Price Disparity in Milk Costs Between Supermarkets and Local Shops in Veracruz

A recent survey in Veracruz reveals that liquid milk can cost up to 30% more in supermarket chains than in local corner shops. This analysis highlights a significant price disparity that affects the daily consumer.

Brands like Lala deslactosada are priced between 25 and 37 pesos per liter in supermarkets. In contrast, the same products cost between 20 and 26 pesos in local shops, where small retailers adjust their margins to attract local customers.

This price difference reflects not only pricing strategies but also cost structures and the bargaining power of supermarket chains. The situation underscores the perception that supermarkets, assumed to offer lower prices due to economies of scale, may not always do so.

The price gap has sparked debate within the dairy sector regarding supply chain efficiency and the actual value added by intermediaries. If essential products like milk become artificially expensive in supermarkets, it could discourage consumption or push consumers to seek cheaper alternatives.

For the international agro-industrial community, understanding these dynamics is crucial. Price differences between sales points reflect common tensions in markets dominated by supermarkets, which could foretell shifts in demand and competitiveness among dairy products.