Grocery chains across Norway are currently running “crown market” campaigns, leading to significant price disparities on potatoes. According to Nettavisen, consumers can save substantially by choosing specific retailers, as some chains offer potatoes for as little as 10 NOK per kilogram, while others charge nearly triple that amount for similar products.
Price Disparities Between Retail Chains
Market data reveals a clear divide in pricing strategies this week. Customers shopping at Joker, Spar, or Meny can purchase potatoes for 9.90 NOK per kilogram. In contrast, low-cost chains Kiwi and Rema 1000 are pricing their loose potatoes at 29.90 NOK per kilogram.
Nettavisen reports that while Kiwi and Rema 1000 offer pre-packaged potato bags, these alternatives remain more expensive than the “crown market” deals found at the retailers. Kiwi lists a one-kilogram bag of new potatoes at 19.90 NOK, while Rema 1000 offers 1.5-kilogram bags of yellow and red potatoes at a unit price of 19.93 NOK per kilogram.
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Retailer Strategies on Price Matching
Kristine Arvin, communications director at Kiwi, stated that the 29.90 NOK price point represents their standard shelf price, noting that Kiwi only conducts price checks against other low-cost competitors like Rema 1000 and Extra.
Rema 1000 maintains a similar stance. According to communications director Marte Ramuz Eriksen, the chain generally does not match short-term campaigns run by supermarkets, which typically operate with a higher overall price structure. Both chains maintain that their business models prioritize consistently low prices over temporary, isolated discounts.
Budgeting Advice for Consumers
Privatøkonom Lene Drange encourages shoppers to be strategic during these promotional periods. “I am very excited about a good offer, and potatoes for ten kroner is an example of an offer that is actually useful,” Drange told Nettavisen. She emphasizes that these campaigns provide genuine value only when the items are staples that the household will consume regardless of the discount.
Drange advises consumers to avoid impulse buys. She suggests that shoppers should distinguish between purchasing something simply because the price is reduced and purchasing items that are part of a regular grocery budget. “If you actually need the item and know that you are going to use it, then it is a real saving,” Drange said.
Before heading to the store, check the weekly digital circulars (kundeaviser) to compare prices on high-volume items like bananas, carrots, and salad greens, which are often included alongside potato promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are potato prices so different between stores?
The price difference is due to the “crown market” promotional cycles. Some stores, like Joker and Meny, are running temporary, aggressive discounts on produce, while low-cost chains like Kiwi and Rema 1000 maintain their standard, non-promotional pricing for loose potatoes.
Do low-cost chains price match these special offers?
No. According to statements from Kiwi and Rema 1000, these chains generally do not match temporary, short-term campaigns run by supermarkets, as their pricing strategies are focused on long-term, consistent low prices rather than individual weekly promotions.
Is it always cheaper to shop at a low-cost chain?
Not necessarily. While low-cost chains often provide a lower total receipt for a standard shopping list, specific promotional items—such as the 10 NOK per kilogram potato deals—can be significantly cheaper at supermarkets during specific campaign weeks.
Are you tracking grocery prices to save on your weekly budget? Share your tips for finding the best deals in the comments below.
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