The implementation of stage four restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne sparked fears residents in regional communities would not have access to their normal groceries.
To help ensure an even share, Coles and Woolworths have again introduced purchase limits on a number of products state-wide.
“Increased demand in recent days has reduced availability for some meat products in our Victorian stores,” a Coles spokesperson said.
“We apologise to customers if the product they wanted to purchase was not in stock at their store.
“We are proactively working with our meat suppliers to ensure we can provide a broad range of products for all customers, and stock continues to be delivered daily to all of our stores.
“To help us manage demand, we have also implemented a temporary two-pack limit on purchases of chicken breast, chicken thighs and mince in our Victorian and NSW border stores.
“We will continue to monitor stock levels and we thank customers for purchasing only what they need.”
Woolworths Supermarkets managing director Claire Peters also urged calm.
“We understand this is an anxious time for our Victorian customers, but we encourage everyone to continue shopping as they usually would and only buy what they need,” she said.
“Stock will continue to flow from our distribution centres and as an essential service, Woolworths supermarkets remain open to support customers’ food and grocery needs.
“We ask that our customers continue to adhere to our social distancing and hygiene measures while in store and continue to treat our team and each other with respect while shopping.”
Meanwhile, ALDI Australia says it is business as usual in their stores across the state.
“We currently do not have any product restrictions in place and are monitoring the situation closely,” a spokesperson said.
“Australia has a highly advanced network of primary producers and manufacturers.
“The response from ALDI’s supplier partners has been nothing short of excellent as they work with us to keep up with constantly fluctuating consumer demand.”
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