Coles has ‘reluctantly’ raised the price of its own brand milk

Supermarket giant Coles quietly raised the price of its own brand milk last week by 10 cents a litre, in a blow to households struggling with rising costs of living.

A spokesperson for Coles blamed cost increases in the supply chain for the move, but rival Woolworths said it would be absorbing the recent increase in the wholesale cost of milk, rather than passing it on to customers.

Industry group Dairy Australia said that “Australian farmgate milk prices have remained high” in its September industry outlook report as “wet weather, flooding, labour challenges, competition for resources and farm exits impacted the national milk pool”.

One litre own brand milk now retails for $1.70 at Coles, with two-litres at $3.30 and three-litres bottles selling for $4.80.

Just over a year ago, one litre of home brand milk was selling for $1.35 at Coles.

Michelle Bowes, News.com.au, 20 September 2023.

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