An old Woolworths receipt from 2021 has shed light on the stark truth behind rising grocery prices in Australia, revealing alarming inflation rates that many consumers are experiencing. Shared on social media platform X, the receipt from a Melbourne shopper illustrates dramatic price increases for everyday items such as coffee, snacks, and cleaning products.
For instance, a 250g packet of Bega cheese that cost $4.50 three years ago is now priced at $6, discounted from $7.50. A small quantity of Champagne leg ham that was $2.50 per 100g has climbed to $4.20, and Delta ground coffee has gone from $2.50 for a 200g bag to $4.
Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that food prices have surged by 17% for working households since March 2020, sparking significant concern among consumers. Gina Cass-Gottlieb, chair of the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission, noted the increasing anxiety over food costs, particularly fresh produce, reflecting a troubling disconnect between farmers’ prices and retail costs. Trust in major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths is waning, as highlighted by a recent Roy Morgan poll, indicating a likely decline in their reputations in the coming years.