Retail promotions are down 11% on average for Australian fresh produce trade in an Omicron-affected first two weeks of 2022. Major retail has seen the largest reduction, with an overall reduction of 18.1% in the number of promotions on supermarket shelves, while greengrocers are up 9.8%.
This appears to be in line with widespread staff shortages due to COVID illness and isolation requirements, with the more complicated supply chains of the major retailers under greater pressure. While COVID isolation requirements have now been relaxed, retailers are reporting that issues may continue into the coming weeks.
â–º With increasing fruit and vegetable volumes also expected in coming weeks, will major retailers move to increase promotional activity as a result?