Shelves were found almost empty.
Supermarket shelves in the pet food aisle have been found almost completely empty in the last few days after a price dispute between the two major supermarkets and their pet food suppliers.
The shortage became apparent after numerous customers posted to social media showing shelves appearing almost empty. Customer notices were also found posted along the aisles detailing “supply shortages on some brands in the pet food aisle”.
The shortage is affecting popular brands such as Whiskas, Pedigree, My Dog, and Dine – brands provided by the pet food supplier Mars Petcare.
National Union of Workers regional organiser Mark Schmidt told the Bendigo Advertiser members of the union who work at Mars’ Wodonga factory had said a price war between the supermarkets and the company has caused the short supply.
“Mars has had a price rise with its product and Woolworths and Coles are trying to get in and get their cut and my understanding is that’s why there has been a hold-off,” Mr Schmidt said.
“The warehouses are full, so it’s not that there’s a shortage in the product. It’s the fun and games that go with a product price rise.”
A spokesperson from Woolworths responded to the claims with a statement to news.com.au that mirrored the signs posted in the aisles.
“We have recently experienced some supply shortages on a few pet food lines,” they said.
“We’re working with the supplier to improve availability for our customers as quickly as possible. We apologise to customers for the inconvenience.”
Meanwhile, Coles spokesperson stated that the supply chain interruption would be over soon.
“An availability issue with our supplier resulted in a number of pet food products being out of stock over the past week.
“The good news is that the majority of products are now back on shelves in most stores, and we expect all stores to be fully stocked in the coming days.
“We apologise to our four-legged customers who have been unable to find their favourite brand.”
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Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Getty
