ANTI-INFLATION BASKET. The government could force the retail giants to introduce an anti-inflation basket through a decree. Explanations.
[Mis à jour le 24 février 2023 à 10h08] New twist in the implementation of the anti-inflation basket. Even if its contours are still unclear, the government could issue a decree requiring large retailers to put it in place. A decree obtained by LSA, which would come into force on March 15, 2023. The 37 products that could make up this anti-inflation basket would have been chosen from 26 categories and should appear at the entrance, in the store, and on the websites of the brands concerned. The basket could include organic, PDO, PGI and non-food products. like soap or baby diapers. Directives very different from the first information communicated by the government at the beginning of the year (read below). The decree does not mention fixed prices, meaning that distributors would have the possibility of favoring the products of their choice. The executive could receive new proposals from the government on Friday, February 24, 2023.
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 including five fruits and vegetables with three organic, two starchy foods, red or white meat including one labeled, fish, and dental hygiene products. However, this basket will not contain alcohol or any confectionery. Here are the 5 main families of products that will constitute the anti-inflation basket proposed by the government:
- Hygiene products
- Fresh products
- Frozen products
- Grocery store
- Cleanliness
All consumers, without distinction, should have access to this anti-inflation basket. It should not be conditional on the level of income.
“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.