September 27, 2023
The Endeavour Foundation says ensuring the long-term viability of the Kingaroy Kitchen is why its products will be surging in price next month.
Kingaroy Kitchen, which provides supported employment services, is located in Kingaroy Street.
It sells a range of foodstuffs made on site, including biscuits, jams and chutneys.
Recently a reader contacted southburnett.com.au to complain about price rises that will be coming in from October 1.
“They are putting their box of biscuits up from $50 to $160, and their kilo tray of biscuits up from $10 to $28,” the reader stated.
Endeavour Foundation general manager (work) Simon Cook said Endeavour’s priority had always been actively supporting people with disability.
“Over the last several years however, it has become apparent our Kingaroy Kitchen’s wholesale pricing model had become unsustainable, creating concern over our longevity and ongoing objectives to create tailored, long-term employment opportunities and training for people with disability in Kingaroy and the surrounding areas,” Mr Cook said.
“Due to the ongoing current economic challenges, and associated increases in raw materials and supply chain cost pressures, sadly this has forced us to review our market offering.
“As a result, we have made the difficult decision to move away from our wholesale pricing model in order to ensure the long-term viability of Kingaroy Kitchens and our people.
“As always, our much-loved and high-quality goods will remain the same, including biscuits, marmalades, jams, chutney, relishes, and cakes, as well as hampers and commercial catering.
“While these have been difficult changes, they have been necessary, and will become effective from October 1, 2023.
“Supporting people is always our first priority.”
May I suggest to management that you compare prices of similar product and then determine whether your increase will result in an exit of customers? Lack of customers will not aid business viability. If, as stated, your biscuit price will increase to $28 per kilogram, then I will have no alternative but to purchase Arnotts at $9 per kilogram. You can buy cheaper lines for $7 a kilogram.
Cost of living increases are biting and a 300% increase will not help.
I hope and pray that the figures in the news item are grossly incorrect.
We put those figures to Endeavour, and they did not dispute them in their reply to us.