Alexandre Bompard, the CEO of Carrefour, has announced ambitious plans to maintain price stability at the supermarket chain throughout 2025, as French households grapple with the aftereffects of significant inflation. This commitment is particularly timely as the cost of living has risen sharply, prompting the Carrefour leader to take measures aimed at preserving consumers' purchasing power. During an engaging session with readers of Le Parisien on December 22, 2024, Bompard was clear about the challenges many families are facing and his determination to support them.
"Les prix ne reviendront pas à leur niveau d’avant la crise, mais nous serons combatifs pour obtenir une stabilité," Bompard stated confidently, recognizing the reality of the economic situation. While previous prices may not return, he confirmed the upcoming strategies to combat inflation, emphasizing his proactive stance with existing collaborations and arrangements with suppliers.
Looking back at 2024, Bompard noted impressive reductions at Carrefour, stating, "En 2024, nous avons baissé le prix de 2 500 de nos produits de plus de 10 %. Nous sommes la marque qui a réalisé les plus grosses réductions." Through these initiatives, the supermarket has endeavored to lessen the financial burden on customers — no small feat during challenging economic times. Promising even more reductions, Bompard announced broader promotions on staples such as fresh fruits, vegetables, organic produce, and fish, as well as planned expansion of loyalty programs to provide additional savings for consumers.
Despite these efforts, Bompard pointed out structural problems with local food sourcing. "La Ferme France n’est pas assez compétitive," he remarked, shedding light on the difficulties French farmers face due to high production costs and regulatory hurdles. He emphasized the need for improvement to make local products more accessible and affordable. The goal, he explained, is not only to support the farmers but also to provide consumers with quality products at reasonable prices.
To address these competitiveness concerns, Bompard has ambitioned to double the procurement of locally sourced products, aiming for supplies within just 50 kilometers of Carrefour stores. This regional focus supports French agriculture and ensures fresher products for consumers, but it must align with cost reductions. He recognizes the challenge of balancing quality and affordability—especially when prices for local products tend to be higher than those of imports.
Further complicate this equation, Bompard has called on major manufacturing partners like Danone and Lactalis to display greater transparency during negotiations. "Je demande urgemment au gouvernement de mettre un terme à cette expérimentation, car elle en est une," he demanded, referring to legislation limiting promotional offers on key hygiene products, which has pressured consumers’ budgets. Through these calls, he aims to lessen the financial strain placed upon many households, highlighting the pressing need for reforms and adaptations within the market structure.
One notable initiative gaining traction is Carrefour's new customer loyalty card scheduled for launch at the beginning of 2025. This card will offer customers 10% discounts on all fruits and vegetables. With this move, Carrefour aims to cater to consumer demand for affordable healthy food options, enabling families to maintain their diets without excessive financial pressure.
Through these multifaceted initiatives and strategic promises, Bompard has signaled his commitment to bolstering Carrefour's role as not only France's leading supermarket chain but also as a responsible player addressing consumer needs amid tumultuous economic conditions. By focusing on local sourcing, transparency with suppliers, and customer loyalty programs, Carrefour seeks to provide stability for its customers.
Looking forward, the path involves significant challenges and will require concerted efforts from Carson and other industry partners to see these objectives through. All eyes will be on Carrefour as both consumers and market observers watch how these plans develop and whether they lead to genuine price stabilization strategies by 2025.
