Granini's Orange Juice Sparks Consumer Outrage

Granini Trinkgenuss Orange has been named the "Mogelpackung des Jahres" (Deceptive Packaging of the Year) by the Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg. In a survey of over 32,000 participants, nearly half voted for the product, citing changes in formulation as the main issue. The manufacturer, Eckes-Granini, reduced the orange juice content by half, replacing it with sugar water, yet maintained the same price. This move effectively doubled the cost per ounce of actual juice, drawing sharp criticism from consumer advocates.

The controversy centers around the lack of transparency in these changes. The packaging largely remains unchanged, missing only the "100% fruit juice" label. While Eckes-Granini attributes the modification to poor orange harvests and subsequent price hikes, the explanation has not curbed consumer frustration. Armin Valet from the Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg argued that passing these costs to consumers through diminished product quality is the wrong approach.

Consumers have expressed their discontent with the lack of clear labeling, urging for legislative action to prevent such deceptive practices. The call for "Preisklarheit und -wahrheit" (price clarity and truth) grows, as 67 products last year faced hidden price increases averaging 31.5%. The issue of shrinkflation and skimpflation remains prevalent, impacting a wide range of everyday items.

The award ceremony highlighted other products, with a tomato spice salt, vanilla ice cream, a shower cream, and wafer snacks occupying the respective runner-up positions. The consumer watchdog's annual award aims to bring attention to misleading practices, advocating for greater consumer protection and corporate accountability.