MGA CEO Martin Stirling warns of inevitable price increases in dairy and fresh produce amid fuel crisis
Master Grocers Australia CEO Martin Stirling was quoted in Dairy News Today highlighting the severe structural challenges facing independent retailers as the fuel crisis threatens to drive up prices for essential grocery staples including milk, meat, vegetables and bread.
In the article titled “Fuel crisis sparks produce price spiking alarm as big chains work to absorb pain,” Martin emphasized that small retailers in rural and regional areas are particularly vulnerable due to the greater distances required to transport goods.
“Our members are feeling incredible pressure from multiple angles, it is a true structural crisis,” Martin said. “It is inevitable everything produced on a farm is going to increase in price, starting with fresh produce. That means meat, vegetables, bread, milk, the staples of Australian life are going to be more expensive.”
Martin also highlighted Australia’s structural vulnerability, noting the economy had never been “so unprepared and so reliant on imports.” He called for Australia to leverage its natural resources to produce fuel and fertiliser domestically to ensure the nation can sustain its economy during future crises.
The article notes that milk producers have asked Australian supermarkets to increase the price of homebrand milk by at least 30 cents a litre, while economists warn that price rises of up to 20 per cent are just “the starting point.”
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kath Markov, Marketing & Partnerships Manager
kath.markov@mgaiba.org.au
0452 660 506
About Dairy News Today
The Dairy News holds a prominent position as a global authority in the milk market. As one of the world’s major specialized media outlets for the dairy industry, The Dairy News is a highly influential and authoritative source delivering daily news updates on the global state of the dairy industry. With a readership exceeding 4.5 million unique visitors annually, The Dairy News continues to play a pivotal role in disseminating vital information within the dairy sector.
