Why Are Tim Tams Cheaper in London? Coles & Woolworths Blame Arnott's! National Outrage!

It’s no secret that Aussies love their Tim Tams, but why are these beloved biscuits actually cheaper across the globe in London than here in Australia? That's exactly what a Senate committee wanted to know, and when it came to crunch time, Coles and Woolworths passed the sticky question to the biscuit masterminds at Arnott's.

As inflation bites and Aussies feel the pinch, Woolies’ Chief Commercial Officer Paul Harker and Coles’ Public Affairs Head Adam Fitzgibbons claim it’s not their fault. They say it’s all about the costs handed down from suppliers like Arnott's – and that's where the price discrepancies lie.

Senator Jane Hume wasn’t having it, asking why Tim Tams are going for a fraction of the price at Tesco in London, while Aussie shoppers pay double. So what did Coles and Woolworths have to say?

According to Harker, it’s out of their hands: "I don't know what arrangements they have selling in the UK market… we put all our efforts into negotiating promotions," he stated. Arnott’s echoed this by claiming they invest in “promotional programs” to keep those prices sweet for all shoppers – but Aussies are left wondering why they’re the ones shelling out more.

Here’s where it gets juicier: an interim report from the national watchdog calls out both Coles and Woolies for acting like an “oligopoly” – fewer competitors, higher prices, less reason to battle for customer dollars. The report also flagged fake discounting, with allegations of price hikes just before throwing on a “sale” sticker. Ouch.

Throw in interest rate hikes, skyrocketing energy and shipping costs, and a squeeze on suppliers – and both supermarket giants claim they’re just trying to keep prices down. But with Coles earning a solid $2.60 for every $100 spent, and Woolies raking in $108 million in 2023/24, Aussies might be forgiven for wondering where all their extra dollars are going.

So, are Tim Tams and other staples destined to keep burning a hole in Aussie wallets, or is change on the horizon? Coles and Woolies assure us they’re committed to keeping prices low – but as every shopper knows, the proof is in the pricing.

What do you think? Are we paying too much for a taste of home? Let us know!