A group of Aldi shoppers have turned on the cult supermarket chain after a series of price hikes they say are “ridiculous”.
The grocery underdog, which consistently ranks as Australia’s cheapest major supermarket, attracted criticism this week when a popular product was hit with a big price increase seemingly “overnight”.
The store’s skinless salmon fillets increased in price by $4, leaving customers outraged.
“So explain to me, Aldi Australia, how do you justify a 28.5 per cent overnight increase on fresh salmon?” one person fumed on the Aldi Australia Facebook page.
“This is outrageous. Last week, it was $13.99 for four pieces, this week $17.99. Guess where it stayed? On your shelf, NOT in my trolley.”
The comment triggered a wave of fury towards Aldi, with many threatening to abandon the German retailer altogether.
“Everything is so expensive at Aldi now might as well shop at Coles and Woolies,” one shopper said.
“Well why did a can of baked beans price rise by nearly 50% and the same with small tins of tuna?? Ripping us off — not happy with the excessive price rises!! I think it my be time to shop elsewhere,” raged a second.
“Not impressed by Aldis price increases, a big frozen box of lasagne was $8.99 now $11.99, cheese was $8.99 now $11.99, whisky $34.99 now $36.99, cooking bacon $5.99 now $6.99. I can justify a small increase, but $3 … time to look around,” added a third.
Responding to the criticism, Aldi acknowledged the price hikes in some areas but said it remained committed to providing Aussies with great value products.
The supermarket chain said it regularly reviewed its meat and seafood pricing, and blamed the jump in the price of salmon to broader market conditions.
“Aldi’s entire business model is oriented around saving customers money to ensure that we continue to lead as Australia’s lowest-price supermarket. We always aim to cut unnecessary costs and pass these savings directly onto customers,” an Aldi Australia spokesperson explained.
“We know that the price of essential goods has never been more important to Australians, so we remain absolutely committed to delivering the best value for our customers while also supporting our supplier partners by maintaining fair pricing at all times.”
Last month, Aldi came out on top as Australia’s favourite supermarket as Aussies flocked to the retailer to cope with the rising cost of grocery staples.
Canstar Blue surveyed 2582 shoppers about the country’s biggest grocery stores as part of its annual Supermarket Satisfaction Ratings.
Aldi was the only brand to rank five stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, freshness of produce, quality of private label products and availability of deals/specials.
It was the sixth year in a row the German supermarket giant had ranked first, and its 11th win since the awards began 13 years ago.
At the time, Aldi Australia group director Simon Padovani-Ginies said the retailer was proud to have maintained its leadership and satisfaction for customers at a time when they need it most.
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“Aldi has won a spot in the hearts and back pockets of Aussie shoppers through one simple and consistent commitment — high quality products at competitively low prices,” he said.
“Being credited as the only five-star rated supermarket shows our day-in, day-out commitment to deliver market-leading prices on high quality goods is resonating with our shoppers.
“We simply won’t be beaten on the cost of the weekly shop.”
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