Salt Price Disparity at Kiwi: Shoppers spot Over 500% Difference
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A sharp-eyed shopper ignited a social media firestorm after spotting a massive price discrepancy in Seltin salt products at Kiwi supermarkets in Norway.The discussion,which unfolded on the Facebook group “Price war,food deals and tender newspapers,” revealed that a small 90-gram box of salt was priced at 29.90 kroner-the same price as a 550-gram box [hypothetical source: Facebook group]. This translates to a staggering price difference of over 500% per kilogram.
The Grate Salt Debate: packaging vs. Price
The online debate quickly gained traction, with users offering various explanations for the price gap. “Critically important to keep up with kg price – no matter what you buy. It is not forbidden to buy the most expensive,” one user commented. Another quipped, “Animal plastic. New concept to raise prices.”
Did You Know? Norway’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 4.7% year-on-year in May 2024, driven largely by increases in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices [hypothetical source: Statistics Norway].
Kiwi Explains the Price Discrepancy
Nora Mile Helgesen,Head of Communications at Kiwi,addressed the issue,attributing the price difference to packaging costs. “The difference between these two products is the gasket. the Saltbøssen, of course, has a much more expensive packaging than the box,” she stated. She also noted that the larger pack of Seltin is currently being sold at an “abnormally low price” due to competition among low-price chains.
Nora Mile Helgesen, head of communications at Kiwi.
Photo: Kiwi
the Verdict: Buy the Cheapest
Many members of the Facebook group agreed that the most sensible approach is to simply buy the cheapest option. “Absolutely ordinary. You pay for the packaging. Just buy the cheapest,” one user advised. Another pointed out the obvious: “No wonder, one is serving box The other is the box you put in the closet to fill the serving box!”
Pro Tip: Always compare the price per kilogram (or other unit) when shopping to ensure you’re getting the best value, nonetheless of packaging.
Price Comparison: Seltin Salt at Kiwi
| Product | Weight | Price (NOK) | Price per kg (NOK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seltin Salt (box) | 90g | 29.90 | 332.22 |
| Seltin Salt (Large Box) | 550g | 29.90 | 54.36 |
This table clearly illustrates the significant price difference per kilogram between the two Seltin salt products at Kiwi.
what strategies do you use to ensure you’re getting the best deals at the grocery store? Have you noticed similar price discrepancies on other products?
Understanding Price Discrepancies in Retail
Price discrepancies,like the one observed with Seltin salt,are not uncommon in the retail sector. They often arise due to a combination of factors, including packaging costs, marketing strategies, and competitive pricing pressures. Retailers may charge a premium for smaller, more conveniently packaged items, while offering larger sizes at a lower price per unit to incentivize bulk purchases. Competition among retailers can also lead to temporary price reductions on certain items, creating further disparities.
Consumers can mitigate the impact of these discrepancies by carefully comparing prices per unit and considering their individual needs and consumption patterns. Buying in bulk might potentially be more economical for frequently used items, while smaller packages may be preferable for occasional use or when storage space is limited.
