Overview
- Official data show food prices have climbed roughly 35–37% since 2020, and surveys report many households curbing purchases.
- The SPD has made supermarket costs a 2026 priority, proposing a voluntary 'Deutschlandkorb' of cheaper, German‑produced basic foods.
- Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer and major chains including Aldi, Lidl, Rewe and Kaufland oppose mandated measures, saying existing discounting already offers low prices.
- Consumer advocates urge a national price‑observatory and clear labels for shrinkflation, pointing to a Monopolkommission finding that four groups control about 88% of food retail.
- Lidl claims a 14‑item essentials basket is roughly 10% cheaper in January 2026 than a year earlier, while Smhaggle reports many 2025 'permanent' cuts later rose again, a finding Lidl disputes.