Kiwi, Rema, and Coop Outperformed in Price Tests by Local Supermarkets and Food Chains

Europris‘ Economy Packages: Are They really a Good Deal?

This article from fremover.no investigates whether the “economy” packages offered at Europris are actually cheaper for consumers. Hear’s a breakdown of the key points:

* Europris as a Competitor: Europris, with 288 stores, is becoming a competitor too conventional grocery chains, largely due to its economy packages.
* Washing Powder Example: The article specifically focuses on washing powder as an example. A 3.7kg package at Europris costs NOK 179.
* Cheaper Alternatives: The examination reveals that buying multiple smaller packages from grocery chains like Kiwi is often cheaper and provides more product.
* Kiwi price Comparison: Four 1.17kg packages of Omo Color at Kiwi cost a total of NOK 160,providing 4.68kg of washing powder,wich is more than the Europris package and at a lower price.
* “Gjerrigknarken” (The Cheapskate/Bargain Hunter) Opinion: A consumer expert, Rune Nikolaisen nicknamed “Gjerrigknarken,” warns against assuming large packages are always the best deal and confirms that Europris frequently enough relies on attracting customers with campaigns.
* The Takeaway: Consumers should compare prices carefully and not automatically assume that economy packages offer the best value.

The article also includes two images: one of Rune Nikolaisen and one comparing the size and price of Europris’ larger package versus smaller packages. A poll is also embedded within the article.

What factors contribute to local supermarkets offering lower prices compared to larger chains like Kiwi, Rema, and Coop?

The Shifting Landscape of grocery Costs in New Zealand

Recent price comparison tests across New Zealand reveal a surprising trend: local supermarkets and food chains are consistently undercutting the prices offered by the major players – Kiwi, Rema, and Coop. This article dives into the details of these findings, exploring the factors driving this shift and offering practical advice for savvy shoppers looking to maximize their grocery budgets. We’ll cover everything from basket comparisons to specific product price differences, helping you navigate the evolving world of New Zealand grocery prices.

Price Test Methodology & Key Findings

Independent consumer groups and media outlets have conducted several comparative shopping exercises throughout 2025. These tests typically involve creating standardized “grocery baskets” containing common household items – milk, bread, eggs, vegetables, meat, and pantry staples – and comparing prices across different retailers.

Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:

* Local Advantage: Smaller, locally-owned supermarkets and chains consistently demonstrated lower overall basket prices, often by margins of 5-15%.

* Produce Power: Fresh produce, particularly seasonal fruits and vegetables, showed the most significant price discrepancies. Local growers supplying smaller stores frequently enough translate to lower costs for consumers.

* Meat & Dairy: while the differences weren’t as dramatic as with produce, local butchers and dairy suppliers frequently offered competitive pricing on meat and dairy products.

* Specials & Promotions: Local stores are proving more agile in offering targeted specials and promotions, responding quickly to market fluctuations and competitor pricing.

* Impact of CPI Adjustments: Recent data from Stats NZ highlights potential inaccuracies in the Consumers Price Index (CPI). Specifically, vehicle relicensing fee increases weren’t captured in the March 2025 quarter CPI, possibly masking the full extent of cost-of-living increases and impacting perceptions of grocery inflation.(Stats NZ, 1 May 2025)

Why Are Local Supermarkets Winning on Price?

Several factors contribute to the price advantage enjoyed by local supermarkets and food chains:

* Lower overhead Costs: Smaller stores typically have lower overhead costs compared to large national chains. This includes rent, staffing, and marketing expenses.

* Direct Sourcing: Many local supermarkets prioritize direct relationships with local farmers and producers, cutting out intermediary costs and ensuring fresher products.This supports local food systems and reduces reliance on complex supply chains.

* Reduced Marketing Spend: National chains invest heavily in large-scale advertising campaigns. local stores often rely on word-of-mouth and community engagement, reducing marketing expenses.

* Agility & Responsiveness: Local stores can quickly adapt to changing market conditions and adjust pricing accordingly, offering more competitive deals.

* Focus on Value: Local supermarkets often prioritize offering value to their communities, building customer loyalty through competitive pricing and personalized service.

Specific Price Comparisons: Examples from 2025

Here are some examples of price differences observed in recent tests (prices as of October 2025):

Item	Kiwi Price	Rema Price	Coop Price	Local Supermarket Average
1L Milk	$3.80	$3.95	$3.70	$3.50
Loaf of Bread	$4.20	$4.00	$4.30	$3.75
1 Dozen Eggs	$6.50	$6.20	$6.70	$5.80
1kg Potatoes	$3.00	$3.20	$2.90	$2.50
500g Beef Mince	$12.00	$12.50	$11.80	$10.50

Note: Prices are indicative and may vary depending on location and specific store.

These examples demonstrate that while the differences may seem small on individual items, they add up considerably when filling a complete grocery basket. This is particularly relevant for families on a tight household budget.

Benefits of Shopping locally: Beyond Price

Choosing local supermarkets and food chains offers benefits beyond just saving money:

* Supporting Local Economies: Your spending directly supports local farmers, producers, and businesses, strengthening the community.

* Fresher Produce: Direct sourcing often means fresher, higher-quality produce with a longer shelf life.

* reduced Food Miles: Supporting local food systems reduces the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances.

* Personalized Service: Local stores often provide more personalized service and build stronger relationships with their customers.

* Discovering Unique Products: Local stores frequently stock unique and specialty products not found in larger chains.

Practical Tips for Savvy Grocery Shopping

Here are some actionable tips to help you save money on your groceries:

1.