Grocery Prices at Woolworths Are Going Up, New Survey Reveals

Choice Report Findings

Just a week after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its findings on supermarkets across Australia, the consumer advocacy group Choice has released its report on the price of groceries. The report showed that grocery prices at Woolworths are going up, while the cost of goods at Coles and Aldi has stayed relatively the same since last year. Aldi’s prices have fallen nearly 0.3 percent, while similar items at Coles have gone down in price by 2.5 percent.

Undercover shoppers

Choice conducted its report by sending undercover shoppers to supermarkets across the country to buy a basket of 14 common grocery items. Grocery prices at Woolworths have gone up, as items in that basket increased by 3.7 percent, while the prices of items at Coles has gone up to $68.52 compared to $66.84 since December. Aldi prices were almost unchanged, decreasing by about 0.3 percent.

Supermarkets Under Pressure

The ACCC’s report was unable to determine definitively supermarkets across the country have been price-gouging, but noted the the grocery prices at Woolworths have increased more significantly than other popular stores.

The ACCC is calling for supermarkets to be more transparent in their prices and promotions so that consumer has better quality information when they’re making shopping decisions. The ACCC has made 20 recommendations regarding such transparency practices. The commission claims that supermarkets aren’t going to make these changes without accountability. The recommendations including greater price transparency and honesty regarding special offers.

The recent report found that these big chains, including Aldi, were some of the most world’s most profitable supermarket businesses. The findings suggest that this sector needs widespread reform.

The federal government has not implemented the ACCC’s recommendations yet, but has been supportive.