Madam, – The report “Tesco Groceries still cost 18 per cent more in South despite cuts”, is regrettably misleading.
The Consumer Choice survey referred to in the article relies upon a sample of just 25 items and does not take into account the 15,000-plus grocery products that are available in a typical Tesco store.
Had a more broadly-based and representative basket of products, as shopped by consumers, been chosen, the average difference would be of the order of 12 per cent. This gap reflects the notable differences in operating costs and taxes in the South.
Such a broad-based survey would also take into account the many thousands of products which are cheaper in Tesco stores in the South.
Our new lower prices offer consumers very significant savings on their weekly grocery shop.
This has been confirmed by the most recent National Consumer Agency survey which highlighted across the board reductions of 15 per cent. Other price surveys by RTÉ and others have found Tesco prices to be the cheapest when compared to our competitors.
Our recent price reduction programme has also been the catalyst for other retailers to follow suit and has been reflected in the most recent CSO Consumer Price Data showing 6 per cent food price deflation.
A reliance on more representative broad-based surveys would greatly assist consumers in understanding the facts about grocery shopping. – Yours, etc,