The deceptive package of the year: Financial expert warns of manufacturers' tricks

The deceptive package of the year: Financial expert warns of manufacturers' tricks

According to a report by web.de, the Hamburg consumer advice center has identified the biggest tricksters of 2023. Mondelez's "Tuc Bake Rolls Sea Salt" was voted "Deceptive Pack of the Year" after consumers found the company's deception particularly bold. Behind this are hidden price increases and reduced filling quantities, which the consumer advice center found misleading.

The Mondelez company, for example, has reduced the capacity of the “Tuc Bake Rolls Sea Salt” from 250 to 150 grams and at the same time increased the price. The consumer advice center found the product for 1.89 euros, while the 7days brand bread chips only cost 1.39 euros, which corresponds to a hidden price increase of 127 percent. The product is now even offered for 1.99 euros, which corresponds to a hidden price increase of 139 percent.

This has an impact on the market, as consumers react more and more sensitively to hidden price increases and reduced filling quantities. The trustworthiness of companies can suffer as consumers feel deceived and adjust their purchasing behavior accordingly. In addition, other companies that use similar methods could also face a bad reputation.

The other winners of the “Deceit Pack of the Year 2023” showed similar tricks with reduced filling quantities and hidden price increases. These practices have led the Hamburg consumer advice center to draw consumers' attention to the true contents and prices of products in order to promote transparency and honesty in retail. In view of these attempts at deception, consumers could in future pay more attention to carefully checking product contents and prices before deciding to buy.