How is the price of peppers, pasta or pudding in the supermarket determined? And who gets how much from the farmer to the retailer? Consumer advocates are calling for more clarity on this.
In view of the continued high prices for food, consumer centers are calling for the creation of an observatory for more transparency. The head of the federal association, Ramona Pop, said: “Food prices are like a black box.” No one knows where in the chain from the farmers to the retailers unjustified price increases and profits may arise.
Specifically, the consumer advocates propose setting up an observatory at the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, which will analyze the prices and costs of the various levels and present the findings to the Bundestag once a year. After occasional sharp jumps, it can be seen that food prices are continuing to settle at a high level, explained Pop.
“The federal government must finally shed light on the pricing of food products,” demanded the head of the association when presenting a commissioned feasibility study. More transparency could uncover unfair practices and protect customers from excessive prices at the store counter.
Source: Stern
