Supermarkets came under pressure this week to defend their pricing strategies for fruit and veg snack-packs, with a survey revealing mark-ups of almost 1,000 per cent.
The Evening Standard conducted a survey which it claimed showed the big retailers were cashing in on the growing demand for healthy, convenient products.
It claimed the results of its study showed five top retailers, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, were selling snack-packs at vast profit.
Sainsbury’s was revealed to be selling an 80g pack of carrot batons at 51p, a mark-up of 963 per cent on its loose offer.
However, a spokeswoman for the retailer defended the pricing policy: “It reflects the fact it is ready to eat and saves the customer time. As pre-prepared food requires special processing, there are extra costs associated with this, compared to loose fruit and vegetables. As well as processing, the costs cover packaging, and chilling the fruit and vegetables to ensure high standards of food safety and quality.
“Our prices offer good value and ultimately we offer our customers choice, so that they can make the decision whether to buy either loose fruit and vegetables or prepared food that is ready to eat.”
Janice Allen, from the National Consumer Council, welcomed the fact the Evening Standard had highlighted the issue for consumers. “It is cheaper to buy them loose and prepare them yourself, but if you’re time pressured then at least you can get a contribution to your 5 A DAY,” she told FPJ.
“As long as consumers are aware they’re paying for that convenience, it’s not an issue.”
However, she said the high prices do create a barrier for low-income people, who are unable to afford the convenience.
One supermarket supplier, who asked to remain nameless, said: “The retailers are using so-called added value products such as these to subsidise lower prices on other fresh produce lines. The value is not being shared equitably along the supply chain, and even the suppliers of lines with huge mark-ups rarely feel the true financial benefits.”
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