Overview
- The SPD plan envisions a voluntary basket of price-stable, German-produced staples such as flour, dairy, sausages, and produce to ease grocery costs.
- Major chains including Rewe, Kaufland, Aldi, and Lidl have not committed to a dedicated basket and point to existing low-price private labels, promotions, and discount formats.
- Federal Food Minister Alois Rainer opposes legislating a uniform basket and favors voluntary retail actions and the current discount segment.
- Trade and industry groups warn of market distortions and highlight legal risks around comparable pricing, noting roughly 80% of food costs stem from raw materials, energy, packaging, and logistics alongside rising labor expenses.
- Economists and consumer advocates question the need for a special basket, citing abundant budget options already and urging targeted social support and clearer pricing as food has risen about 37% since 2020.