Your grocery bill is about to go up! Woolworths and Coles prices are on the rise
- Replies 8
As if we didn't have enough to worry about these days, now we've got another thing to add to the list: rising grocery prices (yes, they’re still rising).
According to the National Food Supply Chain Alliance – made up of representatives from various sectors of the food industry – prices at Woolworths, Coles, and other supermarkets across Australia are expected to rise by as much as six to eight per cent in the next year.
The main reason for this inflation is long-term supply chain issues from natural disasters and labour shortages that continue to plague the industry.
With as many as 80 per cent of Australians concerned about rising food and grocery costs, the alliance is calling on the federal government to support the creation of a national food security plan as farmers continue to deal with ongoing extreme weather conditions and post-pandemic labour shortages.
The group has met with government officials and explained the risks of these supply disruptions, urging them that a national plan should be developed and implemented as 'a matter of urgency'.
Independent Food Distributors Australia CEO Richard Forbes explained further in an interview, saying: 'We live in changing times and in a changing world. We need to adapt.'
He went on to discuss geo-political tensions, transport/logistical issues, financial challenges from rising business costs, etc., all of which contribute to the mounting pressure on grocery prices.
In fact, operation costs for businesses in this industry have increased by 27 per cent in just 9 months. Mr Forbes concluded by saying that without a proper strategy like a national food security plan, 'food prices will continue to increase'.
And we all know how difficult it is these days just trying to make ends meet!
Woolworths – one of Australia's largest supermarket chains – has welcomed the alliance's push for a national food security plan, emphasising how important it is 'future-proof' our nation's supply chains.
A spokesperson told reporters, 'The sustainability and security of Australia's food system are critical to the future of our customers, supplier partners and our own business.'
'We're continuing to invest in a more resilient supply chain to build on the infrastructure that has seen us serve communities throughout droughts, bushfires, COVID-19 outbreaks and floods.'
The Woolworths representative went on to say how they would welcome such plans hoping to strike a balance between paying farmers fair market prices while delivering value to customers during times of great financial strain like now caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coles, however, has yet to respond.
According to research released by Foodbank Australia, food insecurity is major issue among Australians.
As the largest food bank in Australia, Foodbank works tirelessly alongside other frontline organisations to ensure that low-income Australians always have access to nutritious meals.
Members, if you or someone you know is having trouble putting food on the table, please do not think twice about reaching out for help. Here is how to get in touch with them:
Foodbank QLD
179 Beverley St, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
+61 7 3395 8422
Foodbank NSW & ACT
50 Owen St, Glendenning NSW 2761, Australia
+61 2 9756 3099
Foodbank SA
377 Cross Rd, Edwardstown SA 5039, Australia
+61 8 8351 1136
Foodbank VIC
4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Foodbank WA
23 Abbott Rd, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia
+61 8 9258 9277
Foodbank TAS
4-8 Sunmont St, Derwent Park TAS 7173, Australia
+61 3 6274 1052
So there you have it, members. Grocery prices are still climbing, and there's no telling how high they'll go or how long this trend will last.
What can you do in the meantime? Well, you could try cutting back some other areas of your budget or search for ways to make your grocery staples go further. For more tips and information, check out the Money Saving Hacks forum on the SDC website.
Whatever you do, stay safe and remember that we're all in this together.
According to the National Food Supply Chain Alliance – made up of representatives from various sectors of the food industry – prices at Woolworths, Coles, and other supermarkets across Australia are expected to rise by as much as six to eight per cent in the next year.
The main reason for this inflation is long-term supply chain issues from natural disasters and labour shortages that continue to plague the industry.
With as many as 80 per cent of Australians concerned about rising food and grocery costs, the alliance is calling on the federal government to support the creation of a national food security plan as farmers continue to deal with ongoing extreme weather conditions and post-pandemic labour shortages.
The group has met with government officials and explained the risks of these supply disruptions, urging them that a national plan should be developed and implemented as 'a matter of urgency'.
Independent Food Distributors Australia CEO Richard Forbes explained further in an interview, saying: 'We live in changing times and in a changing world. We need to adapt.'
He went on to discuss geo-political tensions, transport/logistical issues, financial challenges from rising business costs, etc., all of which contribute to the mounting pressure on grocery prices.
In fact, operation costs for businesses in this industry have increased by 27 per cent in just 9 months. Mr Forbes concluded by saying that without a proper strategy like a national food security plan, 'food prices will continue to increase'.
And we all know how difficult it is these days just trying to make ends meet!
Woolworths – one of Australia's largest supermarket chains – has welcomed the alliance's push for a national food security plan, emphasising how important it is 'future-proof' our nation's supply chains.
A spokesperson told reporters, 'The sustainability and security of Australia's food system are critical to the future of our customers, supplier partners and our own business.'
'We're continuing to invest in a more resilient supply chain to build on the infrastructure that has seen us serve communities throughout droughts, bushfires, COVID-19 outbreaks and floods.'
The Woolworths representative went on to say how they would welcome such plans hoping to strike a balance between paying farmers fair market prices while delivering value to customers during times of great financial strain like now caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coles, however, has yet to respond.
Key Takeaways
- Grocery prices at Woolworths, Coles and other supermarkets across Australia are expected to rise by as much as six to eight per cent in the next year due to long-term supply chain issues from natural disasters and labour shortages.
- The National Food Supply Chain Alliance is calling on the federal government to support the creation of a national food security plan as farmers continue to deal with ongoing extreme weather and post-pandemic labour shortages.
- The alliance's call for a national food security plan has received positive feedback from Woolworths, while Coles has not yet responded.
As the largest food bank in Australia, Foodbank works tirelessly alongside other frontline organisations to ensure that low-income Australians always have access to nutritious meals.
Members, if you or someone you know is having trouble putting food on the table, please do not think twice about reaching out for help. Here is how to get in touch with them:
Foodbank QLD
179 Beverley St, Morningside QLD 4170, Australia
+61 7 3395 8422
Foodbank NSW & ACT
50 Owen St, Glendenning NSW 2761, Australia
+61 2 9756 3099
Foodbank SA
377 Cross Rd, Edwardstown SA 5039, Australia
+61 8 8351 1136
Foodbank VIC
4/2 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013, Australia
+61 3 9362 8300
Foodbank WA
23 Abbott Rd, Perth Airport WA 6105, Australia
+61 8 9258 9277
Foodbank TAS
4-8 Sunmont St, Derwent Park TAS 7173, Australia
+61 3 6274 1052
So there you have it, members. Grocery prices are still climbing, and there's no telling how high they'll go or how long this trend will last.
What can you do in the meantime? Well, you could try cutting back some other areas of your budget or search for ways to make your grocery staples go further. For more tips and information, check out the Money Saving Hacks forum on the SDC website.
Whatever you do, stay safe and remember that we're all in this together.