Last year, the Ica group made price investments in everyday goods. For example, prices on fruits and vegetables in stores have decreased by 12 percent, according to Jönsson.
At the same time, this has led to a lower operating margin (profit per sold item) of 3.2 percent compared to last year's 3.6.
We have had a strong focus on price. Therefore, we believe that we have been able to take market shares for 15 months in a row, says Jönsson.
Prices will continue to be important even in 2025.
We will continue to invest in good prices on everyday goods. We will also continue to work with fruits and vegetables, says Jönsson.
"Started aggressively"
Is investing in good prices, then lower prices?
It means that we have a focus on the products. Just like before, our Ica stores set their own prices. I can't speculate about it, but we will have a focus on price. It will be important to continue working with our purchases as well.
Regarding the question of how food prices will develop in the future, Jönsson refers to HUI Research's forecast, which predicts an increase of 1.5 percent on an annual basis, slightly more than last year.
It has started aggressively this year, given that we have such increases on coffee, cocoa. It's a very large category, says Jönsson.
Customers shop more frequently
There are several factors that are crucial when it comes to food prices. An uncertain market situation, natural disasters, and discussions about tariffs that can drive up inflation, among other things.
Then we have continued war in Europe and unrest in the world. It can affect that goods transportation, for example, becomes more expensive, says Jönsson.
Ica Sweden sees that the number of customer visits increases and that customers shop more frequently, with more items purchased per shopping occasion. Ica group does not believe that the price focus among customers will decrease in the future. At the same time, other trends are seen.
To some extent, customers are starting to choose other products than just the cheapest ones, for example, products that are Swedish, local or sustainable, says Jönsson.
The daily goods chain Ica group reports an operating profit of 1.2 billion kronor for the fourth quarter. This can be compared to 1.4 billion kronor the same period last year, i.e., 14 percent worse result.
The turnover increased simultaneously by almost 7 percent to nearly 40.9 billion kronor.
