New national research has found that essential groceries are almost $20 cheaper at Aldi than at Coles or Woolworths.
Consumer group CHOICE compared the prices of the same 14 everyday items at supermarkets around the country.
The Government commissioned CHOICE to investigate and monitor grocery prices amid several ongoing supermarket inquiries.
This report’s findings come from data collected in June this year.
Here’s what its second report shows.
Background
In January, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for “clear and regular information” to be made public on “prices across a basket of goods.”
Albanese noted “it can be hard for people to find the best deal” across “thousands of products” on supermarket shelves.
“The Government will fund consumer organisation CHOICE to provide shoppers with a clear understanding of how supermarkets are performing,” he said.
Research
Choice sent ‘mystery shoppers’ to 104 supermarkets across the capital cities and regions in June.
27 Woolworths, 27 Coles, 23 Aldi, and 27 IGA stores.
Shoppers were tasked with purchasing 14 everyday grocery items, 12 of which were name-brand packaged products, and two fresh fruit and vegetable items.
Here’s what the same basket of groceries costs at different supermarkets:
- Aldi: $50.79
- Coles: $66.22
- Woolies: $69.37
- IGA: $78.95
Other news
This report follows an announcement earlier this week by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it is suing Coles and Woolworths for allegedly misleading customers.
In separate lawsuits, the consumer watchdog alleges the two supermarket chains breached consumer law by using “discount pricing claims” to mislead customers.
Woolworths has said it will “engage with the ACCC” on the issue, and Coles said it “intends to defend” the action.
