Broccoli price hits shock new high in Ingham Woolworths store

North Queensland shoppers have been left reeling after the price of a staple vegetable hit a shock new high.

North Queensland shoppers have been left reeling after the price of a staple vegetable hit a shock new high.

Broccoli was on Tuesday selling in Woolworths Ingham for an exorbitant $11.90 per kilogram, two dollars up on an already steep price of $9.90 the previous day.

“Does it come with a bar of gold,” one shopper quipped as she read the price.

Other pricy offerings in the Woolworths produce section included truss tomatoes at just shy of $13 per kilogram and iceberg lettuce at $5.90 per head.

In comparison, broccoli was selling at $8.50 per kilogram at Coles Ingham, with truss tomatoes at $11.50 per kilo and a head of lettuce at $5.50 each.

Unlike Wollies however, the Coles lettuce came with an explanation and an apology, blaming unseasonal rain and a promise to work with growers to improve supply wherever possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Woolworths general manager of fruit and veg Paul Turner, in a statement, said continued heavy rain and low levels of sun there had been a reduction in the supply and quality of truss, gourmet, cherry and Solanato tomatoes, zucchini, beans and broccolini.

“We’re still seeing challenges with lettuce and berry supply so while the new crops have been planted, it will take a few weeks for stocks to return to more stable levels.”

Mr Turner said new crops of lettuce and berries had been planted and it would “take a few weeks for stocks to return to more stable levels.”

“Right now apples and citrus are at their peak, and pears and white washed potatoes are in strong supply and great value for our customers,” he said.

“We’re now in the Hass avocado season so look out for plentiful supplies on our shelves.”

Mr Turner said Woolies had just dropped prices on more than 300 “winter essentials” across the store and added more than 650 own brand products to its low-price program.

Last year, the fruit and vegetable category was in deflation, with Woolworths passing value from lower market prices to consumers.

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At its third-quarter results in May, Woolworths reported vegetable prices were in inflation, while fruit had remained in slight deflation for the first three months of 2022, driven by apple and avocado prices.

Originally published as Broccoli price hits shock new high in Ingham Woolworths store