Get Your Food and Your Wallet Back in Balance
Labour has blasted the government after the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, suggested that buying the cheap, value‑brand items at supermarkets could help folks wrestle with the skyrocketing costs of food.
Why the Prices Are So High
- Ukraine war has upped fertiliser prices to £1,000 per tonne, putting huge pressure on farmers.
- Energy costs have surged, too, so the whole supply chain is feeling the pinch.
- For good measure, the war and inflation have pushed food prices to record highs.
Ms Eustice’s Take
On Sky News, Eustice said:
“Our retail market is very competitive – ten big supermarkets are battling it out, especially on cheaper everyday items like spaghetti and ambient products. There’s a lot of price‑dipping to keep the low‑cost stuff down.”
“It gets trickier with chicken and fresh produce, though. Those feed costs leak through the system, as the grocery retailers work on razor‑thin margins and have to pass the price up to us.”
He added, “Switching to value brands instead of own‑label products can actually help tune your household budget.”
Labour’s Response
Shadow Treasury Secretary Pat McFadden slammed the government as ‘woefully out of touch’, saying there were no solutions to the cost‑of‑living crisis.
“Working people are watching wages slide, fuel burn a hole punch in their pockets, and food gets pricier. Families get worried at the end of the month,” he said.
“Stop the gas‑price comments and give us the real help we need – not more words about how little you understand the everyday fight to pay the bills.”
What Do You Do?
Try these simple tricks:
- Drop a value‑brand in your basket – those low‑cost staples can save you a sweet chunk.
- Check the price comparison of groceries – you might find a quirky brand that beats the others.
- Group buying at bulk stores sometimes gives you a better deal; share on a family budget.
- Keep a watchful eye on the pandemic‑budget – the grocery giants may tilt the prices just for you.
In the end, it’s all about finding the little wins in the grocery aisle. Stick it to the high price tag and make your home budget sigh with relief. And remember – if the market is as competitive as Eustice says, there’s always a clever discount, so keep hunting for it.
