Shrinkflation Scandal: M&M’s Prices Jump 42.5% in Switzerland as Monsieur Prix Condemns Practice

Swiss price regulator Stefan Meierhans condemned shrinkflation on August 17, calling the practice “shabby” despite its legality. At Coop, M&M’s packages shrank from 150 grams to 125 grams while prices climbed from 3.20 francs to 3.80 francs, a 42.5% per-unit increase. Migros saw similar M&M’s price hikes of 19 centimes per 100 grams. The trend reflects manufacturers passing rising costs to consumers without transparent price labels.

How shrinkflation works at Swiss supermarkets

Shrinkflation reduces product quantities while keeping or raising prices, masking true cost increases from shoppers. At Coop, M&M’s fell from 150g to 125g for 3.80 francs, versus 3.20 francs in 2024. Migros raised M&M’s prices by 19 centimes per 100 grams. Manufacturers cite rising costs for materials, energy, logistics, and packaging as reasons for the cuts.

Retailers blame suppliers, not themselves

Both Coop and Migros deflected responsibility to brand makers. Migros stated that producers adjust volumes to offset input cost inflation. Coop claimed it fights excessive brand pricing demands to protect fair prices for customers. Neither retailer acknowledged direct control over shrinkflation decisions affecting their shelves.

Legal but ethically questionable, says price regulator

Stefan Meierhans, Switzerland’s price surveillance chief, called shrinkflation legal but shabby. He stressed it is not fraud under law because exact quantities appear on packaging. Yet he warned the practice erodes justified consumer trust and confidence in retailers and brands.

Why Swiss consumers should care

Shrinkflation hides real inflation from price comparison. A 42.5% per-unit cost jump on M&M’s at Coop far exceeds official inflation rates, yet appears invisible on store shelves. Consumers who buy by brand rather than price per gram absorb stealth price hikes without realizing their money buys less.

Final Thoughts

Shrinkflation is spreading across Swiss supermarkets as manufacturers pass cost pressures to consumers through smaller packages, not higher sticker prices. While legal, the practice erodes trust and masks true inflation. Shoppers must compare price per gram, not package price, to spot the trend.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.