'It's been hard': New setback for beetroot supplies after shortage of tinned products
Beetroot, possibly the most divisive of all the burger additions, has had a rough couple of years, with a shortage of tinned products and now a disruption to fresh beetroot supplies.
The scene was set for the tasty root vegetable's struggles in 2011, when a major production change happened.
Golden Circle moved its beetroot and sauces production to New Zealand from Australia in 2011, after 64 years of local operation.
Beetroot, possibly the most divisive of all the burger additions, has had a rough couple of years. Nine
In 2023, when Cyclone Gabrielle wiped out crops in New Zealand, Golden Circle's tinned beetroot production was quickly impacted.
Australian growers, who had survived through a decline in demand following the move, struggled to fill the gap.
This led to tinned beetroot shortages in Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA, and corresponding price increases.
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When Cyclone Gabrielle wiped out crops in New Zealand, Golden Circle's tinned beetroot production was impacted. Nine
As of April 2024, supplies were increasing, and beetroot products began to return to normal in supermarkets across the country.
Today, supermarkets stock a variety of tinned beetroot brands in addition to Golden Circle, many of which are produced in Australia.
These include Aldi brand New Season; which is made in Australia, Coles' own brand range of beetroot products, also a local product; Countree, produced in China; and plenty of Edgell, which is produced in Bathurst.
There was a small amount of fresh beetroot at Coles and Woolies, but none at Aldi.
Aldi's New Season Beetroot sells for just $1.69 for a 425g tin, but it only comes in sliced. Their pre-packed beetroot is $2.49 for a 250g pack.
Coles' most affordable beetroot is China-produced Countree sliced beetroot, which is selling for $1.75 for a 420g tin. Their cheapest Australian-produced sliced beetroot costs $1.90 for a 415g tin.
Today, supermarkets are stocking a variety of tinned beetroot brands in addition to Golden Circle. Getty
There was a small amount of fresh beetroot at Coles and Woolies, but none at Aldi. Nine
Their pre-packed beetroot is $2.50 for 250g and their fresh beetroot is selling for $6.50 for a bunch or $6.50 per kilo for loose beetroot.
Woolworths also stocks its own-brand range of tinned beetroot, as well as a brand called Frisp, produced in China.
The lowest-priced beetroot at Woolies is Frisp's sliced beetroot at $1.80 for 500g and the cheapest Australian-produced sliced beetroot is Woolworths brand at $1.90 for 425g.
Aldi's New Season Beetroot sells for just $1.69 for a 425g tin. Nine
Coles and Woolworths stock several brands of beetroot. Nine
Their pre-packed beetroot is $2.50 for 250g and fresh beetroot at Woolies costs $1.95 per beetroot.
IGA has plenty of Golden Circle and Edgell beetroot as well as a range of jar beetroot products called Three Threes, which is grown at Mulyan Farm, NSW, and is also available at Coles and Woolies.
IGA's most affordable tinned beetroot product, per their website, is their Golden Circle sliced beetroot 850g tin which is on sale for $3.80. Pre-packed beetroot is $4.90 per pack. As IGA stores are operated independently, it is possible to find further deals in stores.
Coles also stocks Countree beetroot which is produced in China. Nine
Now there's a new challenge for beetroot in 2025, thanks to those same adverse weather conditions that have impacted several crops across the country.
"It's been very hard to grow beetroot this winter as its been so wet and the ground temperatures have been so cold," George Portelli, a beetroot grower for Box Divvy tells nine.com.au.
"We have put some in and it will be ready in about four weeks. It's looking good so far."
"Beetroot has been scarce and very expensive," Anton van den Berg, co-founder of Box Divvy tells nine.com.au.
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'Beetroot has been scared and very expensive.' Nine
New crops are expected to be ready by the end of October. Nine
"They're not the cheapest right now. I seem to recall a while ago, there were some additional factors that put some pressure on the beetroot supply."
Supplies of fresh Australian beetroot is expected to improve by the end of October.
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