Study: Difference between cheapest and most expensive shopping basket in Estonia was over 12 euros

TALLINN - In a July price comparison conducted by market research firm SeeNext, the cheapest shopping basket was found at Lidl, with the price difference to the most expensive basket being a significant 43 percent, or over 12 euros.

According to the price comparison conducted by SeeNext at the beginning of July, Lidl was the most affordable among the retail chains surveyed. The average shopping basket at Lidl cost 28.02 euros, while at Coop, which proved to be the most expensive, the same basket cost 40.06 euros. This marks a price difference of 12.04 euros between the cheapest and most expensive baskets.

The shopping basket used in the study consisted of 28 of the most commonly consumed products, with the cheapest available option for each item being selected at every store. The selection included various fruits like bananas and apples, vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, as well as dairy, meat, and grain products, and non-alcoholic beverages.

"Lidl's goal is to offer products at a good price without compromising on quality. We focus on what people need every day and ensure that the daily shopping basket is as affordable as possible for our customers. A wide selection of private-label products, efficient work processes, a well-thought-out store concept, and close cooperation with producers help us keep costs under control and consistently offer customers a great price-to-quality ratio," said Liisa-Indra Pajuste, Head of Communications at Lidl Estonia.

According to the study, Lidl offered the most affordable prices in nearly all categories compared: dairy, meat, grain, and beverage products. Notably, the price difference between the cheapest and most expensive retailer varied by category, ranging from 1.50 euros for beverages to 4.74 euros for dairy products.

STUDY METHODOLOGY: During the study, SeeNext mystery shoppers visited stores of the six largest retail chains in Tallinn, Tartu, and Narva: Maxima, Rimi, Lidl, Selver, Grossi, and Coop. A shopping basket was compiled for the study, consisting of 28 of the most commonly used and cheapest everyday food items, including dairy products, meat, grain products, dry goods, fruits and vegetables, and beverages.