Study Reveals Carrefour Cuts Prices on State Basket Items but Raises Others in Same Categories

A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals a complex picture behind Carrefour's "state basket" reform. While the supermarket chain reduced prices on 100 products included in the state basket by about 35%, it simultaneously increased prices on other products within the same categories that are not part of the basket. Consumer reporter Einav Karner, presenting the findings on Galei Tzahal's "HaOlam HaBoker" program, summarized the research conclusion: "There are no free lunches, no free gifts. That's how the study defined it." Carrefour's internal compensation mechanism balances the discounts on basket items by raising prices on non-basket products.

According to the study data, Carrefour stores saw price increases in specific non-basket products within the same categories: laundry gel prices rose by 9%, pudding and jelly by 7%, and shampoo and conditioner also increased by 7%. This strategy likely aims to maintain overall revenue despite the discounted basket items. However, the research also highlights a positive outcome of the reform, which is increased market competition. Despite Carrefour's internal pricing strategy, its market entry led to price reductions among competing chains. Data showed that Machsanei HaShuk lowered prices by 10%, Half Free by 5%, and Rami Levy by 3%.