New Documentary Reveals: Why Grocery Shopping Is Getting More Expensive and How to Still Save Smart
On Tuesday, July 15, at 8:15 PM, an exciting ZDF documentary titled "Rewe, Edeka and Co. – Who Profits from Our Food?" reveals the bitter truth about pricing policies in Germany's supermarkets. It addresses nothing less than the question of whether the giants of retail are exploiting their enormous market power and how prices are set.
Who Really Dominates the Market
It's hard to believe: Only four major food retailers control almost 80 percent of the entire German market. Rewe and Edeka alone share half of it! This concentration could give them incredible power – both over the manufacturers who want to sell their products and over the consumers. Director Dietrich Duppel traces the path of our food from producer to shelf in his film and questions how pricing decisions are made.
Private Labels: The Price Shock No One Saw Coming?
According to the consumer center, food costs about 30 percent more today than it did in 2021. That's a painful jump! But the documentary shows: Not all price increases can simply be explained by rising production costs, crop failures, or higher energy prices. Particularly noticeable are the price jumps in supermarket private labels. These products were previously considered the affordable alternative to expensive branded items. But those days seem to be over!
A Look Behind the Scenes of the Food Industry
The film gives you unique insights into industrial food production. Farmers report the immense price pressure they experience from the large retail chains. At the same time, they have to cope with constantly rising costs for energy, fertilizers, and feed. A real dilemma!
What Can You Do to Save Money?
The good news is: You are not completely at the mercy of the price war! The film also questions how much we customers can influence the fight over prices. One thing is certain: Price comparisons between different supermarkets are more worthwhile today than ever. The consumer center has a simple but hot tip for consumers: Always compare the base prices per kilogram or liter, not just the price of the package. This way, you can see at a glance where you are really saving.
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.