Aldi says price cuts will have 'no impact' on prices paid to producers
The retialer said this move will save consumers an additional €2m over the Christmas period, with a spokesperson saying that this is an additional investment by Aldi. Picture: Denis Minihane.
Aldi price cuts to 170 seasonal products will have "no impact" on the prices paid to producers and suppliers, the retailer has told the .
Aldi has announced that ahead of the busy Christmas period, prices are being reduced in-store on a range of festive favourites including fresh Irish turkeys and fruit and vegetables.
The retailer said this move will save consumers an additional €2m over the Christmas period, with a spokesperson saying that this is an additional investment by Aldi.
The retailer is set to sell over 60,000 fresh turkeys to Irish shoppers from December 20 this year.Â
Aldi predicts it will also sell more than 80,000 units of beef dripping roast potatoes, an estimated 125,000 dessert puddings, as well as almost 500,000 boxes of mince pies in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
Prices for Christmas dinner staples such as rooster potatoes, sprouts, and carrots have also been cut by up to 75%.
Colin Breslin, managing director of buying and services, Aldi Ireland, said: "These latest price cuts are part of our continued efforts to make great quality food affordable for all, from party food treats to Christmas essentials.
"While we have already introduced a number of price cuts on essential household items throughout the year, we understand that the Christmas period can be a difficult time financially for many families."
Launching a Christmas campaign recently, Irish Farmers' Association president Tim Cullinan said that the work and investment by farmers and growers provides families with the "highest quality food and drink for the festive season".
"Consumers are very fortunate to have world-class produce for their families to enjoy over Christmas. They recognise the commitment of farmers and growers and they can see the benefits the farming sector brings to our economy," Mr Cullinan said.
The IFA president reminded retailers of their "responsibility to pay a viable price to producers".Â
"Price wars are inherently damaging to growers, destabilising demand for their produce and creating the impression that costs of production are lower than they actually are," he said.
Mr Cullinan said the first programme of work for the Agri-Food Regulator when it officially begins next week is a "root-and-branch investigation of the food chain".
The number of fruit and vegetable growers has been in decline for the past 20 years due to margin pressures exerted on growers from the top of the food chain.
"The new regulator will have responsibility for all producers of food, but this sector is on the brink of non-viability and needs immediate attention in order to retain grower numbers and fresh produce production in Ireland," Mr Cullinan said.
"Farmers were never more in need of a voice and regulation to stand up for their livelihoods in an ever more dysfunctional food supply chain.Â
"Today’s food supply chain is dominated by a small number of big players. Their dominance is determining the livelihoods and future of farmers and food producers."
