The head of Australia's consumer regulator has raised concerns over the growing trend of supermarkets charging customers for fresh produce on a per-item basis rather than by weight. This change has led to confusion among shoppers, many of whom may not be aware of the price discrepancies. Recent reports indicate that some supermarkets, like Woolworths, have small bananas sold in bunches at a much higher per-kilogram rate compared to larger bananas sold by weight. This pricing strategy likely misleads customers, as they might not recognize the cost differences without weighing the items themselves.

Gina Cass-Gottlieb, chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), emphasized the need for retailers to display a consistent unit of measurement to facilitate price comparisons. She highlighted that such practices not only hinder fair shopping experiences but could also be viewed as a tactic to obscure true costs. This is particularly alarming amid increasing discussions regarding food pricing and consumer rights in Australia, where the cost of living is a pressing concern for many families.

As consumers face rising grocery bills, the ACCC's remarks underscore the importance of transparency in pricing strategies employed by supermarkets. By advocating for clearer pricing disclosure, regulators are aiming to protect consumers from being short-changed, ensuring they are fully aware of the costs they incur at checkout. This situation is likely to evoke further scrutiny of how major retailers manage price presentation moving forward, with implications for consumer trust and regulatory actions in the retail sector.