Grocery basket prices diverge sharply in Estonia, according to Postimees

TALLINN - The latest price comparison by Postimees shows that the price gap between grocery baskets at different retail chains has grown significantly in recent weeks, and while the difference between the cheapest and most expensive baskets was previously moderate, it has now more than doubled.

Just weeks ago, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive baskets was a modest six euros. Now, the gap has widened to 14.72 euros -- a sharp increase not seen in a long time. Interestingly, one chain previously known for low prices saw one of the steepest hikes this time.

This round, Grossi Toidukaubad offered the most affordable food basket, reclaiming first place after previously ranking second. Its basket price fell by 4.16 euros, or 7 percent, landing at 59.05 euros.

Prisma, which had the lowest price last time, came in second. Its basket also dropped in price by 3.20 euros, or 5.3 percent, now costing 59.77 euros.

German discount chain Lidl remained in third. Two weeks ago, its basket cost 63.25 euros; now it is up only two cents at 63.27 euros. However, domestic ground meat was unavailable at Lidl during the survey, so the average price from other chains was used instead.

Coop moved up to fourth place, improving from fifth, with its basket dropping by 46 cents to 64.20 euros. Selver dropped to fifth, where its basket cost 64.29 euros, nine cents less than before.

Rimi, previously the most expensive chain, managed a slight price reduction -- its basket decreased by 78 cents, from 69.09 to 68.28 euros.

Maxima now holds the title for the most expensive basket, with prices rising by a steep 9.88 euros over two weeks, marking a 13 percent increase.

Since July 2024, Postimees has used a new methodology in cooperation with the Tarbi Targalt mobile app. Prices are provided by the app on the survey day, and Postimees does not take responsibility for any variations in pricing. Prices come from both stores and app users. If a product is unavailable, the average price from other chains is used in comparison.

This price comparison was conducted on Thursday.