KARACHI:
Shrinkflation, commonly known as downsizing, is the art of deception. Shrinkflation is the process of reducing the size or quality of a product to cut costs, but the consumer pays the same price for a cheaper quality product. Shrinkflation happens all the time, but we don’t always notice it because companies use clever techniques to hide it. Almost all products can be downsized. The most common ones are grocery products such as cereals, biscuits, juices, etc.
Companies continue marketing low-quality products using the same methods including large or one-size packaging, but the portion size continues to grow smaller. This compels consumers to purchase more and more of the same product raising companies’ profits. This breach of trust is completely unacceptable, especially during such a high inflationary period.
I understand that companies are also struggling to maintain profitability, but putting three biscuits in a twenty-rupee pack or selling a three-inch chocolate bar for thirty rupees is unjustifiable. These prices may appear insignificant, but for the common man everything adds up. Can people not enjoy anything without having to worry about being in financial ruin? I urge the relevant authorities to implement quality control and quality assurance policies. Companies should be directed to follow standard sizes and avoid arbitrarily raising prices while reducing the quality of products. It is high time that we end this gross violation.
Narmeen Fatima
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2023.
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