Galloping inflation and high energy costs are also changing the purchasing behavior of German citizens. This is particularly noticeable with organic products. Many people are increasingly looking for organic food at Aldi Süd, Aldi Nord, Lidl, Netto Marken-Discount or Penny. But are discounters really the cheapest alternative? FOCUS online makes the price check.
The cost of living is exploding. Compared to the previous year, those affected have to dig deeper into their pockets for electricity, gas, heating oil, wood, petrol and diesel. And the groceries in the supermarket have also become more expensive in some cases. This also changes buying behavior.
Surveys show that consumers are more likely to buy no-name items. But the cheaper organic goods from Aldi Süd, Aldi Nord, Lidl and Co. are also more in demand than in previous years in view of the price surge. The discounters react and continue to expand the organic range.
The pressure on organic supermarkets, health food stores and bulk shops is increasing as a result. “Organic supermarkets, health food stores and natural food stores are currently suffering from a significant drop in sales,” says Robert Kecskes from the market research company GfK, summarizing the current situation.
The trade expert bases his statements on current figures. According to this, the sales of organic supermarkets in August were around eleven percent below the previous year’s level. The health food stores and health food stores even recorded a minus of 37.5 percent.
“The organic market is experiencing its worst slump in 35 years,” complains Götz Rehn, head of the Alnatura organic chain. And the first dealers have already had to go to the bankruptcy court.
The Bacher health food store chain, founded in 1927 and with more than 100 branches nationwide, filed for bankruptcy under self-administration in the summer. The chain Superbiomarkt with around 30 branches in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony sought rescue in a protective shield procedure. But not only industry giants, also many small unpackaged shops are struggling to survive.
The situation is completely different for discounters and supermarkets. Despite persistent inflation, consumers continue to buy organic food. “Just cheaper,” reports Kecskes. People have changed their shopping behavior significantly in order to reconcile their desire for sustainable consumption with their diminishing financial leeway in view of the increased prices.
According to Kecskes, since the end of last year it has been observed that people are shopping less in organic specialty stores, which are often perceived as expensive, and are instead looking for cheaper alternatives. Step by step, consumers have shifted organic purchases to classic supermarkets such as Rewe or Edeka.
“Now we see the next level due to the strong price increases,” says trade expert Kecskes. When shopping in the supermarket, more and more people are switching from organic branded products to organic private labels. Or the organic products would be bought directly from the discounter.
Basic, Tegut, Alnatura and all other larger organic supermarkets are considered expensive. A look at the shelves can still be worthwhile. The organic retailers have continued to expand their own brand business and are now trying to lure customers into the branches.
Alnatura, for example, is currently advertising a “creamy organic yoghurt” in a 500 gram pack. The product costs 1.19 euros in a Munich branch. For comparison: the organic yoghurt is available at the neighboring branches of Aldi Süd and Lidl for the same price. In the case of milk, a few types of cheese and muesli, the price differences between the individual retailers’ own brands are in many cases in the single-digit cent range.
At the same time, consumers can save especially on fish, meat, fruit and vegetables at discounters. The price differences are between 20 and 40 percent.
Look actively in brochures and look for discount offers. At Basic, for example, there are 100 grams of organic mozzarella for 99 cents. Lidl and Aldi customers have to pay 1.09 euros for the same organic product.
Also, buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. This gives you the highest savings potential. Organic private labels are much cheaper than well-known or special organic brand manufacturers.
Look in brochures from organic retailers and discounters. Also, look out for billboards in stores. Coupons and vouchers can also make weekly shopping cheaper. We list the corresponding offers for you here.
We provide an overview of how you can save overall in the supermarket here: At Aldi, Lidl, Rewe or Edeka – with simple tips you can immediately save 140 euros a month in the supermarket
