Uncle Tobys beloved oat brands disappear from Woolworths’ shelves

A supply issue has been blamed for the recent disappearances of much-loved products from Australian supermarket shelves.

There are now fresh concerns the fresh fruit and vegetable market could also be impacted, as suppliers link the shortages to environmental issues impacting farmers.

Last week, Woolworths and Coles reportedly become embroiled in a price war with popular pet food brands after Pedigree and Whiskas products were removed from shelves across Australia.

Now, Uncle Tobys oats has experienced a similar fate. New pictures surfaced on Sunday of retailer shelves cleared out of some of the brands’ most beloved products. 

Nestle spokesperson, Margaret Stuart, confirmed that the supplier had encountered issues with Woolworths

Nestle’s media release claims that the price of products will be impacted because of the drought affecting their farmers in Victoria.   

The National Retail Association chief executive, Dominique Lamb, suggested similar cost pressures hitting farmers may also impact fresh food. 

Ms Lamb told Weekend Sunrise that suppliers were under mounting pressure as costs rise.  

‘We know a lot of businesses are finding it difficult with increases in utilities prices.

‘Also with the cost of labour… all businesses are going through these things so I think we will see this continue from time to time,’ she said. 

When it came to the fresh food market, Ms Lamb said: ‘I think it will happen… but hopefully everyone can maintain their relationships, because as consumers we will all suffer.’ 

But according to Ms Lamb, the financial interests of supermarket giants’ should not come first.

‘It is the consumer who bears the difficulties around this where they can’t get their product of there are big price hikes,’ she told the program. 

Nestle spokeswoman Margaret Stuart confirmed that the supplier had encountered issues with Woolworths.

‘We have a supply issue with Woolworths which we’re both working hard to resolve to make sure that our breakfast cereal products are available again there soon,’ Ms Stuart said.

However, she confirmed the ‘supply issue’ has not impacted Coles.

‘We can confirm that Uncle Tobys and Nestlé breakfast cereals are available at Coles.’   

Both Woolworths and Coles have also taken down pet food products after manufacturer, Mars, increased prices

Both Woolworths and Coles have also been struck in a price war with popular pet food brands after reports that the manufacturer also raised prices 

The price wars between Nestle and Woolworths are of particular concern to consumers because of the popular brands the manufacturer owns.  

According to their website, ‘(they) have more than 2,000 brands, from global icons to local favourites.’ 

Some of these brands include Australian household favourites, including Maggi and Milo.   

A Woolworths spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the company has experienced some supply shortages on a ‘small range of products.’

‘We’ve been working with suppliers to address these availability issues and expect to see stock returning to our shelves in the coming days.’ 

The previous products that were impacted were all manufactured by Mars, Incorporated. The company also own a large portion of Australia’s pet food brands. 

A representative for Mars previously told Daily Mail Australia that ‘we’re working through supply issues with some of our products, and hope to have them back on shelves soon. 

Daily Mail has contacted Coles for comment.

But according to Ms Lamb, the financial interests of supermarket giants’ should not come first