Shoppers believe government policies are to blame for price rises, survey finds

The 1,150 consumers surveyed in the poll used a rating system ranging from 1 (“not at all responsible”) to 5 (“very responsible”) to identify who is responsible for rising food prices. Government policies and actions were rated as a major factor at 3.86, followed by product manufacturers and suppliers at 3.75. Consumers rated the supermarket retailer a he 3.4, below his 3.42 for wars and global political conflicts.

Climate change factors and farmers' ratings were the lowest at 2.85 and 2.78, respectively.

“In this politically charged environment, supermarket shoppers believe that government policy is the main influence on supermarket price increases. Product manufacturers and suppliers follow, but supermarkets It is considered further down the list along with other factors,” Doug Madenberg, the Feedback Group's chief listening officer, said in a statement.

Madenberg added: “Looking more holistically, a picture emerges of multiple factors experienced by the average consumer, all of which contribute to varying degrees to the price tag they face at the register. ” he continued.

Understanding consumer perceptions about inflation and retail​

Although supermarkets and retail stores were rated low in the survey, consumers' perceptions of benefits were reported to be higher than reality.

According to the survey, consumers expect stores to earn a net profit of 31% after expenses and taxes, “slightly lower than the previous two-year results of 35% (2023) and 33% (2022).” “It has decreased to 20%,” he said.

According to research from FMI – Food Industry Association, the average net profit for supermarkets “has historically been close to 1% (and reached 3% in 2020).”