SUPERMARKET Coles this week lowered the price of its Australian lamb loin chops to the lowest level in four years and will also cut lamb cutlet prices until 23 January.

But the supermarket has refused to comment on whether its lamb prices would go up or down after the two-week period, stating it did not comment on future pricing due to price signalling and the new chop price is a weekly special and not part of the Coles Down Down campaign.

The retail price cuts come soon after $20-$50 price rises for lambs in saleyards across Australia, but the supermarket said it had long-term relationships with its cattle and lamb farmers, and the prices it paid were not reflective of the saleyard prices often quoted.

“There are many factors which determine both the retail shelf price of produce and meat, and how long an item is on promotion, a Coles spokesperson said.

“We are continuing to work hard to keep prices affordable for Australian households, and are investing in providing great value to our customers through our Down Down offers, thousands of weekly specials, Flybuys program and other initiatives.”

On Wednesday, Coles said its special price for lamb chops would drop $6 from $22/kg down to $16/kg until 23 January. Coles new special price for Australian lamb cutlets would $29/kg, down $5/kg, until 23 January.

Coles said it is starting the new year by lowering the price of more than 300 products in store and online, including a range of summer essentials across meat, deli and seafood, health, beauty and baby, pantry and bakery.

Victorian beef and lamb farmers, Brian and Chris Kyle have been supplying to Coles for more than 25 years and said the longstanding partnership has been one of great collaboration and consistency that has helped their family-owned business to deliver the best quality meat to Australians.

“Supplying to Coles for the better part of two decades has been an invaluable part of our story and the demand for quality meat is as strong as I can remember, with lamb in particular surging in popularity over the last few years.

“We’re a multi-generational farming family. Our sons James, Michael, Peter and daughter Emma are following in our footsteps and we have over 20 of us, including grandkids, out on the farms in one way or another,” he said.

“Building up the family business and working with Coles has meant we can continue to evolve while providing the best quality meat to feed Aussie families like ours for years to come,” Brian said.

Coles executive general manager fresh, Andy Mossop, said Coles is committed to providing value to Australians throughout the new year as consumers increasingly seek budget friendly options that don’t compromise on quality.

“Our customers are seeking lower prices and immediate value more than ever.

“We’ve lowered the price on a variety of essentials and customer favourites including a selection of household staples such as cheese, coffee, pasta, dishwashing tablets, baby needs and more,” he said.