Discount retailers in Germany raised the prices of their own-brand goods, making it harder for low-income households to buy them. This shift is highlighted by The Spiegel, which cites an analysis from the consumer group Foodwatch.
The study shows that a large share of German discounters increased prices for their house brands. Those who routinely purchase items from these chains to save money felt the price hikes the most last year. Overall, the cost of some discount store private labels rose by 31 percent or more, while general food inflation stood around 20 percent, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
The publication notes that Foodwatch criticizes the self-promotion of grocery chains as being customer-friendly in appearance. In reality, many manufacturers raised prices sharply, drawing consumers in with appealing advertisements.
Foodwatch proposed policy steps to ease the squeeze on households. They urged German authorities to raise citizens’ incomes, provide free meals in schools and kindergartens, and cut value-added tax on fruits, vegetables, and pulses to zero.
In January, Spiegel reported, based on a survey conducted by ARD TV channel staff, that almost half of Germans felt their meat consumption had declined over the past five years, with only a small fraction noting an increase in meat product intake during that period. The data point underscores a broader trend of shifting dietary choices amid rising prices and inflation.
These findings fit into a wider discussion about food affordability in Europe, where price pressure on everyday items affects consumption patterns and household budgets. For policymakers, the challenge is balancing inflation control with social support measures that help people maintain access to nutritious foods without eroding household finances.