Edeka faces shrinkflation allegations over tea products

Edeka is facing allegations of shrinkflation regarding two tea varieties from its private label, Gut & Günstig. The consumer protection agency Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg noted that the 'Italian Lemon' variety saw its content reduced from 62.5 grams to 50 grams, with the number of tea bags decreasing from 25 to 20.

While the quantity decreased, the price for the 'Italian Lemon' variety reportedly remained at 1.69 euros, which the consumer agency calculates as a 25 percent price increase per unit. A similar reduction in bag count was observed in the 'Mediterranean Peach' variety.

Edeka Zentrale Stiftung & Co. KG confirmed the change in tea bag quantity, stating the adjustment was due to a transition from un-enveloped tea bags to individually wrapped paper-enveloped bags. The company denied these were hidden price increases, claiming that the manufacturer's suggested retail price was simultaneously reduced from 1.69 euros to 1.39 euros. Edeka described the move as a 'market-standard adjustment of packaging and offering concepts' performed regularly in competition.