As an example, take stock cubes. These inoffensive items were until recently available in three 'streams', and three related price brackets. However, some months ago, the cheap ones 'disappeared from shelves'. Ten or twelve stock cubes, whether chicken, beef, lamb or vegetable, used to be available as branded products (eg. Knorr) typically at £1.00 - £1.30, or on a supermarket own-brand, typically 70p - 90p, AND on a "nice price/basic" version, at 10p - 15p. The last category has disappeared during the second half of 2010. This is probably because either Knorr objected, or the supermarkets decided to deny us the right to buy the cheapest version, or both. So, the 10p chicken stock cubes from Tesco and Sainsburys are no longer available, but they would no doubt like us to buy instead their own versions at 8 times the price because the packaging is mildly different.
The above situation has already come and gone as regards washing up liquid. The 13 pence crappy/cheap stuff was 'withdrawn' without notice in 2009, and now it's typically 50p for the cheapest stuff.
I noticed some time ago that Morrisons does not stock blackcurrant Hi Juice, and I rather suspect that Ribena and Morrisons have come to an arrangement. I am quite sure there are numerous other examples of manipulation. Take a moment to look around when you're shopping; the supermarkets don't expect us to notice their games, and are determined to rip us off while coming across as champions of the people! You have been warned.
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