Woolworths and Coles to go head to head in cost-cutting war as prices of over 1,000 grocery items are slashed

By NICHOLAS COMINO FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 03:53 BST, 13 May 2025 | Updated: 18:40 BST, 13 May 2025

Aussie shoppers can expect to pay less for their next grocery shop as Woolworths and Coles slash the prices of a combined 1,000 items. 

On Monday, Woolworths announced it will reduce prices on hundreds of everyday items by about 10 per cent – with the promotion set to last until 2026. 

The discounted products include staples such as bread, bacon, sausage rolls, Coca-Cola, chicken schnitzel, Greek yogurt, rice, oats and frozen berries.

Woolworths estimates that customers spending around $150 a week could save an average of $15 on their grocery shop.

The price reduction will come into effect from Wednesday and will impact prices for those who shop in store and online. 

Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell acknowledged that cost of living remained a major issue for Australian shoppers. 

‘Customers consistently tell us they need more value from their shop, and that they expect us to do more to help,’ she said. 

‘This isn’t just a short-term promotion; it’s about lower shelf prices on the products we know customers regularly shop for, and providing genuine, lasting and dependable value they can count on.

Woolworths says price reductions will last until 2026 (stock)

Coles says they will reduce prices on more than 680 items (stock)

‘We are committed to expanding the Lower Shelf Price product list in the coming weeks and months to help provide customers with even more value every time they shop with us.’

Coles meanwhile has highlighted their ongoing price reductions, with more than 680 products already lowered in price. 

Coles says the average savings across the product range would amount to 21 per cent. 

‘Right now, customers can find more than 680 products on down-down at Coles stores and online, bringing an average savings of 21 per cent’ said a Coles spokesperson.  

‘Our promotions reflect seasonal availability to reward customers with savings on their favourite products, including meat and seafood, pantry, bakery, frozen, health and home care’ they added. 

The price war comes following allegations by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that Coles and Woolworths mislead customers on pricing.  

The ACCC undertook a 12 month inquiry, which looked into ways to improve competition in the supermarket sector. 

One of the inquiry’s main recommendations was for supermarkets to provide clearer, more accessible information to shoppers.

‘Through clearer sales tickets and promotions, consumers will be better placed to make more informed decisions about what products offer the best value for them at the checkout,’ said ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh.

Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell (Pictured) says more price cuts are coming

The inquiry also raised concerns about shrinkflation, where the size of a product is reduced but the price stays the same or even increases.

To address this, the ACCC recommends supermarkets be required to notify customers when shrinkflation occurs.

‘This information would, at a minimum, be required to be published in proximity to the product ticket on shelves, and on the webpage for the product,’ Mr Keogh said.

‘By giving consumers this transparency over what are effectively price increases, consumers would be better able to ‘vote with their feet’ and switch to cheaper alternatives if that is their preference.’ 

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Woolworths and Coles to go head to head in cost-cutting war as prices of over 1,000 grocery items are slashed

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