Food prices: Austria over 27% more expensive than Germany!

Food prices: Austria over 27% more expensive than Germany!

The price differences in brand food between Austria and Germany continue to cause resentment among consumers. A current analysis carried out by the Chamber of Labor (AK) shows that consumers in Austria have to pay an average of around 27 percent more for identical products than in Germany. This is the result of a price comparison of 70 branded items from four online supermarkets, including Billa and Interspar in Austria as well as Rewe and Globus in Germany. The results indicate that 84 percent of the food examined are more expensive in Austria, while only 9 percent cheaper and 7 percent are equally expensive. A price difference of up to 107 percent was even found for individual products, such as 5min.at.

The price examination was carried out between May 20 and 21, whereby the prices including VAT was collected. In Austria, 10 or 20 percent apply, while in Germany only 7 or 19 percent are to be paid. Sales actions were taken into account, but no special customers: internal map benefits or quantity discounts.

"Austrian surcharge" or reality?

Tobias Schweitzer, Head of AK Economy, identifies a term that is often used in this context: the "Austria-Litge". This term describes the above -average prices for branded products, whereby the federal competition authority has already confirmed this price surcharge. A corresponding AK survey shows that net prices in Austria are around 21 percent higher than in Germany as soon as sales tax is deducted. This price difference has prompted the AK to contact the EU Commission in order to strengthen consumer rights in Austria and to provide more price transparency, such as workerskammer.at.

To combat this unjustified price increase, the AK calls for a national price transparency database and an independent anti-control commission. A more effective price law should continue to promote the protection of consumers from such price premiums.

market concentration as the cause

The price differences are not only due to national conditions. An analysis of the Association for Consumer Information (VKI) emphasizes the market concentration in Austria, which means that the four largest retail chains control 95 percent of the market. This means that food in Austria is hardly cheaper than in Germany, as in a report by orf.at.

The highest price differences in dairy products are particularly striking. Here a liter of whole milk in Austria costs 20 to 30 percent more than in Germany. Noodles are also affected: The cost of up to 25 percent can be higher in the price segment for entry prices. While biopers in Austria is three percent cheaper than in Germany, a survey shows that cheap butter in Austria is 17 percent more expensive. The price differences are reflected in a wide range of products and affect the everyday purchases of consumers in Austria.