Scandal about price award: supermarkets in criticism!

Scandal about price award: supermarkets in criticism!

A current investigation by the Chamber of Labor (AK) on the basic price award in super and drugstores has provided sobering results. In the period from January 27 to February 20, 2025, ten markets, including Hofer, Lidl and Billa, were examined. The analysis showed that many basic prices are too small, difficult to read or not excellent. It is particularly striking that the font size in many Müller branches only varies between 1 and 1.5 millimeters, which makes it difficult for the consumer to compare prices on the inside.

The report from Kosmo also shows that Lidl and Spar were rated as positive because they were characterized by all basic prices correctly and including the necessary units of measurement. Progresses were also found at Hofer and Penny, while the DM online shop in several cases completely dispensed with the basic price award, for example with shower gel and shampoo.

difficulties for consumers: inside

The defective price indication leads to unsatisfactory conditions for consumers: inside, such as Gabriele Zgubic, consumer: Castle protector of the AK, emphasizes. The inconsistent use of units within the same product groups makes it difficult for consumers to make well -founded decisions. For example, cheese is awarded partly per kilogram, partly per 100 grams, while in the Müller, for example, different units of measurement are used in shampoo.

In addition to the insufficient basic price award, consumers are faced with increasing food prices. According to the NRW consumer center, the general price level for food has increased by around 30 percent since 2021. This inflation affects all food groups and is due to factors such as high energy and raw material costs as well as a lack of personnel.

price fluctuations and hidden increases

These developments represent a challenge for consumers: inside, which are increasingly dependent on price comparisons and cheaper alternatives. This not only complicates the purchase decision, but also the striving for a healthy diet. In view of this situation, the consumer advice centers call for comprehensive political and antitrust laws to evaluate potential utilization of the situation by trade and food manufacturers.

The results of the AK examination and the ongoing price increases illustrate how important it is to ensure more transparent price structures in the supermarkets and to take the needs of consumers seriously. Further information on the challenges of food prices can be read on Consumer center NRW . For detailed results of the AK examination on basic prices in the supermarkets, see Kosmo .