{
  "id": 6315167,
  "title": "Who is taking the biggest cut of the apple profits?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/who-is-taking-the-biggest-cut-of-the-apple-profits",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-08T19:27:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-09/apple-prices-increase-but-growers-miss-out-on-profit/107097710"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple growers have welcomed higher returns from the sale of their fruit, but they claim major supermarkets are reaping the greatest profits. Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) has compiled data indicating that supermarkets are taking a significant portion of the apple profit increase. Over the past year, supply shortages have driven up the cost of apples in supermarkets, with prices rising from an average of $4.50 per kilogram to about $6.20. The APAL figures reveal that major stores like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi experienced a profit margin as high as 65 per cent in early 2026, up from an average of around 25 per cent.\n\nAPAL's general manager, Jeremy Griffith, noted that the difference between the price of purchasing and selling apples to consumers has significantly increased, indicating a large rise in the profit gap. While the wholesale data did not specify the exact prices paid by supermarkets to growers, Griffith stated it serves as a good representation of market trends. Growers have expressed concern over the low returns they have received over the past six to seven years, and while they acknowledge the need for better returns, they are worried about supermarkets taking an excessive margin in addition to these improved returns.\n\nMajor supermarkets have defended their pricing decisions, citing factors such as seasonal availability, market conditions, and supplier wholesale input costs. Woolworths and Coles have emphasized their commitment to supporting Australian apple growers and providing high-quality, locally grown produce to customers at competitive prices. They work collaboratively with their suppliers to meet customer needs throughout the year. However, APAL has called for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to better regulate the relationship between supermarkets and growers to prevent an oversupply of excess margins for supermarkets. If left unaddressed, this could threaten the long-term sustainability of the sector. The ACCC has stated that it will consider the issue, emphasizing the need for supermarkets to engage in good faith negotiations with suppliers. Despite the concerns, orchardists in Victoria's Goulburn Valley have reported that the price increases are positively impacting their profitability.",
  "summary": "Growers are welcoming higher prices for apples, but say they want the ACCC to better police the relationship between major supermarkets and farmers.",
  "key_points": [
    "Supermarkets taking 65% profit margin on apples, up from 25%",
    "Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) data reveals supermarket profit increase",
    "Growers concerned about low returns, excessive supermarket margins"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}