Trust in the food industry has plummeted as two thirds of consumers believe supermarkets are “ripping people off” with high convenience store prices, new research by Which? shows.
According to the watchdog’s monthly consumer insight tracker, trust in the grocery industry dropped in May to the lowest it has been since November 2014.
This comes as a separate survey of over 2,000 UK adults found that 67% feel that supermarket-branded convenience store prices are too high, with many not stocking budget items.
However, over half (51%) of those who rely on convenience stores at least once a week are struggling financially with the cost-of-living crisis. Another 57% said having more budget ranges in stores would help to tackle this.
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As a result, Which? is calling on the major supermarkets to make budget items more widely available, particularly in convenience stores and prioritizing the areas that need them the most.
“Trust in the groceries industry has fallen to a nine-year low, with many consumers telling us they feel ripped off by high convenience store prices,” Which? director of policy and advocacy, Rocio Concha said.
“People should not have to pay over the odds for everyday essentials just because they struggle to get to a large supermarket.”
She added that while the entire food supply chain affects prices, “supermarkets have the power to do more to support people who are struggling, including ensuring everyone has easy access to basic, affordable budget ranges at a store near them, including smaller stores for consumers who rely on these.”
“Supermarkets must also provide transparent pricing so people can easily work out which products offer the best value,” Concha concluded.
