy with other fruit: 'Coles—$60 per kilo for blueberries. And you can’t say they are out of season because raspberries are a summer fruit too, yet they are around $4 per punnet.'

While some reactions have been of sheer outrage, others have taken a more pragmatic approach, suggesting that consumers only buy what is in season to secure the best deals.

Indeed, one commenter mentioned having a blueberry bush at home, while another recommended switching to grapes, which are currently in season and much more wallet-friendly.

Source: YouTube / Self Sufficient Me​

In response to the uproar, a Woolworths spokesperson has confirmed the seasonal gap, stating, ‘We’re working with our growers to increase supply as the new season ramps up.’

Similarly, a Coles spokesperson has acknowledged the impact of recent adverse weather conditions on local suppliers, particularly in Queensland, and the reduced volumes from New Zealand growers.

The supermarkets also assured shoppers that as they get closer to the blueberry season, Aussies can expect an increase in supply and a subsequent decrease in prices.

Key Takeaways

• Supermarket shoppers are astonished at the high prices for blueberries, with costs reaching up to $9 per 125g punnet at Coles and Woolworths.
• The steep increase in price is attributed to blueberries being out of season in Australia, causing reduced availability and higher wholesale prices.
• Shoppers have expressed their dismay on social media, with some recalling how the fruit was priced much lower just a few months prior.
• Coles and Woolworths spokespeople have confirmed the seasonal impact on blueberry prices, stating that the situation should improve as the new season approaches and supply increases.

In the meantime, savvy shoppers might consider exploring local markets or even growing their own fruit to avoid the supermarket price pinch.

In-season fruit alternatives are also worth considering. Munching on this fruit could be the healthy snack you need.

And for those who simply can't resist the allure of blueberries, it's time to indulge in moderation, freeze a stash when the prices dip, or even just bite the bullet and try this recipe for a lemon blueberry cream cake by our member @Babybird!

How do you cope with the fluctuating prices of your favourite fruit? Have you found alternative sources for your produce or tips for growing your own? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!

 

[FERRET]

Exactly buying fruit in season is what we’re meant to do - if you want blueberries out of season then buy frozen ones, they’re often cheaper anyway and just as good for you as the fresh ones particularly if they’re not in season so have been forced to grow under artificial conditions
Good for baking/ making a coulis or for smoothies.

P no

 

[Matildas123]

I hate that the price of these berries has sky-rocketed to an extremely high price. I used to have them on my yoghurt and other things but now I cannot and, refuse to pay this ridiculous price hike. It's a great food for diabetics who are limited in their food choices.

 

[natalielocket]

One has to look at the wages that these farms have to pay. In the Coffs/clarence region a lot of the farms are owned by Naturelised People from India. They do use Family, Backpackers to pick, but unfortunately it is hard to get pickers. I know a lot of Phillipino people who pick and it is not an easy job.

 

[KaraJenna]

We were warned some months ago that various weather incidents eg storms, winds, floods, bushfires etcwould affect supplies to supermarkets, berries were included in the affected list. Stop grizzling like spoilt kids because you can't have what you want at the cost you want! When products are in short supply the price goes up if lots of people demand them. Simple market dynamics.