Revealed: major Australian supermarkets almost never the cheapest place for your fresh produce

An industry insider says the results of a Guardian Australia survey of fruit and vegetable prices show it is a ‘myth’ that Coles and Woolworths are the cheapest options as consumers feel the pressure of inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. Illustration: Nash Weerasekera/The Guardian

Major supermarkets are almost never the cheapest option for essential fruit and vegetables, a Guardian Australia survey of prices at 61 retailers has found. An industry insider says the results are “damning”.

Ten Guardian reporters attended local independent and Asian grocers as well as the supermarket giants across two days in July. The prices of a selection of fruits and vegetables – including apples, bok choy, eggplants, pears, potatoes, sweet potatoes and zucchinis – were recorded in stores across Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville (Queensland) and Kyneton (Victoria).