Peak retail body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today criticised the Rudd Government’s GROCERYchoice website as a “brand promotion” tool for Australian supermarkets after the October grocery survey data released today labelled a major supermarket brand as the ‘cheapest’. ARA’s Executive Director Richard Evans believes the ‘highlights’ section of the GROCERYchoice website shows dangerous signs of government brand promotion. “Since its... ...Read more »

The second GROCERYchoice data has been posted on the GROCERYchoice website, www.grocerychoice.gov.au, with the gap between Coles, Woolworths and independents narrowing, according to the ACCC. The latest survey shows that, on a total grocery basket, Coles supermarkets are the cheapest in 40 of the 61 regions surveyed. This compares with 52 of 61 regions in the inaugural GROCERYchoice survey. On prices for a basic staples basket Coles also came out comfortably ahead of their primary rival this month,... ...Read more »

Fonterra announced on Friday a record sixth step-up in milk price for its Victorian and Tasmanian milk supply for the 2007/08 season.The milk price increase is 17 cents/kg butterfat and 42 cents/kg protein and is retrospective to 1 July 2007. It will be paid to suppliers on 15 June 2008. National Milk Services Manager, Heather Stacy, said the announcement will drive industry growth and provides a significant boost for dairy regions in Victoria and Tasmania. “Our strong milk price is very encouraging... ...Read more »

The ACCC’s grocery price investigation continued in Launceston yesterday with Tasmanian farmers indicating they were not to blame for the high grocery prices. They are, however, concerned about the prospect of grocery prices falling as a result of the ACCC investigation. If this was to happen they believe that their margins will be further cut and the farming community will be then be put under greater financial stress.  Read More →