Prices are soaring in particular because of negotiations between distributors and manufacturers that were held last month. They are now reflected on labels: butter, yoghurts, rice, orange juice, sugar, etc. Their prices have increased a lot in recent days. According to professionals, it’s not over. Food prices should rise sharply until the summer. The anti-inflation baskets block the prices of certain products, but they have not stemmed the rise, far from it.
>> Franceinfo shopping basket: the price of our 37 everyday products has increased by 16.6% over one year
Prepared meals
Suddenly, the French adapt. In volume already, they buy less, reduce the quantities. 4.5% less since January according to the research firm Circana. And then they change their habits: less consumption of fish, which has become unaffordable for many households, less meat, but more eggs, cheaper to meet animal protein needs. Fewer fresh vegetables and fruits, too.
We also note more sales of private label products, these brands of supermarkets, and first prices, as well as more ready meals, which is quite unexpected. According to the Kantar firm, ready-made dishes such as paella, sauerkraut or cassoulet are popular, and this is explained by the price of gas or electricity, which weigh on budgets despite tariff shields. Reheating ready-made shepherd’s pie uses less energy than preparing it yourself.
Thefts from supermarkets
In addition, food expenditure outside the home, in cafes and restaurants also fell by nearly 5% last year according to INSEE. If we are to believe the president of the employers’ union of restaurateurs and hoteliers, Thierry Marx, with the social conflict in addition, the fall in restaurant attendance in recent weeks, there is up to minus 40%, or even minus 50% in some cities.
Finally, there is an increase in thefts in supermarkets. Customers “forget” more and more to pass one or more products in checkout: these thefts increased by 14% last year, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior.