The French government announces an “anti-inflation quarter” in supermarkets

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According to the minister, the measure, which the distributors finance from their margin of at least 10 percent as defined by law, will cost the store chains hundreds of millions of euros. At the same time, the government will support the most needy families with food vouchers in the coming months, said the head of the ministry at a joint press conference with representatives of the supermarket chains. “After the anti-inflation quarter, we will reopen trade negotiations with the large food industry companies in order to reduce wholesale prices, which we already see in the markets, but which has not yet appeared for daily consumer products,” emphasized Bruno Le Maire.

The composition of the anti-inflation product basket recommended to customers is freely chosen by each supermarket chain, the head of the ministry pointed out.

The price-capped products can also vary by region at each store chain in accordance with local consumption needs. Products with a price cap are distinguished by a “anti-inflation quarter” sticker in the national color. The essence of the marketing campaign is that supermarket chains can place a price cap on their own-brand products. The price of these goods can be determined more easily – said Alexandre Bompard, president and CEO of the Carrefour supermarket chain, at the press conference. Before the government’s announcement, several large distributors had already announced anti-inflationary marketing campaigns for the most important goods needed for everyday life in recent days. Michel-Edouard Leclerc, the owner of the Leclerc department store chain, said ironically on CNews on Monday: “I didn’t wait for the consultation with the government to sell cheaper.”

MTI