Five references of fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in this anti-inflation basket. AFP
With this device, the executive wants to deal with “a slightly exceptional increase in food prices” expected next March.
The contours of the anti-inflation basket, mentioned in mid-January by the Minister of the Economy, are gradually becoming clearer. If he is a “gadget» for the UFC-Que Choisir, it becomes «a weapon for the benefit of the consumerin the eyes of the government. While two brands – Système U and Lidl – have publicly announced support for the executive’s initiative but many obstacles remain, the government clarified its project on Wednesday.
If the deadlines seem short, Olivia Grégoire’s office assured that the basket would be in effect “from the beginning of March“. A date which coincides with the end of commercial negotiations between suppliers and large retailers. Objective: to allow this device to mitigate the soaring prices on the shelves, while in a few weeks, “new rates will apply and we must expect a new, somewhat exceptional price increase“, already provides the government.
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So the idea isto reassure the consumer on a selection of around fifty products, which will not increase as quickly as the general calculation“. Each participating brand will be able to freely compose its basket with its own references and its own prices. The groups are then free to adopt their commercial strategy, reminds the minister’s entourage: “If some want to offer more products or more local references, it is possible.»
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Cutting back on distributors’ margins
The only condition is that the pricing effort does not affect either manufacturers or farmers. It must therefore be financed directly by mass distribution by cutting back on its margins. For this reason, the tariffs will have to beattractivewithout going as far ascost price“. For the time being, the list of products has not yet been unveiled but should be by the end of the week. Five fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered at the best price, including some references “bios“. Note that bottles of alcohol or confectionery would not be part of everyday products.
Once the basket is launched, it will be in place for a period of three months. “We hope that the course of inflation will be passed in the spring, and we will make a new point“In June, assures the cabinet of the minister.
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