Australian supermarkets limit baby milk formula sales as China demand hits stocks
Move comes after reports that one kilogram tins bought for up to A$35 were being resold to Chinese parents for around A$100
One of Australia’s biggest supermarket chains said Wednesday some stores were moving baby milk formula behind counters and restricting sales as it emerged customers were clearing shelves and selling it online in China for more than double the price.
Coles’ decision to take the milk product off aisles follows complaints from worried mothers over supplies and after Sydney’s Daily Telegraph reported one kilogram tins bought for up to A$35 (US$26) were being resold to Chinese parents for around A$100.
“Coles is committed to ensuring that our customers with a genuine need for infant formula have access to this product,” Coles said in a statement.
“To make sure we have formula available for customers, in some stores we are keeping infant formula behind the service desk or using specially designed electronic article surveillance lids that can only be removed at the register.”
The supermarket giant is restricting sales to two tins per customer and working with suppliers to improve availability.