Households in Northern Ireland are grappling with the relentless rise in grocery prices, with essential items now costing nearly double what they did just a few years ago. The burden of these escalating costs is evident as families struggle to make ends meet, forcing many to cut back on food and other essentials to cover their bills and keep a roof over their heads.
According to a recent survey by the Consumer Council, a staggering 93% of respondents expressed concerns about the soaring prices at supermarkets. The survey also revealed that 42% of participants had slashed their food and essential spending to cope with the financial strain, while 86% cited increased food prices as a major factor contributing to their financial struggles.
To shed light on the price discrepancies among leading supermarkets in Northern Ireland, Belfast Live conducted a comparative analysis of everyday essentials at Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Asda. The results highlight the varied pricing strategies adopted by these retailers, with some witnessing price hikes and others offering rollback reductions to ease the burden on consumers.
Price Comparisons at Sainsbury’s
At Sainsbury’s, the cost of staple items has seen a notable increase since May 2024. For instance, a 1L bottle of Own Brand Olive Oil now retails for £7.80, while a 180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar costs £2.75, marking a significant uptick from nine months ago. The overall tally for a basket of essential goods at Sainsbury’s stands at £35.74, a £2.24 jump from the previous year.
Notably, Sainsbury’s Fairtrade White Granulated Sugar and Sainsbury’s British Butter have seen price hikes, with the latter now priced at £1.99 for a 250g pack. These increases underscore the financial strain faced by consumers as they navigate the rising cost of living in Northern Ireland.
Insights from Tesco and Asda
In contrast, Tesco has managed to keep prices relatively stable for some items, with a 1L bottle of Olive Oil priced at £7 and a 180g Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Bar costing £2.65. However, other products like Tesco Gold Instant Coffee have seen a considerable price increase of 46p since May 2024. The total cost of a comparable basket of goods at Tesco amounts to £34.31, reflecting a £1.07 rise from the previous year.
Meanwhile, Asda’s pricing strategy stands out for its rollback reductions, offering consumers a reprieve from the escalating costs. The supermarket chain has significantly lowered prices for items like Olive Oil and Heinz Baked Beans, with the total basket cost coming in at £33.32—a notable £2.77 reduction from the prices in May 2024.
As consumers grapple with the financial strain of rising grocery prices, these price comparisons shed light on the shifting landscape of the retail market in Northern Ireland. While some supermarkets have implemented price hikes, others have taken steps to alleviate the burden on consumers through rollback reductions, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the challenging economic climate.
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