Woolworths, Coles, Aldi: Grocery prices set to rise as supply chain problems continue

Supermarkets have warned customers to brace for continued price rises and shortages of certain items. Here’s what’s in short supply.

Supermarkets have warned customers to brace for continued price rises and shortages of certain items.

Fresh fruit and vegetables have been affected by poor weather conditions in growing regions, with flooding also causing delivery delays.

Here’s what the supermarkets say.

Woolworths

In its latest Fresh Market Update, Woolworths warned customers growing conditions and weather impacts “may affect quality or supply”.

“Due to the continued heavy rain and low sunlight in Queensland, we’ve seen a reduction in supply and quality of truss, gourmet, cherry and Solanato tomatoes, zucchini, beans and broccolini,” said Woolworths general manager of fruit and veg Paul Turner.

“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.”

But Mr Turner said right now apples and citrus were at their peak, while pears and whitewashed potatoes were in strong supply.

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

On its website, Woolworths also warns sweet corn supply will be impacted over the next two weeks, white grapes will have limited availability until mid-July, while blueberries will also be scare over the next few months until the new winter fruit begins.

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Weather conditions have affected fresh fruit and vegetable supply. Picture: Nikki Short

Coles

A Coles spokeswoman said the supermarket was doing its best to keep the “cost of the family shop down”.

“We appreciate that there are a number of factors driving inflation for all retailers, including increases in the cost of raw materials, energy price rises, freight costs, extreme weather events and ongoing Covid impacts,” she said.

“We are supporting our suppliers in areas impacted by the recent floods by visiting their sites to meet with growers and understand how it has impacted their individual operations, purchasing the product they have available, and continuing to work collaboratively with them as they re-establish operations.”

Aldi

Aldi Australia customer interactions director Adrian Christie told The Courier-Mail last week the chain was “doing everything we can to bring the best quality Australian fruit and vegetables to our stores while continuing to support our growers through challenges”.

“Heavy rainfall continues to cause major disruption in key growing regions around the country and the growing season has been severely impacted by storms and hail, which is why some produce may look a little different on the outside,” he said.

IGA

In its latest stock update, IGA also warns of shortages.

“Demand continues to remain high and you may find that some products are unavailable, but rest assured there is plenty of stock in our distribution centres and we’re working hard to restock our shelves with the products that you need and want,” it says.