ANTI-INFLATION BASKET. From March, the government will launch the anti-iflation basket mechanism. The Système U brand has already set up its own, with 150 products at cost price.
[Mis à jour le 7 février 2023 à 16h06] In consultation with large retailers such as Carrefour or Leclerc, the government wishes to set up a anti-inflation basket in an attempt to combat rising consumer prices, particularly in the food sector. This new device should be launched in the month of mars 2023and relate to a selection of 50 everyday products, offered at low prices. The objective is “to ensure that the French can have attractive prices on a daily basket. I want there to be also quality products, fresh, organic products and that it is not only a low price basket, but a daily basket” affirmed the minister Olivia Gregoireon January 30 on Europe 1.
On the distributor side, one brand already stands out from the others, it is U-system with its own anti-inflation basket of 150 products “at cost price” since February 1st. Unfortunately, UFC-Que-Choisir, the leading consumer association in France, deplores the nutritional quality of the products on offer: “we counted 17 rated E and 31 rated D, i.e. 39% whose nutritional rating is mediocre to poor. the rest, 28% are A, 10% are B and 14% are C.” On the other hand, several organic products are part of the list. The association also regrets that “all of this offer” is not “always available” in stores. A perfectible device, therefore, but which remains the first introduced on the market.
The government has not yet determined a precise list of the products that will make up this anti-inflation basket. The list should correspond to the needs of a family with children. Here are the first tracks put forward by the executive:
- Hygiene products
- Fresh and organic products
- Dairy products
- Meat
All consumers, without distinction, should have access to this anti-inflation basket. It should not be conditional on the level of income. The only condition is to buy the products that are part of the device. It will not be possible to make your choices “à la carte”.
“It is not up to the government to set the references. And if the prices are low, it is not on the backs of our farmers or our producers that these margins must be found” explained Olivia Grégoire on Europe 1. Clearly, each sign will be free to draw up its list.
The sign U-system has already launched its own anti-inflation basket, with 150 products at cost price, from February 1, 2023. This indefinite duration scheme concerns 150 products such as flour, pasta, mayonnaise, oil , coffee, honey, tuna, yogurts, milk, sandwich bread and other burgers. Exclusively private label products.
For its part, the Carrefour brand has launched the “anti-inflation challenge”, 30 essential products for less than 30 euros. At Leclerc, an “anti-inflation shield” has been established. “Because inflation continues to take an important place in our lives, we have decided to strengthen our anti-inflation shield and extend it to more than 230 everyday products” can we read on the official website of the brand .
The massive rise in the price of raw materials affecting the cost of food for all French people has prompted the government to act. According to the research company IRIfood prices rose by 13.85% in January 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. An unbearable situation for many low-income households, combined with soaring fuel and electricity prices. De facto, the executive wishes to protect the purchasing power of households thanks to this new device.