Consumers' Association confronts supermarkets about shrinkflation

A smaller candy for the same price. Less soup in the same packaging. Consumers are increasingly paying more for less, often without even realizing it. This creeping trend, known as shrinkflation, is a growing concern, and it seems the major market players aim to keep consumers in the dark.

Recent conversations between the Consumers' Association and the industry associations of manufacturers (FNLI) and supermarkets (CBL), including giants like Albert Heijn and Jumbo, have revealed their reluctance to be more transparent about these subtle changes. Instead of alerting consumers, they opt for silence. But why?

Talks Lead to No Avail

Despite calls from the Consumer & Market Authority for greater transparency, such as clearly indicating these changes on the packaging, the response from the concerned organizations remains absent.

Carrefour Sets a Positive Example

The lack of transparency has led to a flood of complaints. Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumers' Association, emphasized consumers' dissatisfaction and highlighted Carrefour, France's largest supermarket chain, as a positive example. Carrefour has actively placed signs to warn customers about shrinkflation on specific products.

Judicial Verdict Awaited

Facing a wall of silence and inactivity from supermarkets and manufacturers, the Consumers' Association now plans to take the matter to court. They regard shrinkflation as an unfair trade practice and are determined to find out if the court shares their view. In an era where consumer awareness is more crucial than ever, the question remains: how long can shrinkflation go unnoticed?

Consumentenbond.nl