Green Party Faction Wants Price Comparison App for Groceries - Germany’s Greens Propose App to Break Supermarket Price Monopolies
The Green Party in Germany’s Bundestag has put forward a plan for a government-backed app to help shoppers find the cheapest groceries. The proposal targets the dominance of four major supermarket chains, which currently control around 85% of the market. The party also wants stricter rules on pricing and product labelling to support both consumers and farmers.
Under the Greens’ plan, large supermarket chains would have to share real-time price updates through the app. Smaller stores could choose to take part as well. While price labels on shelves are already required by law, the party argues that a digital tool would make comparisons easier for shoppers.
The proposal also includes limits on supermarket profit margins during economic downturns. Another measure would ban retailers from buying products below the cost of production, aiming to protect farmers from unfair competition. In addition, the Greens want clearer warnings when product sizes shrink. Labels or stickers would highlight any reduction in packaging, ensuring customers are fully informed. The party’s broader goal is to reduce the power of the four biggest chains—Edeka, Rewe, the Schwarz Group (Lidl), and Aldi—by giving consumers more control over their spending. The Greens have also called for stricter rules on supermarket expansion, arguing that the current market concentration harms both shoppers and smaller businesses.
If approved, the app would force major retailers to share pricing data openly. The proposed rules on profit margins and product labelling would add further protections for consumers and farmers. The plan directly challenges the market dominance of Germany’s biggest grocery chains.
