Australian grocery prices have continued to rise, with the cost of a basket of everyday items increasing at all four major supermarket chains surveyed by consumer group Choice.
Choice compared the prices of eight grocery items at Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA, finding the biggest increase at IGA.
The price of its basket rose 11 per cent, from $45.42 in June to $50.42.
Aldi recorded the second-largest increase, with its basket rising 8 per cent to $40.10.
“While Aldi’s basket was still the cheapest of the four stores we surveyed, they did have the second biggest increase, with their base basket costing $40.10 – an upswing of 8 per cent or $2.96,” Choice chief executive Monique Perry said.
“Coles followed with an increase of 6 per cent or $2.44, and the Woolworths base basket increased by 2 per cent or $0.87.”
The basket included apples, bananas, strawberries, potatoes, avocado, milk, basmati rice and beef mince, with prices checked at 104 supermarkets across 27 locations.
Strawberries accounted for about half of the overall increase, while mince, milk and avocados also became more expensive. Apple and rice prices fell compared with the previous survey.
Choice said the average basket price across the four supermarkets increased by $2.79, or 7 per cent, compared with March.
Higher fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East were among the factors likely to have contributed to price pressures, while difficult weather conditions could put further pressure on food prices.
A recent Consumer Pulse survey found 82 per cent of respondents were concerned about the cost of food and groceries.
Choice encouraged shoppers to continue comparing prices and looking for specials.
“What our findings continue to highlight is that small changes add up to significant savings, particularly over the course of the year,” they said.
“Switching between stores and shopping at different supermarkets to take advantage of specials can deliver significant savings,” Choice said.
Shoppers can also compare unit prices, choose cheaper cuts of meat, buy frozen fruit and vegetables when fresh produce is out of season, and consider supermarket home-brand products.
Image: Ummi Hassian / Shutterstock.com
