AUSVEG today said that vegetable prices were falling rapidly and labelled as unreliable an IBIS World report released which has predicted increases of Australian vegetable prices of up to 70 per cent in the wake of the floods.

AUSVEG is the national peak industry body representing the interests of over 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.

AUSVEG Spokesperson Andrew White said that consumers should shop around to avoid being taken advantage of by retailers looking to cash in on the media hype.

“There is hysteria that prices are going to rise. It’s not the reality on the ground. Whilst the floods have been devastating for many growers from Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria, there remains adequate supply to meet consumer demand and categories that were affected by the ongoing wet weather are now falling sharply,” he said.

“Contrary to the IBIS World report which predicts broccoli and cauliflower will rise by 80 per cent, growers are reporting that the situation on the ground is very different with strong supply flowing through and new produce moving from the farm to shelves rapidly.”

“AUSVEG data obtained from a Victorian based survey found that prices for a number of vegetable products including cauliflower and sweet potatoes had fallen this week at the retail level.

From 18 January until today sweet potatoes fell from $6.98 to $2.48 per kilo whilst cauliflower fell over the same period from $3.98 to $2.98. Field tomatoes and red capsicum had also dropped in price.”

“Our view is that prices will hold steady and that we are very sceptical about the unreliable IBIS World predictions. It certainly comes as news to growers and industry. I’d like to see what modelling they have been using to make these claims.”

“It’s actually quite damaging when sensationalist claims are made as consumers are put at risk through the distribution of misinformation of being ripped off. The misleading predictions can create a false price reality that does nothing more than give a greater margin to retailers.”

“Where vegetables are concerned consumers need to continue to put pressure on the retailers to ensure they are getting good prices and also ensure that retailers continue to supply Australian grown produce.”

“There is good supply out there of high quality Australian produce. There is no reason to increase imports and consumers should not be alarmed by reports to the contrary. The best thing they can do to support flood affected growers is to continue to buy Australian grown produce,” Mr White said.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew White, Manager – VIDP Communications, AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0409 989 575, Email: andrew.white@ausveg.com.au