The cost of living with Coles and Woolworths | Four Corners

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  • Опубликовано: 18 фев 2024
  • From the farm to supermarket shelves, we uncover why you’re paying more at the checkout exposing the secret tactics being used by supermarkets to keep the prices high - and the competition out.
    Coles and Woolworths have reported record profits amid a rise in the cost of living - and while both deny price gouging, there are now six inquiries and reviews targeting the big two Australian supermarkets.
    Reporter Angus Grigg interviews the CEOs of Coles and Woolworths, addressing concerns from frustrated customers.
    Insiders say shoppers are the “ones that are getting screwed” as prices for basic household goods become higher and the profit margins of grocery stores become larger.
    00:00: Intro - The super powers
    3:24: The history of supermarkets
    5:15: Coles and Woolworths
    7:25: What the CEOs say
    15:00: Power imbalance
    18:10 What is ColesWorth?
    19:04: Price matching
    20:00: Insiders speak out
    22:38: Price gouging?
    27:50: The CEO walkout
    32:00: Are specials really specials?
    34:40: Dark stores
    39:20: ‘Two Churches’ wine
    41:55: Land banking
    Read more about this story here: www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-1...
    This episode was originally broadcast as ‘Super Power’ on 19 February 2024 on ABC TV and ABC iview.
    Four Corners is Australia’s premier investigations documentary series.
    Subscribe to the Four Corners weekly newsletter here: www.abc.net.au/news/subscribe
    #4Corners #ABCNewsIndepth #ABCNewsAustralia
    Note: In most cases, our captions are auto-generated.

Комментарии • 383

  • @stephendownes6331
    @stephendownes6331 2 месяца назад +3729

    If Coles standards are so high, why is so much of the fresh fruit and veg at my local Coles is so shit.

  • @SundayzCrows33
    @SundayzCrows33 2 месяца назад +3638

    Everyone in Australia needs to watch this because the majority are affected and are suffering.

  • @billylyf6995
    @billylyf6995 2 месяца назад +2297

    I saw a "special" on cadbury chocolate blocks 2 for $15. Might as well shop at the servo

  • @grooviechickie
    @grooviechickie 2 месяца назад +2269

    Just keep in mind that it's not the lowly worker's fault... so please, don't go into a supermarket tomorrow and abuse the staff. They're being taken advantage of as well. 😢

  • @PANN1Cau
    @PANN1Cau 2 месяца назад +1777

    This is the kind of journalism ABC needs to keep going because no one else will. Hopefully something comes out of all of this.

  • @AGIBOY827
    @AGIBOY827 2 месяца назад +2506

    Love the try hard PR team making the woollies CEO look like a common worker. I can tell you now that CEO hasn't worn a name tag and woollies shirt for years.

  • @barbecueman6352
    @barbecueman6352 2 месяца назад +1801

    Fantastic! Now do the housing market/property developers

  • @cannabiss9433
    @cannabiss9433 2 месяца назад +1280

    Are you familiar with the term Colesworth? "I'm not" *GULP*

  • @cameronmale83
    @cameronmale83 2 месяца назад +966

    Remember they had Bi-Lo and Franklins, there were smaller operators they bought into their organisation. They completely replaced them... no competition. Break them up.

  • @esrynshudder4216
    @esrynshudder4216 2 месяца назад +1574

    Finally this issue is being spoken about, the whole system needs to be revolutionised. It's 20 years overdue, how much longer should consumers, suppliers and farmers be screwed over?

  • @nitramfox2511
    @nitramfox2511 2 месяца назад +799

    I just hope that the young lady doesn’t suffer any consequences for her voicing her concerns for OH&S.

  • @jdview5062
    @jdview5062 2 месяца назад +1119

    thanks for keeping the comments open for this, and for taking the time to do a piece that is very top of mind for society. Leah and Brad are so out of touch. Leah, never heard of the term "Colesworth". Brad, requesting to scrub poor comments instead of owning his mistake straight away. Very telling.

    • @shabberto
      @shabberto 2 месяца назад +77

      Yeah those two were next level.

  • @Mikeeey01NZL
    @Mikeeey01NZL 2 месяца назад +526

    'We're not profiteering at the expense of customers' Those massive annual profits prove that aye!

  • @AviationSports1978
    @AviationSports1978 2 месяца назад +490

    Why don’t the farmers all get together and make their own chain ? They could then cut out coles and Woolworths and turn the tables

  • @MrMazRx
    @MrMazRx 2 месяца назад +797

    you've got to be kidding me !!!!!!!!!!!!!......10 mins into a 46:53 minute clip, I'm getting an add for Woolworths and their cheap prices..... ffs !

  • @johnwely
    @johnwely 2 месяца назад +442

    That would have to be one of your best Four Corners shows ever, its juat a shame that the public cannot see that they are getting totally ripped off, please four Corners keep on hounding these miserable bastards, and dont let up.

  • @maladjustedtv
    @maladjustedtv 2 месяца назад +821

    Buy fruit & veg from a fruit & veg shop, buy meat from a butcher, & shop at IGA & Aldi

    • @terroraustralia
      @terroraustralia 2 месяца назад +109

      I would if we had any. Not living in a city doesn’t help.

    • @debrasmith915
      @debrasmith915 2 месяца назад +37

      I'm gonna start doing that😅

    • @Misslastcentury
      @Misslastcentury 2 месяца назад +118

      Not everyone has access to fruit and butchers shops or much choice living in regional areas.

    • @kkohs4410
      @kkohs4410 2 месяца назад +24

      yeah, always buy from Asian supermarket/butchers. They've heaps of butchers selling at low price!

  • @robberlin2230
    @robberlin2230 2 месяца назад +605

    Great effort to the journalist here. Great questions, the story built throughout.
    Gaslighting is the tactical manoeuvre of all leaders it seems. As much as the Woolworth CEO overstepped the "retired" comment the coles CEO came across as unwilling to listen and unwilling to acknowledge the underlying hatred of their company.
    Australians know Coles is ripping off suppliers, but to see her dismiss this as a non issue will ultimately stir up the hatred and do their brand a disservice. She is obviously on a tight budget herself and must also sing the tune handed down from the board. What a soulless life...

  • @noodles5004
    @noodles5004 2 месяца назад +603

    They have been doing it for years but we're reaching a breaking point now.

  • @johnnyb1368
    @johnnyb1368 2 месяца назад +940

    Every time we shop at coles or woolworths it feels like you are being robbed.

    • @tude17
      @tude17 2 месяца назад +115

      don't shop there...shop around small independents, like IGA/local growers/farmers markets/locally owned green grocers etc...is how I shop. I save heaps by spreading my spending around these types of stores and am supporting the local community/families by doing so...I don't spend a single dollar with Coles or Woolworths.

    • @Joseph-vf5yq
      @Joseph-vf5yq 2 месяца назад +64

      It really does, even a small shop costs an obscene amount of money.

    • @anthonyplaysbass
      @anthonyplaysbass 2 месяца назад +39

      ​@@tude17 IGA prices are still obscene

    • @GetSwifty
      @GetSwifty 2 месяца назад +6

      @@tude17 Not everyone has that option.

  • @bernadettemarietavendale7055
    @bernadettemarietavendale7055 2 месяца назад +255

    I remember back in the 80s & 90s we had Franklin's, SSW, Tuckerbag, Safeway, Coles New World, BI-LO & Goodfellows & actual competition but now nope

  • @fiuonio
    @fiuonio 2 месяца назад +336

    each time i get groceries, the price increases. disgustingly greedy

  • @gaylebyrne5839
    @gaylebyrne5839 2 месяца назад +306

    This is so disgusting. Thank you ABC. They have no shame.

  • @sundance9042
    @sundance9042 2 месяца назад +378

    Broke my heart to see those beautiful cherry trees destroyed 🍒💔🍒
    Well done 4 Corners!

  • @stephendownes6331
    @stephendownes6331 2 месяца назад +426

    There should be a law against hiding a so called "special" of say a reduced price when the same product cost less the week before but they raise the price off publication then promote the product as on special based on the new higher price to hide the change.

  • @nadinewhittome9140
    @nadinewhittome9140 2 месяца назад +355

    Has anyone mentioned the price of dishwasher tablets or razors yet?
    Or how about how Coles and Woolworths have pushed out competing grocery items to replace with their own, yet these lines contain gluten or traces of gluten whereas the original products did not. They have reduced my choice in grocery items by a considerable amount in the last few years.

  • @azron201
    @azron201 2 месяца назад +192

    My local woolies sold oranges for $11/kg I obviously went somewhere else way cheaper and when I returned a few weeks later they all went bad and were on sale for $8 which is still a crazy price

  • @ebb8870
    @ebb8870 2 месяца назад +360

    Everything goes up but my wage...

  • @faafaoaholima5176
    @faafaoaholima5176 2 месяца назад +90

    Thank you Four Corners for bringing it to light what Coles and Woolworths are doing to farmers, consumers and even their workers. More people need to watch this

  • @zemlya378
    @zemlya378 2 месяца назад +183

    vote with your dollar. Shop at local fruit and veg markets, butchers, etc. Deprive woolies and coles of customers. Its that simple

  • @rogersliu1200
    @rogersliu1200 2 месяца назад +254

    that's absolute bs when the chips are $5 plus and $3.5 on special per bag. They are made by automated production lines with little human involvement and yet their prices inflated almost 100% in a year. Even the fed didn't hike the interest rate that quick.

  • @suz1453
    @suz1453 2 месяца назад +145

    I'm so glad you didn't beep out the angry comments!! It's an honest account of us battler's giving them the finger!

  • @oonie99
    @oonie99 2 месяца назад +223

    This is the tip of the iceberg. They should talk to employees of these companies. They see a lot more than they think. The CEO of Coles and Woolies didn't really put on a good show either.

  • @jimity7530
    @jimity7530 2 месяца назад +303

    Memo to the Coles CEO. When you start a sentence with “Sooo…” you sound out of touch and condescending 😒

  • @Pinpadprompts
    @Pinpadprompts 2 месяца назад +53

    Love the CEO dressed like he just finished a shift after highschool.

  • @nabiji
    @nabiji 2 месяца назад +153

    Stop shopping at Colesworth.
    Vote with your feet.

  • @scottnickels6136
    @scottnickels6136 2 месяца назад +168

    No surprise to Banducci step down the day after this aired!

  • @KiwiinAustralia
    @KiwiinAustralia 2 месяца назад +149

    Arrogant greedy corporations.

  • @Reindeer_jay
    @Reindeer_jay 2 месяца назад +117

    Did my first shop at IGA last week. It cost maybe $20 more I reckon. Happy to pay it to not go to Woolies again.

  • @lisadolan689
    @lisadolan689 2 месяца назад +132

    I actively AVOID both

  • @shabberto
    @shabberto 2 месяца назад +155

    This is an epic episode from Four Corners well done

  • @iloveyoursweaterrrr
    @iloveyoursweaterrrr 2 месяца назад +111

    We need to be out protesting this

  • @biggysmalls8239
    @biggysmalls8239 2 месяца назад +130

    Finally some great journalism!! Well done !!👍

  • @TomDoesTech
    @TomDoesTech 2 месяца назад +159

    Australia needs a Co-op

  • @jasmine-amelias
    @jasmine-amelias 2 месяца назад +118

    Very well presented- as a young person it feels good to have these concerns being spoken about. Social media has been discussing this for months- its not right.

  • @OhhFuckYeh
    @OhhFuckYeh 2 месяца назад +110

    I hope "ethical" supers don't invest in Coles or Woolworths cause there isn't anything "ethical" about them.

  • @redlillium1
    @redlillium1 2 месяца назад +141

    I feel so sorry for our farmers, they are being robbed.

  • @lac19951
    @lac19951 2 месяца назад +375

    This is not just Coles and Woolworths. Aussies are being ripped off in every corner because they're willing to pay.

    • @kkohs4410
      @kkohs4410 2 месяца назад +22

      more like there's no choice. It's food after all. Nobody would starve over money.

  • @mjmjmj50
    @mjmjmj50 2 месяца назад +115

    Love your work Angus , at least we got to see them squirm.

  • @tonycostanzo4276
    @tonycostanzo4276 2 месяца назад +96

    Bring back the small business

  • @wbadventures2024
    @wbadventures2024 2 месяца назад +23

    Thank you ABC for letting us use the comment section, now I can read all the genuine frustrations and responses

  • @SunStar-ch2jz
    @SunStar-ch2jz 2 месяца назад +133

    I only buy cat food and basics on sale, I’m not brand or store loyal - I go for quality at the lowest price point. I also compare market and aldi’s prices. I use to think my nan was crazy buying weekly grocery’s from 4-5 different stores at a time - now I completely get it (she grew up in the depression) as the saying goes ‘ watch the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves’ 🎉

  • @raceace
    @raceace 2 месяца назад +340

    Four Corners to help Australia fight the good fight if not the most necessary fight.

  • @bradleystevo5034
    @bradleystevo5034 2 месяца назад +176

    I feel sad for that cherry farmer

    • @ooialb8616
      @ooialb8616 2 месяца назад +12

      and those cherry trees!!!!

    • @shondra6
      @shondra6 2 месяца назад +10

      Yes . Very sad. My sister went through something similar years back with avacados, of which the trees were bulldozed down eventually as it was no longer viable to sell them.

  • @warrenmischke1646
    @warrenmischke1646 2 месяца назад +33

    As shoppers we need to support our famers who are the fresh food people. I have never seen Woolworth grow any crops or any farms owned by them. People of Australia if they won't change there ways don't shop with these two Coles and Woolworths remember people power will over come.

  • @DeadDancers
    @DeadDancers 2 месяца назад +95

    So what I want to know, is how do I buy direct from the farmer? I’ve looked for local farmers market but a lot of the time the sellers seem to be reselling middle men charging a premium for the perception of it being straight from and to the farm.

  • @crueltyfreecolorist1025
    @crueltyfreecolorist1025 2 месяца назад +65

    Same in New Zealand! We don’t have Coles but we have Woolworths/Countdown so it applies.

  • @simonhill4021
    @simonhill4021 2 месяца назад +67

    It's not just groceries, a lot of goods/services are jumping on the bandwagon.

  • @KB-gq7ou
    @KB-gq7ou 2 месяца назад +51

    Here in Canada, our companies are doing the same thing aka loblaws, prices went up during COVID and just never came down

  • @teresanicholson6241
    @teresanicholson6241 2 месяца назад +110

    With rent and power who can afford to eat
    Everything is so expensive

  • @mariyamubashir8818
    @mariyamubashir8818 2 месяца назад +18

    Finally !! some brave people with guts have brought this into light I really appreciate it.
    There are some good people out there In this world where nobody cares about anybody.
    Keep up your good work 👍🏻

  • @queenofthebutterflies5212
    @queenofthebutterflies5212 2 месяца назад +118

    Jesus, your heart goes out to the farmers, ey?

  • @love-garden279
    @love-garden279 2 месяца назад +205

    cause they're greedy

  • @froggy0162
    @froggy0162 2 месяца назад +63

    Having recently moved to Tasmania, I really really miss Aldi…

  • @marsellem6175
    @marsellem6175 2 месяца назад +80

    Great story. I'm afraid that nothing will happen to correct the market. Needing more competition.

  • @pomelotree2
    @pomelotree2 2 месяца назад +65

    From the customers side, the only thing we can do is to boycott them, 😊

  • @trudyfox938
    @trudyfox938 2 месяца назад +74

    Angus Grigg pushes back.
    Brad Banducci: “I think I’m done now guys”
    Brad announces he is stepping down today (as of 1 September)

  • @niffumau
    @niffumau 2 месяца назад +153

    Why not cover how woolworths and coles build their own stores so they can now exclude a 3rd party butcher or grocer

  • @_akira_akira_
    @_akira_akira_ 2 месяца назад +54

    That was a compelling watch! Thanks Four Corners!

  • @juanitarichards1074
    @juanitarichards1074 2 месяца назад +111

    Sell the cherries direct to the public. I'd buy them, they are my favourite fruit and in NZ they are anywhere from $26 to $40 a kilo in season. I can't afford that.

    • @silvernoob1603
      @silvernoob1603 2 месяца назад +73

      all well and good, however these farmers need to sell volume , they aren't hobby farms

  • @ricktasker4520
    @ricktasker4520 2 месяца назад +48

    I was in the grocery industry 20 years ago. Nothing has changed

  • @johnstath9666
    @johnstath9666 2 месяца назад +56

    Finally and bravo ABC.

  • @sjj7236
    @sjj7236 2 месяца назад +64

    This is disgusting, I worry there will be less and less farmers in Australia. Less and less local wonderful farming produce to choose from. I'm going to be more picky about choosing Australian products.

  • @JAK3ELEFANTSAMUEL
    @JAK3ELEFANTSAMUEL 2 месяца назад +52

    Im so relieved this is being talked about the word duopoly needs to enter the aussie lexicon

  • @KingiKuki
    @KingiKuki 2 месяца назад +44

    Woolworths and Foodstuffs are doing exactly the same in NZ

  • @lindisfarnedruidakaganjawa5081
    @lindisfarnedruidakaganjawa5081 2 месяца назад +116

    Greed will kill us all unless we dispose of the greedy.

  • @gavinlagrange6322
    @gavinlagrange6322 2 месяца назад +8

    Well done to ABC for this piece. You held them to task and did a fine job in the classic spirit of journalism.

  • @impermanent-being
    @impermanent-being 2 месяца назад +91

    I miss Franklins and Bi-Lo.

  • @nowhirr8135
    @nowhirr8135 2 месяца назад +77

    One 15 minute break every 5hr shift should be illegal

  • @ah-chakhan682
    @ah-chakhan682 2 месяца назад +8

    Aldi is matching prices with woolworths and coles as well. they need to be on this documentary

  • @dennismckee1979
    @dennismckee1979 2 месяца назад +17

    Anyone notice that prices go up in the dollars not cents?

  • @invader893invade6
    @invader893invade6 2 месяца назад +74

    Maybe this is poor management by our government as they do not regulate companies

    • @yellowpete79
      @yellowpete79 2 месяца назад +4

      All governments for decades. Be honest.

  • @hamishmunro8610
    @hamishmunro8610 2 месяца назад +66

    Unfortunately when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables it’s more of a war convince and laziness as all of us could be supporting farmers by purchasing from markets or directly from the farmers, we as a society also need to learn that just bc an apple might not look like it belongs in instagram doesn’t mean it’s not an amazingly tasty apple

  • @luminabliss
    @luminabliss 2 месяца назад +46

    Great journalism! This was such a compelling watch.

  • @azzajohnson2123
    @azzajohnson2123 2 месяца назад +71

    There is no way knowing the coles CEO has not heard the term, colesworth.

    • @ShadowAussie
      @ShadowAussie 2 месяца назад +7

      The big gulp after she said no maybe?? lol

  • @mako_bd7012
    @mako_bd7012 2 месяца назад +10

    Great piece of journalism ABC. More of this please! Do housing next!

  • @Kni0002
    @Kni0002 2 месяца назад +33

    remember the days of sub 200 or $100 would get you a trolleys worth of food.. That was not even that long ago like in 2010s. Does help to shop around like on amazon like some products like shampoo can be 1/3 the price at woolworths for the same item. Or take advantage of coupons and discounted gift cards. but shouldn't be a hassle just to get a slightly lower price...

  • @gabrielbattika
    @gabrielbattika 2 месяца назад +40

    Tis is the type of reporting the ABC need to do and so display its independence and unbias stance to the public

  • @miam1074
    @miam1074 2 месяца назад +34

    but why destroy the cherry orchard????! why!???

  • @Sacrederb
    @Sacrederb 2 месяца назад +33

    New Zealand is a mirror image. Same same duopoly. Something stinks!

  • @mamoandrew
    @mamoandrew 2 месяца назад +71

    To prevent monopolies their should be a limit to the number of stores any supermarket can have in Australia

  • @fckuyo3918
    @fckuyo3918 2 месяца назад +54

    We doing petrol companies next? (hahaha)

  • @alexnikolov
    @alexnikolov 2 месяца назад +50

    About time Four Corners got into something important

  • @yaboiyoshio8622
    @yaboiyoshio8622 2 месяца назад +16

    I hope this is seen by every Australian

  • @antpoo
    @antpoo 2 месяца назад +51

    I live on bread and cereals. I’m not poor either, but I refuse to pay these prices.

  • @sarozkc
    @sarozkc 2 месяца назад +5

    Best Australian reporter. 👏

  • @Almighty_Tubsta
    @Almighty_Tubsta 2 месяца назад +29

    i dont shop at either anymore unless no alternatives

  • @TabletsAndTemples
    @TabletsAndTemples 2 месяца назад +44

    Chilled neck ties?! 😔

  • @DomenicHorner
    @DomenicHorner 2 месяца назад +7

    what an absolute banger episode of 4 corners! great work ABC

  • @Wilson.Kongnetto
    @Wilson.Kongnetto 2 месяца назад +25

    "Retired, by the way 💅" 28:20