For the first time in four years, food prices have been reduced – by 0.4 percent. A reduction that may feel minimal compared to last year's price increase of over 20 percent.
Coop's prices rose at year-end; only after five weeks did the other food giants Ica and Axfood follow suit. weak competition in the market may be another factor in the sharp rise in the price of food, which is now being investigated. With few players, it is easier to monitor each other, says Martin Bäckström, Head of Unit at the Swedish Competition Authority.