Latest news with #Woolworths-branded
1News
02-07-2025
- Health
- 1News
'Don't eat it': Woolworths recalls beef mince batches in North Island
Woolworths has issued a recall of 18% fat beef mince products sold in the North Island due to the possible plastic contamination in certain batches. The recall affected 500g and 1kg packages of Woolworths-branded 18% Fat Beef Mince with a best-before date of July 5, 2025. The packages were sold at Woolworths and Countdown stores across the North Island. "There have been no reports of illness or injury, however, anyone who has consumed any of these products and has any concerns about their health, should seek medical advice," a spokesperson for the Woolworths Group said. New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said the affected mince "may contain blue plastic" and warned consumers against eating it. ADVERTISEMENT The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Australia's weather bomb, the surprising costs of getting one more dog, and BTS are back. (Source: 1News) "If you have any of this mince ... don't eat it. You can return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If that's not possible, throw it out," he said. "They have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported." A Woolworths spokesperson added that the Australian supermarket giant took "food safety very seriously and apologised to customers for the inconvenience". The recall did not affect any other beef products sold, according to Woolworths. The Ministry for Primary Industries typically handled grocery recalls through its New Zealand Food Safety division. "As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Woolworths to understand how this happened and prevent its recurrence," Arbuckle said.
Otago Daily Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
How much have supermarket prices risen since 2022?
By Louise Ternouth of RNZ Whether it is a block of butter or cheese, a kilogram of mince, a dozen eggs or a cooked chook, food prices have gone up rapidly. The latest Stats NZ figures show in the past 12 months food prices have gone up 4.4 percent - the highest increase since December 2023. Over the last three years Checkpoint has been tracking a weekly shop from the same suburb at a Woolworths and Pak'nSave supermarket to see just how much things have gone up at the checkout. Some of the results are more eye-watering than mouthwatering. For over three years, Checkpoint has been tracking the cost of 36 items likely to be in a household's trolley. In May 2022, our first shop at Woolworths Greenlane cost us $238 dollars and $217 at Pak'nSave Royal Oak. Today, those same items at Woolworths have shot up to $305 dollars - an extra $67 dollars at the checkout. Pak'nSave our shop, now set us back $270, an extra $53 dollars. Compared to our 2022 shop, seasonal vegetables like carrots and cabbage were cheaper. Other items that had come down slightly or stayed the same were Watties baked beans, plain flour, Mightyfresh wheatmeal toast bread and diced tomatoes. But they were mostly exceptions, most of the items on the shopping list cost more. Some shoppers told Checkpoint they have noticed an increase on some items in particular. "Olive oil is really expensive and eggs," said one shopper. "Dairy items I've noticed but even just general fresh fruit and vege." Others said meat was on the list. Unsurprisingly, dairy had one of the biggest jumps. At both supermarkets you still could not get a 1kg block of cheese for $10 or less. Though 1kg is now $1 dollar cheaper at Woolworths for $12.49. At Pak'nSave a 1kg block stayed much the same at $11.89. Two litres of standard blue top milk were sitting at just under $5 at both supermarkets. In 2022, a 500g block of Woolworths-branded butter cost $5.80, now a whopping $8.50. At Pak'nSave it was a similar story, in 2022 it was $5.70 for a Pams 500g block, now $8.30. One shopper said their family uses a lot of butter and they were feeling the pinch, "It's been absolutely ridiculous it's almost $10." Others said they bought butter in bulk from Costco to save money "to buy cheaper New Zealand butter in bulk and freeze it rather than buying at the supermarkets." A 50 box of Twining's Earl Grey tea more than doubled in price at Pak'nSave to $7.89. As for a dozen barn eggs, those more than doubled at Pak'nSave to $9.59 and $9.50 at Woolworths. The humble beef mince now not so humble at 1kg used to cost $11.99 at Pak'nSave, now $18.99. At Countdown, it was up from $14.90 in 2022 to $23.80 now. For some, it is now a luxury among other items they are going without. "Probably meat products and dairy," said one shopper. Others were also leaving those products on the shelves and opting for a butter "blend" and no brand versions. One man said snacks were off the shopping list. "Snack bars and extra things you'd put into kids lunches." One woman said she had left her broccoli and cauliflower out of the shop. Washing and toiletry products also came out far more expensive. Four kilograms of Persil sensitive washing powder was $22 at both supermarkets in 2022, now an extra $13 at Woolworths and $6.50 more at Pak'nSave. Huggies size 3 nappies were an extra $10 at Pak'nSave and a litre of Palmolive body wash was an extra $5 at Woolworths. For those advising to stock up on staples or frozen to cut costs, rice, noodles, sugar and frozen vegetables - all more expensive.
Otago Daily Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Revealed: How much supermarket prices have risen since 2022
By Louise Ternouth of RNZ Whether it is a block of butter or cheese, a kilogram of mince, a dozen eggs or a cooked chook, food prices have gone up rapidly. The latest Stats NZ figures show in the past 12 months food prices have gone up 4.4 percent - the highest increase since December 2023. Over the last three years Checkpoint has been tracking a weekly shop from the same suburb at a Woolworths and Pak'nSave supermarket to see just how much things have gone up at the checkout. Some of the results are more eye-watering than mouthwatering. For over three years, Checkpoint has been tracking the cost of 36 items likely to be in a household's trolley. In May 2022, our first shop at Woolworths Greenlane cost us $238 dollars and $217 at Pak'nSave Royal Oak. Today, those same items at Woolworths have shot up to $305 dollars - an extra $67 dollars at the checkout. Pak'nSave our shop, now set us back $270, an extra $53 dollars. Compared to our 2022 shop, seasonal vegetables like carrots and cabbage were cheaper. Other items that had come down slightly or stayed the same were Watties baked beans, plain flour, Mightyfresh wheatmeal toast bread and diced tomatoes. But they were mostly exceptions, most of the items on the shopping list cost more. Some shoppers told Checkpoint they have noticed an increase on some items in particular. "Olive oil is really expensive and eggs," said one shopper. "Dairy items I've noticed but even just general fresh fruit and vege." Others said meat was on the list. Unsurprisingly, dairy had one of the biggest jumps. At both supermarkets you still could not get a 1kg block of cheese for $10 or less. Though 1kg is now $1 dollar cheaper at Woolworths for $12.49. At Pak'nSave a 1kg block stayed much the same at $11.89. Two litres of standard blue top milk were sitting at just under $5 at both supermarkets. In 2022, a 500g block of Woolworths-branded butter cost $5.80, now a whopping $8.50. At Pak'nSave it was a similar story, in 2022 it was $5.70 for a Pams 500g block, now $8.30. One shopper said their family uses a lot of butter and they were feeling the pinch, "It's been absolutely ridiculous it's almost $10." Others said they bought butter in bulk from Costco to save money "to buy cheaper New Zealand butter in bulk and freeze it rather than buying at the supermarkets." A 50 box of Twining's Earl Grey tea more than doubled in price at Pak'nSave to $7.89. As for a dozen barn eggs, those more than doubled at Pak'nSave to $9.59 and $9.50 at Woolworths. The humble beef mince now not so humble at 1kg used to cost $11.99 at Pak'nSave, now $18.99. At Countdown, it was up from $14.90 in 2022 to $23.80 now. For some, it is now a luxury among other items they are going without. "Probably meat products and dairy," said one shopper. Others were also leaving those products on the shelves and opting for a butter "blend" and no brand versions. One man said snacks were off the shopping list. "Snack bars and extra things you'd put into kids lunches." One woman said she had left her broccoli and cauliflower out of the shop. Washing and toiletry products also came out far more expensive. Four kilograms of Persil sensitive washing powder was $22 at both supermarkets in 2022, now an extra $13 at Woolworths and $6.50 more at Pak'nSave. Huggies size 3 nappies were an extra $10 at Pak'nSave and a litre of Palmolive body wash was an extra $5 at Woolworths. For those advising to stock up on staples or frozen to cut costs, rice, noodles, sugar and frozen vegetables - all more expensive.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woolworths price warning as supermarket makes little-known move: 'Dominate'
The ready-made meal sector has evolved dramatically from the ice-encrusted microwaveables relegated to the supermarket freezer section. Now, Coles and Woolworths shelves are packed with calorie-controlled fresh fare targeted to the time-poor Australians. The booming industry is expected to be worth $1.9 billion in the next five years, with Woolworths making a major play at the sector this week that could be a concern for shoppers. The supermarket giant stocks Woolworths branded meals, now including larger offerings to cater to families, and brands like Strength Meal Co, which retail for about $9.95 depending on specials. Many wouldn't know Woolworths was cleared by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to acquire Beak & Johnston Holdings, the company that owns Strength Meal Co, on Wednesday. Woolworths told Yahoo Finance the proposed acquisition would help meet customers' growing demand in the expanding industry. But, there are concerns the Fresh Food People could drive costs up by blowing the rest of the competition out of the water. RELATED 6am lines for Costco warehouse opening in $118 million move to compete with Coles, Woolworths Woolworths cleared to make major move into $1.9 billion sector: 'Strong price competition' Multi-millionaire's blunt retirement message for Aussies: 'Work until 90' 'While Woolworths may initially keep prices competitive to attract customers, reduced competition in the long term could lead to price increases, especially if Coles and Woolworths continue to dominate the sector,' RMIT professor of finance Angel Zhong told Yahoo Finance. 'However, Woolworths may expand its ready-made meal offerings, providing more variety and convenience for shoppers, particularly in urban areas where demand for quick meals is high.' That could include at Woolworths' more than 100 Metro stores dotted around the country, which are smaller stores catering to shoppers looking for convenience and wanting to 'grab and go'.Zhong said the impact on consumers would depend on how Woolworths decides to integrate Beak & Johnson's products into their offerings. 'While large acquisitions can sometimes lead to higher prices due to reduced competition, Woolworths might also leverage economies of scale to keep prices competitive,' she said. The competition watchdog found the acquisition was 'unlikely' to have a substantial anti-competitive effect and Woolworths welcomed the move. 'Woolworths has been a customer of Beak & Johnston Group (B&J) for more than 37 years with the company providing a range of popular Woolworths-branded products including lasagnes, ready meals, and pies,' a Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo Finance. Woolworths currently holds a minority 23 per cent interest in subsidiary and ready meal provider B&J City Kitchen. Its acquisition is still subject to approval from New Zealand's regulator. The ready-made meal industry has been growing in popularity as time-poor consumers look to cut back on meal preparation, with Zhong noting there had been increased demand post-pandemic due to consumers' busier lifestyles. The biggest players in the industry are My Muscle Chef, Lite n' Easy, McCain Foods and Vesco Foods, who sell Lean Cuisine in Australia. Coles subsidiary Chef Fresh previously purchased rival ready-made meal supplier Jewel Fine Foods in 2020, after it went into voluntary administration. Ibisworld has forecast revenue from the prepared meals production industry to increase by 1.1 per cent over the next five years to $1.9 billion. Woolworths told Yahoo Finance the proposed acquisition would continue its focus on meeting customers' growing demand in the 'expanding' industry. 'Customers are looking for value and convenience now more than ever, and we're seeing significant opportunity to deliver this in the ready meal category,' a spokesperson said. Coles, meanwhile, has reported sales of 'convenient food solutions' increasing by 50 per cent over the past three years, with the supermarket finding nearly eight out of 10 shoppers decide what they will eat within a day of consumption. Zhong said Woolworths was strengthening its position in the growing ready-made meal market and it could make it harder for smaller companies to compete with the supermarket giants. 'To stay competitive, smaller companies might need to innovate more aggressively, focusing on niche markets or unique product offerings that differentiate them from the major players,' Zhong said. "Woolworths' acquisition could lead to changes in supply chain dynamics, potentially affecting suppliers and distributors within the sector." Coles and Woolworths currently control around 65 per cent of Australia's grocery market. 'This acquisition further entrenches their dominance, making it harder for independents like IGA, Aldi, or specialty meal providers to compete,' Zhong in to access your portfolio
