Woolworths increased prices of at least four ‘family staples’ during ‘Price Freeze’ promotion
News Source
•Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:00:39 GMT
📰 What Happened
Woolworths raised prices on at least four popular products during its 'Price Freeze' promotion. The chain promised to freeze the shelf price of 300 family staples for three months from 1 May.
Chicken breast fillets went up 33%, from $9 to $12, just days after that promise. A can of three-bean mix almost doubled, from 60c to $1.
Woolworths declined to comment. It is understood the chain argued the higher prices were the real standard prices, and the lower ones were only short-term deals.
🔍 The Backstory
The data came from comparison site CW Scanner and was shared with Guardian Australia. Shoppers had been promised help with the cost of living.
Woolworths and Coles are already facing court cases from the consumer watchdog. The ACCC says Woolworths misled shoppers with fake discounts in its 'Prices Dropped' campaign.
That case is still waiting on a verdict. Woolworths posted a $1.14 billion profit during the cost-of-living crisis.
🎯 Why It Matters
Grocery prices hit every household. If a 'freeze' is not really a freeze, families pay more while trusting a promise that was never kept.
Woolworths raised prices on at least four popular products during its 'Price Freeze' promotion. The chain promised to freeze the shelf price of 300 family staples for three months from 1 May.
Chicken breast fillets went up 33%, from $9 to $12, just days after that promise. A can of three-bean mix almost doubled, from 60c to $1.
Woolworths declined to comment. It is understood the chain argued the higher prices were the real standard prices, and the lower ones were only short-term deals.
The data came from comparison site CW Scanner and was shared with Guardian Australia. Shoppers had been promised help with the cost of living.
Woolworths and Coles are already facing court cases from the consumer watchdog. The ACCC says Woolworths misled shoppers with fake discounts in its 'Prices Dropped' campaign.
That case is still waiting on a verdict. Woolworths posted a $1.14 billion profit during the cost-of-living crisis.
Grocery prices hit every household. If a 'freeze' is not really a freeze, families pay more while trusting a promise that was never kept.