Inflation of food prices and shrinkflation of product sizes crucifying the consumer

“The spiralling inflation in food prices allied to the shrinkflation and contraction of product sizes are a perfect recipe for profiteering.”

This was stated by Sligo Leitrim TD Marian Harkin during a Dáil debate on food prices and rising grocery bills.

“When I was unpacking my shopping last week,” she explained, “I noticed a new pack of freezer bags I had bought contained 22 units whereas an older pack in the press, bought three months ago contained 30 units. This represented a decrease of over 25%.

“With inflation running at 16.6pc, large multinationals and large supermarkets are increasing profits while ordinary consumers are in disbelief at their grocery bills.

“Food price inflation hits every family,” Ms Harkin said, “but it has a disproportionately negative impact on families on social welfare and families on low incomes.

“It also hits people with disabilities whose annual cost of living is increased by a minimum of €9,000 due to their disability. Adding food price inflation on top of this without any parallel supports in disability allowance means that many people with disabilities have to go without essentials.”

She also lamented the fact that the proposed food regulator being put in place by Government for the agri-food chain does not have the tools nor the legislative basis to effectively stamp out anti-competitive practices in the agri food supply chains.

“We need a food regulator with real power, like in certain other European countries such as France, to help ensure that those in a dominant position in the grocery sector do not abuse their buying power,” Ms Harkin said.

“Food inflation and energy price inflation have hollowed out any social welfare increases from last year’s budget along with any supports given by Government. It is essential that Government acts to protect consumers,” she concluded.