Expert reveals: How to recognize the tricks of the less for more cases in the supermarket

Expert reveals: How to recognize the tricks of the less for more cases in the supermarket

According to a report from www.br.de, consumer advice centers are reporting a worrying increase in deceptive packaging in the first half of 2023. By mid-August, a total of 75 different products were reported in which the packaging was reduced in size and in some cases the price was also increased at the same time. This phenomenon, known as “shrinkflation,” affects products of all kinds, from detergent to chips to margarine. The sweets aisle, the snacks department and branded products in general are particularly affected.

Armin Valet from the Hamburg Consumer Center attributes this accumulation of “less for more” cases to synergy effects between retailers and manufacturers. Merchants often aim to keep their prices stable in order to give the impression that the prices of the products remain unchanged. Manufacturers, on the other hand, have the advantage of reducing their costs by reducing the packaging size. This allows them to keep prices constant while the actual content of the products decreases.

This practice, in which the price remains the same but the content is reduced, affects consumers across the board. However, there are ways to counteract this hidden inflation. For example, consumers should pay attention if new labels suddenly display less content. It is also recommended to compare prices per kilo to find the best deals. In addition, buying as little processed food as possible can help, as basic foods are comparatively rarely affected by secret price increases.

This increase in deceptive packaging could have a significant impact on the market and consumers. Hidden price increases could affect consumer confidence and reduce long-term demand for certain products. Additionally, this could lead to an increase in consumer complaints and increased regulation by authorities. How manufacturers and retailers respond to the increasing attention to these practices will be crucial.

The increasing prevalence of deceptive packaging and “shrinkflation” makes it even more important that consumers are informed about their rights and options in order to protect themselves from hidden price increases.