“Inflation is much higher for the poorest people”: Caritas markets will be in greater demand than ever in 2023 due to inflation

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Not only rent, electricity and health insurance premiums, but also food costs are increasing. In 2023, Caritas markets noticed that many people’s budgets were getting tighter. You’re breaking an ugly sales record.

Sales rose 11 percent last year to 17.8 million francs. This means Caritas markets broke their second consecutive sales record. This situation became clear during the year. “It is a pity that no solution has been found to enable these people to live well within their budget,” managing director Thomas Künzler (62) tells Blick.

Olive oil is almost twice as expensive

The average annual inflation in Switzerland in 2023, 2.1 percent, was actually not very high by international standards. The problem: “Especially when it comes to cheap food, prices are often much higher, sometimes by 30 or 40 percent,” explains Künzler. For example, the price of the cheapest olive oil in supermarkets increased from 4.70 francs to 9.20 francs per liter within a year. “The price increase is much higher for the poorest.”

Everyone who shops at Caritas markets needs a card. People who receive social assistance or supplementary assistance or live below the subsistence level can apply. Caritas does not record how many cards are in circulation. Overall, there were 1.1 million customer movements in 2023; This number represents an increase of 50,000 compared to the previous year. “Especially young families and retirees are increasingly buying from us,” says Künzler.

An important part of Caritas markets is a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet. They are subsidized so that they can be offered cheaply.

Prices can’t keep rising

Thanks to product donations from suppliers and support from foundations, Caritas has been able to largely compensate for price increases in the markets. However, donations decreased in the second half of the year. “If this continues, we will have problems,” Künzler continues.

Some of Caritas markets are already being forced to increase prices. “Then we will do it in very small steps,” explains the general manager.

The most important goal for Künzler is: “Staple foods should not become expensive.” He doesn’t expect development to slow down so quickly. The growth of the Caritas market is no reason for him to be happy. “Actually, the goal was that we were no longer needed. “Or at least fewer people need to come to us again.”

Source :Blick