Delhaize and Lidl, two supermarket chains, no longer carry dairy goods from Danone. The retailers indicate that they do not share the French food giant’s position on pricing increases. Although Aldi claims to still have some stock, it acknowledges that the negotiations are not going well.
The information was made public on the dedicated RetailDetail website. Delhaize stores have signs stating that some products are temporarily unavailable “due to challenging negotiations.”
The basis is a disagreement over prices, according to Roel Dekelver, a spokeswoman for Delhaize. “Danone’s proposed price rises are intolerable. A supplier cannot entirely pass on its additional costs to the client; everyone must make an effort. We play a social responsibility in maintaining the affordability of goods. Danone would charge far more than other manufacturers of comparable goods.
The Delhaize stores’ shelves are now empty of about fifty Danone dairy items. Dekelver says that there are numerous choices for serving customers.
According to spokeswoman Isabelle Colbrandt, Lidl and Danone were likewise unable to come to terms. There, the effect is less noticeable because Lidl only sells a small selection of Danone dairy products. “We anticipate that a decision will be made soon.
Aldi maintains a rigid leg
The management attests to the difficulty of the negotiations between Aldi and Danone. However, there is still some stock as of now. According to company spokesman Jason Sevestre, if talks break down further, “there is a risk that consumers will soon have to choose our private brands as an alternative to Danone’s products.”
Sevestre explains, “In exaggerated ascents, we keep the leg firm. Our responsibility is to safeguard our clients’ purchasing power and restore it to reasonable levels in the case of irrational price hikes.
Danone answers
In a written statement, Danone stated that due to “extraordinary market conditions,” the business is making every effort to minimize any negative effects on consumers. The statement reads, “Retailers set the final consumer pricing.”
According to Danone spokesperson Nathalie Guillaume, “We are having a productive conversation and are working closely with the merchants involved to begin deliveries as soon as feasible.”