If you’re a fan of Coca-Cola, you might want to sit down before reading this.
The popular soft drink has just gotten a whole lot pricier, with a 30-can pack now costing a whopping $50 at both Coles and Woolworths.
Yes, you read that right – $50 for a few dozen cans of Coke!
From $28 to $50: What’s Behind the Price Hike?
So, what’s behind this massive price jump? Until recently, you could snag a 30-can pack for as little as $28.30 if it was on special.
But now, the price has skyrocketed to $50, leaving many shoppers outraged.
The reason behind this price hike is due to a “combination of supply chain cost pressures” and “consistently rising material and commodity prices”, according to Coca-Cola.
Aussies Take to Social Media to Vent
Australians have taken to social media to express their frustration over the price hike, with many calling it a “sick joke”.
One disgruntled shopper even described the price tag as “ridiculous”, saying it’s “cheaper to buy a slab of beer” than a few dozen cans of Coke.
Another shopper agreed, saying “surely this is some sort of sick joke. $50 for a 30-pack of cans of Coke… That’s crazy.”
Coca-Cola Responds to Backlash
Coca-Cola has responded to the backlash, citing rising costs as the reason behind the price hike. The company said that it had asked supermarkets to increase the price due to a “supplier cost request”.
But for many Aussies, this explanation just isn’t cutting it. With the average grocery bill increasing by $1000 a year, many are feeling the pinch.
A Global Price Hike
It’s not just Australia that’s seen a price hike in Coca-Cola products. The company has increased prices globally, with prices rising by around 10% last year.
But despite the higher prices, it seems that people are still drinking Coca-Cola in droves. Recent financial figures from the company show that more people are consuming the popular beverage than ever before.
What’s Next for Coca-Cola?
So, what’s next for Coca-Cola? The company has warned that it may have to switch to alternative packaging options, such as plastic bottles, if the cost of aluminium cans becomes too high.
This is due to a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium entering the country, which could drive up the price of canned food and drink items. Only time will tell if Aussies will continue to shell out the big bucks for their favorite soft drink.