How Aldi is falling behind Coles and Woolworths
A report on Australia’s major supermarket chains has suggested Aldi and IGA are letting Aussie shoppers down when it comes to promoting healthy eating habits.
The analysis, conducted by the Global Obesity Centre at Deakin University, put Australia’s four biggest supermarkets under the microscope and gave them a score out of 100, based on what they were doing to lower obesity rates.
Coles and Woolies performed the strongest, with a score of 40 and 46 respectively, while Aldi and IGA trailed behind with scores of 11 and 8 at the other end of the spectrum.
“The vast majority of Australians buy their food at supermarkets, and the way these shops are set up can heavily influence what we buy,” said lead author, Associate Professor Gary Sacks.
The report looked at factors like the nutritional value of private label products, clear labelling, the promotion of junk food, and confectionary levels at check-outs.
Aldi has hit back at the research, telling News.com.au the findings, “Do not adequately represent the full range of policies and process (at) Aldi.”
Metcash, the company that owns IGA, also took issue with the research, saying, the analysis was “unfair and disappointing”.
Professor Sacks said all retailers could be doing a lot more.
“The top scoring supermarket only got 46 out of 100 which is only a passing grade and they could be doing a whole lot more,” he said.
“It’s fine to have a bit of junk food in the catalogues, but it’s about balance and at the moment unhealthy food dominates what’s on special.”
What are your thoughts? Do you think this will impact where you shop?