Shoppers have taken to social media to complain about a dramatic rise in the price of a popular staple vegetable at Woolworths, Coles and various independent retailers.
Sharing on Reddit, customers have been left speechless over the skyrocketing price of cabbage in the past week.
One Gold Coast shopper reported seeing one local green grocer offer a half head of cabbage for a whopping $13.
Newsletters: Our top lifestyle news direct to your inbox. Subscribe now
“Thirteen bucks for half a cabbage ….. I’mma have to pass,” they wrote.
Another Woolies shopper spoke out after seeing a small whole head of cabbage on sale for $9.90.
“Woolworths has gone too far,” the customer wrote on Reddit.
At Coles, whole wombok cabbages are retailing for $9.90, while whole “mini” varieties of cabbage are available for $7.90 each.
Many social media noted that cabbage is typically known as being a budget produce item.
“Aren’t we meant to slowly starve to death on cabbage soup? Can’t even afford Great Depression meals in this economy,” one wrote.
Another said: “Ahhh, must be the end times when sauerkraut becomes a luxury product.”
A third added: “We were laughing today at $18 for a full cabbage in Brisbane. WTF.”
A Woolworths spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that the supermarket is facing supply issues with cabbage.
“We’re currently experiencing an industry wide cabbage shortage due to excessive heat and rainfall in the growing regions,” the spokesperson said.
A Coles spokesperson said the supermarket was also experiencing the same challenges.
“Due to challenging climate conditions in multiple states across Australia over the summer period, our supply of cabbages has been impacted,” the spokesperson said.
“We are working closely with our growers and anticipate that cabbage availability to recover in the coming weeks.
“Customers can still find great value on other vegetables at the moment such cauliflower, pumpkin and brushed potatoes.”
The price supermarkets and retailers pays for fruit and vegetables is determined by the market – the market price is influenced by factors such as supply, demand, seasonality and weather