The president of the Argentine Chamber of Supermarkets (CAS), Víctor Palpacelli, referred to the sector's stance on the recent attempts by some suppliers to implement price increases. In statements to a radio station, Palpacelli was blunt in stating that supermarket chains will not validate increases that lead to a drop in consumption.
The recent elimination of the currency clamp led companies like Unilever and Molinos Río de la Plata to release lists with increases ranging from 9% to 12%, impacting daily consumer products. However, the main chains, grouped in the United Supermarkets Association (ASU), decided not to accept those increases.
During the interview with Urbana Play, Palpacelli indicated that both smaller and regional chains also rejected the new price lists. However, he clarified that not all supermarkets adopted the same decision.
El presidente de la Cámara Argentina de Supermercados (CAS), Víctor Palpacelli.
While some companies chose to keep prices unchanged, others passed the increases onto shelf prices. According to the head of CAS, this represents a widespread concern, as passing costs onto the consumer directly affects sales.
"The companies that have made changes in bonuses and conditions and increases, ultimately end up being increases," said Palpacelli. He also emphasized that the sector's goal is to protect the consumer and curb price increases.
In this scenario, the Government of Javier Milei also expressed itself, warning that the increases have no basis. In that line, the Minister of Economy, Luis "Toto" Caputo, stated through his social media that both large chains and regional supermarkets had rejected the price lists with increases from 9% to 12% sent by companies like Unilever and Molinos Río de la Plata.
"In Javier Milei's government, there is no room for opportunists," said Caputo, praising the attitude of the supermarket sector for prioritizing consumer welfare.
Javier Milei, presidente de Argentina.
Similarly, the Undersecretary of Consumer Defense, Fernando Blanco Muiño, spoke out against the increases, stating that there were no causes related to the exchange rate or tax burden that justified these new lists. From the United Supermarkets Association (ASU), they reiterated that they will not validate exaggerated or speculative adjustments, reaffirming their commitment to offering quality products at the lowest possible price.
In line with this stance, Víctor Palpacelli, president of the Argentine Chamber of Supermarkets, insisted on the need to join efforts to renegotiate conditions with suppliers. "Our goal is to defend the consumer and prevent increases from being passed onto the shelves," he emphasized.
