Food prices are historically high, and Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson believes that it may be the case that some traders “take care” – and raise prices more than necessary. Now the industry organization Swedish Grocery Trade rejects the criticism. – I cannot understand that you assume that it is so before you have looked at the facts, says CEO Karin Brynell. The increase in food is the highest since the 1950s. If you look at the last year, food prices have increased by almost 21 percent and many households are having a tough time. Criticism is directed at the grocery store chains, and Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson (M) has summoned the food giants in Sweden to discuss the food price increase. – The shop owners have a very big responsibility. I have asked the question how is it that a Swedish food box has increased in price more than in the countries around us, she said in Efter fem last week. “Not true” Karin Brynell, who is CEO of the industry organization Swedish Grocery Store, believes that this statement is not true. – It doesn’t have if you think about the currency. The Swedish krona has weakened by ten percent and that is basically what makes the difference, she says. She says that the price increases right now are a consequence of several factors, including transport problems during the pandemic, harvests that have gone wrong and increased energy prices. – I think everyone thinks it’s too expensive, including the grocery store, which notices that consumers are starting to opt out of products, says Karin Brynell. Prices increased more than turnover Elisabeth Svantesson has also told TV4 Nyheterna that it may be the case that some traders “take care” and raise prices more than necessary. – There are those who have it very hard, I know that. But one can still wonder why many raise the prices as much as they do, says Elisabeth Svantesson to TV4 Nyheterna. – I cannot understand that you assume that it is so before you have looked at the facts. We see in all the statistics that we actually have decreasing margins in the grocery trade, Karin Brynell answers that. During the same period that prices have increased by 21 percent, turnover in the grocery trade has only increased by nine percent, says Karin Brynell. This is because consumers buy cheaper and fewer products, according to her. She also says that it is good that the finance minister has now summoned the food giants to discuss this. – We think it is great that we have the opportunity to explain to the Minister of Finance how the cost structure is structured, says Karin Brynell. See Karin Brynell’s response to the criticism in the player above.
t4-general
After skyrocketing food prices – the industry rejects stealth increases
