The final report of the Inquiry into Price Gouging and Unfair Pricing Practices released last month revealed big business has worsened the cost-of-living crisis by deliberately driving up prices to increase their profit margins. With concentrated market power (65% market share for groceries), Coles and Woolworths combined made over $2.7 billion net profit in 2023 while consumers paid more. Has the inquiry got you thinking about where your dollars are going and for what purpose?
Over the last 45 years Santos Organics has represented an alternative way of doing business that takes care of people and the planet. Do you know any other grocery stores in Australia that are a not-for-profit social enterprise and environmental charity?
Since becoming a not-for-profit in 2016, CEO Jolene Ryan says Santos Organics has given over $340,000 directly to dozens of local community and environmental organisations and each year recirculates over $9 million back into the local economy through hiring locals, using local tradespeople and services, and supporting local growers, makers, and suppliers, all whilst supporting the environment through purchasing only organic and ethical products, prioritising low food miles, and insisting on the most ecological packaging.
If you haven’t compared prices between Santos Organics and the big supermarkets lately, you may be pleasantly surprised to find you can buy the same products at a competitive price (like-for-like, such as certified organic) and with a comparatively small ecological footprint.
‘Santos Organics is like a seven-day a week farmers market, selling a wide range of locally grown certified organic produce and locally-crafted products at three locations. We are your one-stop shop for all of your food, sustainable ware, and personal care needs,’ says Jolene Ryan, Santos Organics CEO.
So next time you’re wondering whether to duck into a large corporate supermarket to buy milk, eggs, bread, fresh fruit and veg, dried fruit, toilet paper and almost any basic grocery item you need, consider where you’re putting your dollars – into the hands of profiteering corporate giants, or back into the local community whilst contributing to a healthier environment,and at no extra cost.
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