A week without Spain’s big supermarkets? The proposal targeting food prices

Spain's largest supermarket chains are facing criticism over rising food prices, prompting a food-policy campaigner to propose a coordinated consumer boycott. Javier Guzmán, director of Justicia Alimentaria, suggests shoppers refrain from purchasing from major chains for a week to demand lower prices on essential, healthy foods.

Guzmán argues that while families are cutting back on their budgets, food affordability remains a concern, with food prices being 36% higher than five years ago and wages not keeping pace. Families are reducing meat, fish, fruit, egg, vegetable, and dairy purchases, which can negatively impact balanced diets. The supermarket sector has seen record turnover and margins, while food manufacturing industries maintain margins of around 10-11% over three years.

Guzmán proposes that participants turn to municipal markets, independent shops, food cooperatives, and local producers instead of large retailers. He wants consumers to specifically request a reduction in the price of a healthy food basket, urging supermarkets to lower margins on basic, nutritious products. The boycott would not replace one retailer for another and would highlight the power of consumers acting together.

Justicia Alimentaria has also launched an initiative called 100 alimentos saludables a precio justo – 100 healthy foods at a fair price, aiming for 100 essential, nutritious foods to be offered at cost price by major supermarkets. The boycott idea follows this initiative and seeks support from various organizations to build a wider coalition.

However, the success of the boycott depends on widespread participation and the likelihood of supermarkets responding with price reductions.