Consumer advocates are looking for the deceptive package of the year: price increases due to shrinking content

Consumer advocates are looking for the deceptive package of the year: price increases due to shrinking content

According to a report from www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de,
The Hamburg consumer advice center is about to select the deceptive package of 2023. The consumer advocates examined 104 products last year due to hidden price increases and shrinking content. The reduction in filling quantities was noticed in products such as Katjes Yoghurt-Gums, Tuc Bake Rolls Sea Salt, Aldi Chocolat Amandes Whole Milk, Johnson & Johnson Listerine Total Care and Froneri Oreo Popsicles. These reductions resulted in hidden price increases of up to 127 percent.

At a time when sustainability and environmental protection are becoming increasingly important, the impact on packaging waste also plays a role. For products like Katjes fruit gums, a reduction in content means a significant increase in packaging waste. This has an impact on the environment as more packaging material is required.

At the same time, the hidden price increases have an impact on consumers. If the content shrinks but the price stays the same or even increases, that means a hidden price increase. This can lead to loss of trust and dissatisfaction among consumers. The consumer advice center is therefore calling for transparent labeling of changed filling quantities on the packaging.

Such hidden price increases can also have an impact on the market. As consumers begin to recognize these practices and actively resist them, manufacturers may be forced to act more transparently and sustainably. This could cause a change in product marketing and labeling.

It remains to be seen whether this year's “Scam Pack of the Year” will increase consumer sensitivity to such practices and whether this will lead to changes in the industry. Who loses trust. Although prices in industry continue to rise, consumers are noticing the shrinkage of pack and power of purchasing chatter. This is one that needs regulation.