Broccoli bandits stalking NQ shop

BROCCOLI bandits are targeting a North Queensland supermarket in an apparent bid to save a couple of cents at the checkout.

A Coles spokesman said a small, select group of shoppers had resorted to snapping the stalks off the heads of the delicious vegetable, which retails for $2.50 a kilogram at Coles Ingham.

“It’s disappointing to hear a small number of customers have removed the stalks from broccoli in our stores as the entire vegetable is edible and full of nutritional value.”

The spokesman said the customer behaviour did not impact on broccoli growers.

“Coles customers love our 100 per cent Australian-grown broccoli and we bought about 13.5 million kilograms from Aussie farmers last financial year,” she said.

He said Coles primarily sourced broccoli from Queensland producers.

“At this time of year we come into a spring flush so we’re able to offer great value to customers due to abundant volumes.”

The spokesman said that as part of its Together to Zero strategy, Coles would continue to strive to “minimise food waste by educating customers about how to get the most out of their fresh produce”.

He said shaved broccoli stalks could be used as a main ingredient in a salad.