ANTI-INFLATION BASKET. The Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire was quite pessimistic about the implementation of the anti-inflation basket from March 1, 2023.
[Mis à jour le 22 février 2023 à 09h46] Would the anti-inflation basket have some lead in the wing? This device aimed at relieving the purchasing power of the French must be inaugurated on March 1, 2023. (50 low-cost products available in all major retail chains). However, the government does not seem optimistic about its implementation. Tuesday, February 21, the Minister of Economy Bruno Le Maire said he did not know if “the result of the discussions will indeed be an anti-inflation basket” on BFMTV / RMC. A blow for the millions of low-income households who are bearing the brunt of the galloping inflation of recent months. According to INSEE, the rise in consumer prices in the food sector jumped 13.2% in January over one year.
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
- 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 sign Crossroads 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.