Supermarkets: from March, you will pay more for your shopping

When shopping, the French have become accustomed to monitoring supermarket prices. But the worst is yet to come.

The inflation that hit France in 2022 was 5.9% last December. But 2023 also seems to be taking the same path. Whereas many households are already experiencing tough month-ends , the rise in prices is expected to reach a new peak next March. But how to explain this future price increase? Why supermarkets will have to sell their products more and more expensive ? The Foozine team takes stock, to help you see more clearly.

Manufacturers must pass on their costs

L’inflation a a huge impact on our lives . The first increases observed this year primarily concerned gas, electricity and fuel prices. But finally, all those rising bills ended up hitting commodity prices . And this situation ends up having direct consequences in supermarkets.

Given this context, food manufacturers have had to adapt . And their fees have experienced an unprecedented surge. Thus, the Cofigeo group (Panzani, William Saurin, Roquelaure, etc.) has thus indicated a closure of its activity for one month. In question ? Energy bills spiraling out of control . And many manufacturers, suppliers of our supermarkets are experiencing the same difficulties. Some references are becoming rarer and more expensive to produce. Result ? During checkout, you can buy fewer and fewer items si on n'augmente pas son budget. Faced with this crisis , customers have only one choice: to adapt. Of our time, hunt for unnecessary expenses is done on a daily basis.

Supermarkets: sector experts expect a very difficult month of March

Not long ago, Michel-Edouard Leclerc, boss of Leclerc stores had already spoken of a 'tsunami' in 2023 . In question ? The numerous requests for tariff renegotiations from manufacturers. However, to maintain their margins, supermarket chains do not like to buy their merchandise more than the bare minimum . However, in the face of the unprecedented situation that we are going through, the large distribution had to comply. Result ? These price increases will take effect with a slight delay. Clearly, the consumers will be able to feel the difference in March . Prices will therefore start to rise again.

Manufacturers have asked supermarkets for a 10 to 25% increase. A development that is likely to greatly displease customers . Especially since stores are also facing an increase in their operating costs. In effect, it is necessary to heat, to light the sales areas . But the need for energy is also felt in the fridges and freezers of the food sections.

The next few months are therefore announced difficult for the distribution sector . In addition, customers have much less patience than usual. From now on, only one thing counts: lowering the receipt at most. Thus, consumers no longer hesitate to turn to discount or destocking brands. But they have also got into the habit of comparing prices with a seasoned eye . Price per kilo, promotions, discounts… the French are no longer fooled by nice advertisements. For now, Leclerc stores are still doing very well , and remain number 1 in our country.

Source : The Dispatch