As green vegetable prices spike, data shows some manufactured goods remain stable
The fact that food prices in Australia have soared this year is not new news for most people. Key points: Deakin University research shows lettuce, broccoli and tomato prices have soared Amid other cost of living pressures, more people are seeking help with food costs There are calls for a national strategy to ensure Australians can access healthy food But tracking data for 28 specific grocery items over the past few years shows which product prices have gone up the most, which have fallen and which have remained stable. Figures from Deakin University’s Institute of Health Transformation support the most eye-catching increase – the skyrocketing price of lettuce. Data shows lettuce has jumped 150 percent in 12 months, up from the national average of $2 per head for icebergs last year to $5 in 2022. All kinds of leafy greens have disappeared from store aisles in recent months, including broccoli, which had the second biggest jump. It jumped from $6.90 per kilo in June last year to $11.90