Fruit and veg prices set to rise due to El Niño – after costs at Woolworths and Coles fell ‘significantly’

Australians could soon be paying more at the checkout for fruit and veg as Australia braces for the hot and dry months ahead.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that El Niño will erupt across the country and the warmer weather will most likely lead to bushfires and drought.

The dry conditions could lead to poor crop yields and push up food prices, while fresh produce prices were also impacted by weather conditions last year.

A combination of flooding and inflation resulted in lettuce selling for as much as $12 in Queensland supermarkets in 2022.

Australians could pay more for fruit and veg at the supermarket as warmer weather hits across the country

The dry conditions could result in poor crop yields and push up food prices, with fresh produce prices also impacted by weather conditions last year (stock image)

Thanks to a warmer winter, farmers have seen strong growth in their fruit and vegetable crops this year, with the price of lettuce falling to just $2.

Catherine Velisha, a Victorian vegetable grower, narrated Nine news Due to the drier conditions, the plants recorded growth.

“We are in a real growth wave – this affects most products, both fruit and vegetables,” she said.

“This was the first year in a long time that we’ve had this much inventory, and it’s been completely non-stop.”

Ms Velisha said that with the cheaper prices, buyers are getting a lot for their money.

“On average, vegetable prices are around 40 percent lower than last year, which is huge,” Ms. Velisha said.

At Woolworths, fresh broccoli is 99 cents a piece, while red bell peppers are $1.23, with prices of some vegetables slashed by more than half.

Paul Turner, general manager for fruit and vegetables at Woolworths, told Daily Mail Australia in a statement that prices have come down significantly compared to this time last year.

“Last year, customers saw inflated prices for fruit and vegetables due to tight supply resulting from flooding and cool growing conditions, particularly in our vegetable categories,” Mr Turner said.

“The good news this year is that the favorable growing conditions have again brought us a rich supply of vegetables, which means great added value for customers in the season.”

The warning of a price hike in the fresh produce department comes as Australians struggle to afford basic supplies and groceries at the supermarket.

A young Australian revealed how much his small batch of groceries at Coles cost in a video he posted to social media.

The man said “Australia is a third world country” after complaining about how little food he was getting for nearly $91.84.

Thanks to larger stocks, shoppers in most supermarkets can get cheaper prices for most fruits and vegetables

According to Woolworths, the price of some vegetables has been reduced by more than half

Australians are feeling the cost of living crisis as commodity prices have soared

Consumers have been urged to take advantage of the low prices on their groceries as warmer temperatures are expected to impact fruit and vegetable prices.

Meteorologists are warning this spring will be dangerously dry and warm amid the threat of bushfires.

This year’s warmer-than-usual winter has already impacted harvests, wiping out an estimated $12 billion worth of farm produce.