The inglorious title “Consumptie Duck 2022” goes to the margarine brand Rama. Less content at a higher price with the same packaging on the outside was not well received by consumers, 10,500 of whom took part in the vote for the negative price that is awarded annually by the Association for Consumer Information (VKI).
Nestlé’s “Garden Gourmet vegan burgers” came second for the “most annoying food product of the year”. The packaging is filled with a lot of air, although the limited viewing window gives a different impression, the consumer advocates criticized and found a “packaging embarrassment”. Third place went to Wiesbauer’s “Knofi Rohwurstsnack” which, despite the different presentation, not all ingredients come from Austria “and this does not have to be indicated because the reference to Austria is part of the company logo”.
“Shrinkflation” got consumers the most excited
In 2022, 694 complaints about food products were received by the VKI-Lebensmittel-Check. People were usually annoyed by sharply increased prices or reduced filling quantities, with “shrinkflation” – reduced filling quantity at the same price and unchanged pack size – playing a particularly prominent role. The second most common reason for criticism was oversized packaging that suggested more content than was actually available. The question of the origin of food and the accompanying disappointed expectations also played a major role.
The criticized products in detail: The content of the Rama margarine has been reduced from 500 to 450 grams without this being visible from the outside, apart from the changed weight specification. The size and design of the packaging remained virtually unchanged, while the price increased from EUR 1.99 to EUR 2.49 – an overall increase of 39 percent. Upfield Holdings justifies this with increased raw material prices and no palm oil. In order not to have to increase the price of margarine, the filling quantity was reduced. According to the manufacturer, on-shelf pricing is the responsibility of the trade.
Rama also received a negative price in Germany
The downsizing also caused resentment in the neighboring country. In Germany, Rama in the traditional round packaging was reduced by the same size from 500 to 400 grams, earning the product the title of “Misleading Packaging of the Year 2022” in a vote by the Hamburg Consumer Advice Center.
“A clearly visible indication of changed filling quantities would be desirable and of course much more customer-friendly. It would also be welcome if the packaging size were basically adjusted to the actual filling quantities,” says VKI project manager Teresa Bauer. That would reduce waste and save resources.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
