Following the example of Colruyt, which recently placed a purchase limit on several of its products, Aldi has implemented rationing of certain products that are so cheap that they are being purchased in mass by scalpers, Le Soir reports.
In recent months, prices at major supermarkets have stabilised to such a point where many low-cost staples are now at some of their most affordable prices in years.
Opportunistic bulk buyers have been snapping up these products in anticipation that prices will eventually arise again. The major culprits are night shops, superettes, and other food shops that have been buying certain affordable goods en masse.
At Colruyt, products such as frozen chips, sugar, wheat flour, kitchen salt, and fries have been limited to four products per customer. At Aldi, strong alcohols and peanuts are now being rationed.
Related News
- Food security: Belgian farmers dedicate more land to cereals
- Delhaize: Failed negotiations see strikes continue
“A maximum of six bottles and packets [of peanuts] is allowed. If a larger quantity is desired, an invoice must be issued,” an Aldi spokesperson said. Once again, night shops and other independent vendors are blamed for causing a run on certain goods. As a result, the company has implemented “exceptional and temporary limitations.”
“Night shops buy large quantities of the products,” the company said. “Aldi’s primary intention is to keep our products available to all our customers.”
Fortunately for customers, the rationing of goods only currently applies to the company’s locations in the Liège area. As of yet, there are no plans to expand the rationing to other locations.
