2023-12-16 06:20:00
In 2018, shopping in France allowed you to save money in all departments. With the exception of Parma ham (15.65% more expensive in France than in Belgium), all the products we selected in our basket were 7 to 42% cheaper. Last year, we already observed a real evolution with products such as foie gras, chips, roast turkey and cod fillet which were commanding higher prices on the other side of the border. This year once more, France wins in many areas and even widens the gap in certain departments (cheese in the lead). But doing all of your shopping in France is no longer as interesting as in the past. We notice that, on the aperitif side, our neighbors win the match, just like in the drinks section (alcoholic or not), which has historically always been the case. On the other hand, when it comes to fresh produce, it’s better to get out the calculators. For salmon and foie gras, it is better to stay in Belgium. On foie gras, while France is a producing country, the price difference reaches 42.55% on the private label block (for our comparison, we noted the prices at Carrefour Belgium and Auchan). On the other hand, on the raclette cheese platter, the splits go in the other direction. With a cheaper price of 34.99% in France, and 31.64% in Luxembourg, it is better to shop with our neighbors.
In Luxembourg, specifically, we will hardly be surprised to see alcohol cheaper, especially whiskey (-24.93%). Water and sodas are also cheaper there, on average by 25%. On the other hand, we will pass on as far as foie gras is concerned (+26.70%), while frozen scallops are half as expensive there as in Belgium.
Parents, when the end of year holidays, Christmas and New Years become a source of stress
This year, more than ever, you will have to compare before buying if you want to shop at the best price. Note that we have noted the prices excluding promotions for these products. In the next two weeks, major retailers will bring out the heavy artillery with free 1+1s in many departments. At Aldi, for example, fresh appetizers are currently on sale (-17%), as are guinea fowl fillets (-12%). Next week the assortment of fondue meats (-21%) and scampi (-33%) will be in the spotlight, as will mini chicory (-50%). “As in 2022, consumers will undoubtedly look for festive but affordable alternatives. Indeed, despite the current financial difficulties for some, consumers attach great importance to the quality/price ratio of their menu”, indicates Jason Sevestre, spokesperson word from Aldi.
Intermarché also strikes a big blow, notably by offering almost all its varieties of oysters in 6+6 free packs. Same for gray shrimps (100 gr + 100 gr free), at €7.99. Thursday, the block of foie gras will be on sale in 1+1 free (with the loyalty card), i.e. €11.49 for 2 x 200 grams. While prices are soaring this year, with foie gras at €28.72 per kilo, it will be difficult to find cheaper elsewhere.
At Carrefour, the holiday folder which starts next Tuesday also allows you to make great savings. Example: the gourmet platter at -40%, i.e. €12.99/kg, free 6+6 oysters, gray shrimp at -50% on the second package (€44.23/kg) or many meats and poultry from -20 to -45%, such as capon (€8.99). Better to wait until next Tuesday if you want to buy raclette cheese, it will also be 50% off on the second package of the EntreMont brand. A selection of champagnes, cava, prosecco and wines will also be offered as a free 1+1. “We also have the Carrefour brand, constantly expanding our range to offer more diversity. In the frozen food category, for example, we offer a variety of preparations to reconcile a tight budget and save time in the kitchen. As with these scallop casseroles at €6.59 for 4 casseroles, or a festive starter at €1.65 per person. Likewise, the frozen salmon tartare is offered at €3.99 for 2 portions, i.e. a starter for less than €2 per person,” explains Coralie Jacquemin, spokesperson for Carrefour. “We are also launching major promotions on festive products such as Charles Lafitte champagne in a 1+1 offer (€39.99 for 2 bottles), Gran Palas cava in a 1+1 free offer (€11.99 for 2 bottles), as well as frozen snails in a 24+24 free offer.”
Our tips for cheaper end-of-year celebrations
The Lion brand, which is hammering out its campaign to combat the prejudices of distributors being more expensive than its competitors, is not left out either. This week, fresh salmon (€13.50/kg) and white wine (Valle de Uco, chardonnay, €12.98 for 2 bottles) are displayed on the first page of the folder, in a free 1+1.
Finally, at Lidl, the 1+1 is also available in the wine section with this Puglia Appassimento (€7.99 for 2 bottles). Oysters in 6+6 (€3.74 per basket of 12 Zeeland oysters), or even gray shrimp at -40%, or €26.95 per kilo, will be part of the shock offers from next Wednesday. Lobster at -21% (€8.99 each), free 1+1 croquettes, zakouski at -50% or even game at -25% will also delight bargain lovers.
As for Colruyt, faithful to its model, many prices will be adapted according to competitors’ promotions. But certain actions specific to the distributor also deserve to be highlighted. Example: -30% from 3 bottles on Montaudon champagne, i.e. less than €20 per bottle, -25% on EntreMont raclette cheese and -20 to -50% on many festive products, starting with zakouski, croquettes, cheese or even shrimp.
Comparison of Belgium, France and Luxembourg for end-of-year holiday products ©IPM Graphics
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