The Changing Supermarket

 

So I noticed the new packaging, smaller serves and higher prices charged.

Just dropped by a mainstream supermarket, which does hold a duopoly advantage in a business sector vital to everyone's lives in a nation of around 25 million.

Perhaps it is just me, but the increased processing of food is so obvious on their aisle shelves, as opposed to the more pleasing sight of natural produce.

Ready made meals with more preservatives.  Bites and packages that utilise latest food technology but coldly hiding behind manufactured artificiality.
Convenience emphasised with the furthest distance from the natural producer.

So much sugar, so much salt and other chemicals.  Edibles over standardised in look and formula.  So many items looking like clones and fulfiling measurements that cater to logistical and cost imperatives, rather than appealing to our human instinctive need for variety.

The inevitable self check out of the future is reinforced by the opening of only one cashier's aisle.  The seeping dominance of contactless payment methods is already foreshadowed by less direct contact between staff and customers.

Still, old fashioned pyschological methods to spur unplanned purchases, mixing of items with big discounts and high margins plus the attention placed on certain brands continue to be deployed.

More home brands at lower prices seem to oust separate brands not so connected with the supermarket chain.  Many of such home brands are made in the same factory.  There is a continuing hum about the significant hold by such supermarket chains  over producers, who increasingly have to decide on take it or leave it realities.  Too big to fail can summarise the powerful ability of such businesses.

Fruits and veg look not so appealing in the remaining fresh produce aisles, compared to what is on offer in local outdoor markets.  Milk is sold with labels stating it is sourced from various Aussie producers, rather than proudly naming the farm. 

Go figure.

#yongkevthoughts