Shrinkflation. From the English verb “to shrink”. This practice consists, for manufacturers of consumer products, agro-industrialists or distributors, of reducing the quantities of products sold rather than significantly increasing prices – too much – in a context where food prices have already increased by 20% in two years.
From July 1, supermarkets will have to inform their customers when products on the shelves have seen their quantity drop without their price decreasing, according to a decree published in the Official Journal on Saturday. Establishments will be required to affix a “visible” and “readable” label or placard near, or even directly on the packaging, of all products affected by “shrinkflation”, indicates the order from the Ministry of Economy, noting the announcements made in mid-April by the government.
Lightened weight, inflated prices
For example, it is a tube of toothpaste with the same packaging as before, but with a lighter weight, which nevertheless sees its price rise, or even a packet of cereals that is lighter but more expensive. Consumers will find the formula established in the text: “For this product, the quantity sold increased from
Foodstuffs and non-food products marketed in a constant quantity (weight, volume) are covered by the order. However, bulk or pre-packaged foodstuffs whose quantity may vary during preparation, such as those in the deli section of supermarkets, are excluded.