Que Choisir accuses large retailers of inflating organic prices

The consumer association Que Choisir accuses major food retailers of applying excessive profit margins on organic fruits and vegetables. In a study published Wednesday, the organization claims that the margins applied to organic products are on average 81% higher than those applied to conventional products.

The investigation is based on a basket of 24 fruits and vegetables analyzed using data from the Market News Network, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the association, the gap between the price paid to producers and the price charged to consumers is particularly significant for certain organic products, notably tomatoes.

The distributors dispute the accusations

Que Choisir believes this pricing policy penalizes both consumers and organic farmers, while also hindering access to food considered healthier. The association denounces a strategy of compensating for low profit margins on certain processed products with higher prices on fresh organic produce.

The French Federation of Commerce and Distribution, however, rejects these accusations. It maintains that the higher costs associated with organic production, logistics, and preservation largely explain the observed price differences. Distributors also point out the importance of distinguishing between gross margin and actual profit on these products.