Coles, one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains, sources its milk from a variety of dairy farmers across the country. In recent years, there have been concerns about the prices that Coles pays to these farmers, which some argue are not sufficient to cover the costs of production. The dairy industry has faced significant challenges, including fluctuating milk prices, cost pressures from feed and maintenance, and changing consumer preferences.
In response to these concerns, Coles has taken steps to support local dairy farmers. The supermarket chain has committed to sourcing its milk from Australian farms and has implemented initiatives to ensure fair pricing. Additionally, Coles has engaged in marketing campaigns to promote the consumption of locally sourced milk and raised awareness about the importance of supporting local farmers.
Furthermore, Coles has pledged that a portion of the revenue from its private label milk products goes directly to the farmers, aiming to improve their financial stability and sustainability. However, the effectiveness of these measures can vary, and the ongoing dialogue within the industry reflects the complex relationship between supermarket chains and dairy farmers in Australia.