October 11th 2024.
When it comes to the price of Tim Tams in Australia, the two major supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths, are denying any responsibility for the steep costs. In a recent inquiry, representatives from both stores were asked why a 200g packet of the iconic Australian biscuits can cost up to $6, while the same product is priced at only £2.50 in the United Kingdom, which is equivalent to about $4.85. That's a significant difference, considering the distance of 17,000km between the two countries. However, the blame is being shifted to Arnott's, the manufacturer of the biscuits.
Woolworths' chief commercial officer, Paul Harker, stated that the recommended retail prices are set by Arnott's, making it more of a question for them. He added that the pricing in the UK may depend on the margins that Arnott's is expected to make, as well as how they choose to bring their products to the market in Australia. Similarly, Coles' head of public affairs, Adam Fitzgibbons, also pointed the finger at Arnott's, stating that they may not sell their products to Australian retailers at the same price as they do internationally.
Senator Jane Hume, who chairs the committee conducting the inquiry, expressed her confusion at the pricing discrepancy, especially since other suppliers, like Nestle, have claimed that pricing responsibility lies with the retailers. She noted that it seems strange for a product manufactured in Western Sydney to cost more in an Australian supermarket than it does in London, after traveling 17,000km.
In response to these claims, Arnott's released a statement saying that their grocery scan data shows that Australians actually pay less for Tim Tams than their UK counterparts. They explained that they invest in promotional programs that bring the average price paid by Australian consumers to $3.15, compared to the UK's average of $4.50. However, when asked directly about pricing responsibility, Arnott's did not provide a clear answer.
In conclusion, the blame for the high price of Tim Tams in Australia seems to be shifting between retailers and manufacturers. While the supermarkets claim that Arnott's sets the prices, Arnott's states that their data shows Australians pay less for the biscuits. It remains unclear who is ultimately responsible for the pricing of this beloved Australian treat.
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