UPDATE: TasFarmers is demanding an urgent inquiry into Australia’s food supply chain after shocking new data reveals that basic groceries are cheaper in London than in Launceston. This alarming comparison, released on December 18, 2025, highlights a significant price gap that affects Australian households as cost-of-living pressures escalate.
In a stunning analysis, TasFarmers compared prices for a small basket of groceries at Australian supermarkets with those at Tesco in the UK. The findings are startling: staples like bread, butter, and eggs cost far less in London, even though many of these products are sourced locally from Tasmanian farms.
“It’s a staggering story,” said TasFarmers President Ian Sauer. “Australian households are being slugged more for everyday basics than shoppers in the UK, and not just by a little.” Basic groceries are now more expensive in Australia, with the price gap on bread alone reaching $1.89. Fresh produce disparities are even worse: bananas are $2.68/kg cheaper in London, carrots $1.21/kg less, and broccoli costs $3.47/kg less than what Tasmanians pay. The worst offender? Blueberries, which are a staggering $9.26 more at local supermarkets.
Consumers are feeling the pressure as they prepare for the festive season, with many unaware of the price discrepancies. Sauer emphasized that these high costs are a burden on families, especially during the holidays.
“For all the food miles and supply chain spin, consumers are being taken for a ride,” Sauer stated. He pointed out that farmers are not seeing the benefits of their efficient production methods. Instead, they are frustrated by a lack of transparency in the supply chain, where unknown costs seem to inflate prices at every stage.
The call for a parliamentary inquiry comes as TasFarmers highlights the urgent need for transparency in freight, logistics, and retail margins. “We don’t know what we don’t know,” Sauer added. He challenged the notion that supermarkets are operating on thin margins, urging for scrutiny over the entire food pricing system.
“If Coles and Woolworths are confident in their margins, they shouldn’t fear scrutiny,” he said. With consumers facing rising prices, TasFarmers believes it’s crucial to understand who is profiting and where inefficiencies lie in the food supply chain.
Sauer is also encouraging Tasmanians to support local farmers by purchasing in-season produce. He stated that Tasmania is recognized for producing some of the cleanest and tastiest food globally. “Our supermarkets should have nothing to hide,” he insisted, calling for local produce to be more prominently featured in stores.
As the Australian government grapples with how to address the rising cost of living, the TasFarmers’ report underscores the need for immediate action to protect consumers and support local agriculture.
In the coming days, TasFarmers will continue pressing for an independent economic analysis of the food supply chain, aiming to shed light on the factors driving prices higher. The organization is determined to challenge the status quo and advocate for a fairer system for both consumers and farmers alike.
Stay tuned for further developments as TasFarmers seeks to bring this critical issue to the forefront of public discourse and drive meaningful change in Australia’s food pricing landscape.
