ANTI-INFLATION BASKET. The government plans to release a device during the month of May 2023. Some brands are already offering certain solutions. Explanations.
[Mis à jour le 2 mars 2023 à 10h24] The establishment of an anti-inflation basket to enable as many people as possible to benefit from healthy food at reduced prices is a long time coming. The government is still working on the subject and intends to get things moving in March. In this sense, the anti-inflation basket “or another similar device with a different name” could come out of the ground “during the month of March after the government has spoken with the actors of the large distribution” explained the minister trade delegate Olivia Grégoire, Wednesday March 1 on the France 2 set. As a reminder, the level of inflation reached 13.3% according to INSEE in the food sector, in January 2023 over one year. This is enough to raise serious doubts about the supply of foodstuffs for the poorest households.
At the same time, some brands such as System U, Lidl or Auchan did not wait for directives from the executive to act, and launched their own anti-inflation device. What do the anti-inflation baskets of these supermarkets look like? What are the government’s tracks? What products could be affected? What date of implementation? Discover all the answers to your questions in our dedicated file:
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 introduced. “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 13.3% 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.