Food prices explode: Where do Görlitzer save when shopping?

Food prices explode: Where do Görlitzer save when shopping?

Görlitz, Deutschland - Food prices in Germany are a hot topic that many busy. The price increases in basic food such as bread, butter and wheat products are particularly noticeable. Marc Schmitz, a 23-year-old in Cologne, has experienced this development first-hand and observed how prices have been increasing for some time. In order to counter the wave of price increases, many discounters and supermarkets had announced that they would reduce their prices. For example, Aldi, which in March 2025 called out the "largest price slip of the year" and offered more than 30 staple foods permanently cheaper. In April the company followed with a price reduction for almost 30 different drinks, and in May Lidl also lowered the prices for 500 articles from various product groups, which in turn called other retailers such as EDEKA, Netto, Kaufland, Rewe and Penny to adapt their prices. [Saxon] reports that the competition in the food market is becoming increasingly intense in this way.

But what is behind these lowered prices? Consumer advocates are concerned about the transparency of the price cuts. Lisa Völkel from the Federal Consumer Center made it clear that it is often unclear which prices and products are actually affected. Experts like Dr. Stephan Rüschen, professor of food trade, indicate that these reductions sound good, but their effects are often low in practice - a reduction of 500 items could only save about two percent of the average shopping cart. It remains open to what the discounters actually mean with the term “permanently” and whether the price reductions are long -term or only represent short -term actions. This raises questions that many consumers are.

prices and price developments at a glance

As the Consumer Center NRW emphasizes, the general level of price for food has increased by around 30 percent since 2021. Such dramatic changes are due to various factors: the costs of energy, fertilizers and feed have increased significantly due to the continuing global crises, during the shortage of workers and the increasing minimum wages burden the personnel costs. In addition, climate change with more frequent missed harvest results.

An example of illustration: The price of butter has fluctuated significantly since the beginning of the Ukraine War in February 2022. After a strong increase, there was a temporary relief in the summer of 2023, but the prices climbed back to the highest levels shortly before Christmas 2024. Many consumers make hidden price increases, such as by lower filling quantities or changed recipes: Inside, an overview of real price increases. As a result, people are increasingly dependent on price comparisons and cheaper alternatives in order to continue to ensure a healthy diet without breaking up the budget. [Consumer center] emphasizes that a healthy, sustainable and varied diet should not depend on the wallet.

price development in detail

The price analysis in Görlitz shows some positive developments, for example at whole grain toast, the price of which was reduced from 99 cents to 79 cents, and gelling sugar, which fell from 3.52 euros to 2.37 euros. This corresponds to a reduction of 20 percent and 33 percent or. On the other hand, we also observe sometimes shocking price increases: Kiwis made 8 percent more expensive, while cherished grapes even became 72 percent more expensive. In addition, the price for brand butter rose from 1.69 euros to 3.98 euros, which corresponds to an increase of 135 percent. However, an unchanged range of export beer remains stable at a price of 8.49 euros, a small relief in an otherwise very fluctuating market.

The non -transparent pricing raises questions. As the Bundesverband consumer center emphasizes, food companies could benefit from the current situation and increase sales at the expense of consumers: increase inside. This is often covered by mog packs and reduced content quantities. Consumers' demands on more transparency and clearer labels are becoming increasingly louder. Ultimately, there is hope that the federal government will take measures against these high food prices in order to facilitate everyday life for consumers. [VZBV] reports that it is absolutely necessary to address these challenges before consumers come under even more pressure.