// Trust in the food industry and supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s has fallen to a nine-year low
// The group’s consumer insight tracker found nearly nine in 10 consumers worry about food prices – the highest level since the survey began in 2012
Trust in the food industry has fallen to a nine-year low as two thirds of consumers feel they are being “ripped off” by convenience store prices, research from Which? has found.
The consumer group’s monthly consumer insight tracker found that trust in the groceries industry dropped in May to the lowest it has been since November 2014, with a score of 36 – a fall of 32 points since the previous high of 68 in May 2020.
The business added that shoppers have not felt as discontented with Tesco and Sainsbury’s since a survey from back in November 2014.
Customers are also unhappy about the lack of own brands sold in the smaller, convenience store-type outlets run by the grocery chains.
A separate survey by the consumer group found that two-thirds (67%) of customers felt that smaller convenience stores are ripping them off as they typically charge more than larger sites and don’t provide as many budget-range items.
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Three-quarters (75%) also said they find the price of convenience store foods too expensive compared to larger supermarkets and nearly half (45%) struggle to find affordable food in convenience stores.
Half of those (51%) who rely on convenience stores at least once a week are struggling financially with the cost-of-living crisis compared to 35% of consumers overall, the poll found. Some 57% agreed that having more budget ranges in stores would help.
Which? director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha said: “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.
“People should not have to pay over the odds for everyday essentials just because they struggle to get to a large supermarket.
“While the whole 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.”
Which? is calling on supermarkets to improve availability of essential budget options in their convenience stores to help consumers, especially those on a low income, to not have to pay more because they cannot get to a larger supermarket.
The Which? consumer insight tracker found 88% of consumers are worried about food prices – the highest level since the survey began in 2012.
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