A commission of inquiry has been opened to verify the presence of any shrinkflation practices. Pasta is at risk, but not only.
Shrinkflation. An almost unpronounceable name but which hides within itself a decidedly worrying meaning, because it is linked to very widely consumed goods. In fact a scam, or so.
With this name, in fact, a completely illegal practice is identified which, in some cases, would have been implemented on some products. A procedure which, quite simply, consists in selling at the same price (if not even higher) a product with a reduced quantity compared to a package destined to contain more. This is not a new alarm, rather. In recent times, with the economic crisis, it had been repeatedly announced that the difficulty in keeping up with production could create difficulties in terms of price increases. However, as often happens, the search for a balance between the need to sell and not to lose can slip into some aspects.
Shrinkflation was put in the spotlight by the Antitrust. For the moment there is talk of suspicions, or in any case of monitoring. It was still open a commission of inquiry for the protection of consumers and users, following a complaint dating back to 8 April in which suspected practices referable to this technique were reported. Which, as mentioned, is illegal and punishable. In fact, there is talk of reducing the consolidated weight of consumer products by masking the increase in prices, as recalled by the president of the National Consumers Union, Massimiliano Dona.
Shrinkflation alarm, pasta but not only: which products are at risk
In particular, packets of pasta are in the sights of the Antitrust Authority. That is, one of the most purchased products by the average consumer. In particular, the non-consolidated formats of 500 grams and one kilo. According to the National Consumers Union, the ungramming in a period of price increases and, in general, of widespread inflation, risks having even more devastating effects. Also because, alongside pasta, other products would also be at risk: we are talking about 750-gram Easter doves, 100-gram mozzarella (and not 125) but also 225-gram coffee instead of 250-gram.
It’s still, tea with 20 sachets rather than 25. And the list of products continues, touching those most popular with consumers throughout Italy. Moreover, it was understood that it was a difficult period. Even in the face of completely legitimate marketing practices, the increase in the price of goods had not escaped the customers of supermarkets.
For this reason, being faced with a possible shrinkflation raises the bar of default risk even more. Because, clearly, buying a product lowered in terms of weight but with an equal or higher price, would force the buyer to refuel in less time. Triggering a dangerous vicious circle. The Antitrust therefore decided to shed some light, to verify if these practices are actually implemented and if consumers have really been subjected to misleading marketing techniques. As Dona recalls, it is also deceptive to “hide the abnormal weight in the hidden part of the package”. Considering the historical moment, shrinkflation would create the worst conditions for the recovery.
–
