Coles announces $1.1 billion profit while millions of Aussies struggle with the cost of living crisis as inflation pushes up the price of food

Coles announces $1.1 billion profit as millions of Aussies grapple with cost-of-living crisis as inflation pushes up the price of food

  • Coles has announced earnings of $1.1 billion for 2022-23
  • Inflation supermarkets increased by 6.7 percent to June

Coles has announced a $1.1 billion profit as millions of Australians grapple with a cost of living crisis.

The supermarket giant’s after-tax net profit for the year to June rose 4.8 percent to $1.098 billion, up from $1.048 billion.

Supermarket inflation also rose 6.7 percent, a level higher than Australia’s broader 6 percent consumer price index.

Despite this, Coles promised it would focus on value as Australia’s second largest supermarket chain after Woolworths.

“Cost of living is likely to remain under pressure for many Australian households and we will continue to focus on delivering trusted value,” it said on Tuesday.

But Coles also hinted that there were customers with savings who could pay more for premium products.

Coles has announced a $1.1 billion profit as millions of Australians grapple with a cost of living crisis

“At the same time, there are still customers looking for premium offerings and we will continue to innovate across our exclusive brand portfolio and tailor our ranges to the full range of customer needs,” it said.

Grocery sales increased 6.1 percent to $36.746 billion, but beverage sales remained stable at $3.61 billion.

Shareholders benefit from higher dividends, getting back 66 cents per share, compared to 63 cents in 2021-22.