The cost of domestic red meat is so high that major supermarkets are now implementing price containment strategies.
That was one of the key messages delivered by Coles meat business manager, Chris Nicklin, at Queensland Country Life’s Food Heroes forum near Roma on Friday.
Mr Nicklin said it was vital “to keep prices down for our customers”.
“Cost prices are at record levels and we operate in an open market, so to some degree they are what they are,” Mr Nicklin said.
“But, we cannot be blind to the protein competition or battle within the meat case.”
To provide value on beef to Coles supermarket customers, the company is investing in the beef category through “funding lower prices”, Mr Nicklin said.
“To keep beef the number one meat, we all need to step up on quality and consistency to customers,” he said.
“There’s just too many choices if we don’t, so this means every animal, every process, every pack, every day.”
