Report Aids Aussies in Securing Fair Checkout Deals

The latest Albanese Government funded CHOICE quarterly report into supermarket prices released today has revealed Aldi remains the cheapest supermarket followed by Coles, Woolworths and IGA.

The sixth quarterly report gives consumers the latest pricing information on household products by comparing a basket of basic goods and putting a spotlight on home brand products.

CHOICE mystery shoppers visited 104 supermarkets in 27 locations across Australia in June. For a full basket of 15 items, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket again with a total cost of $55.34, followed by Coles ($56.75), Woolworths ($57.20) then IGA ($65.56).

The September report also includes a new 'freshness assessment', comparing strawberries from the four supermarket chains. CHOICE found Coles was the winner on both day one, with 100 per cent of punnets showing no signs of decay, and day five, when 58 per cent had no signs of decay.

The Albanese Government is taking action across the sector to ensure shoppers and suppliers get a better deal at the supermarket checkout, including:

• Banning supermarket price gouging.
• Increasing ACCC funding by over $30 million to go after supermarkets using misleading pricing tactics.
• Funding the ACCC to deliver a consumer awareness campaign showing shoppers how they can find the best deals.
• Clamping down on shrinkflation by strengthening the Unit Pricing Code, including penalties for breaches and making prices clearer for shoppers.
• Implementing ACCC Supermarkets inquiry recommendations which will improve transparency about prices, price trends and promotions, and loyalty programs.
• Investing $50 million to provide access to low‑cost products for remote stores and improve food security in remote communities.
• Making sure the ACCC is notified of every supermarket sector merger and can scrutinise land acquisitions under reforms to merger laws.
• Making it easier for new supermarkets to enter the market with incentives for the states to cut planning and zoning red tape under the revitalised National Competition Policy, backed by our $900 million National Productivity Fund.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Andrew Leigh MP

"These quarterly reports demonstrate the value of getting information out to consumers to help shoppers understand the best choices all year around.

"Australia's supermarket sector is one of the most concentrated in the world, and this ongoing government initiative is a good example of our commitment to give shoppers as much assistance as possible to get the best deals.

"These grocery basket snapshots complement other work the Government has undertaken and announced that will help consumers get a better deal at supermarkets, by giving consumers price transparency and increasing competition."

Basket of Goods

Home‑brand spotlight groceries

Average price of grocery baskets by supermarket (with specials), state‑by‑state comparison