Granini's Orange Drink Named 'Product Deception of the Year 2024' by Consumer Advocates

In a recent consumer poll conducted by the Consumer Center Hamburg, Granini's Trinkgenuss Orange has been designated as the 'Product Deception of the Year 2024'. The company, Eckes-Granini Deutschland GmbH, has been criticized for halving the fruit juice content in their product while maintaining the same price. This decision has sparked outrage among consumers and advocates alike.

According to the Consumer Center Hamburg, more than half of the over 32,000 votes cast were in favor of Granini's orange drink, indicating a significant level of consumer discontent. The second-place product in the voting was Lebensbaum Tomaten-Gewürzsalz by Ulrich Walter, with 21.2% of the votes, while Unilever's Cremissimo Bourbon Vanilla ice cream secured third place with 14%.

The controversy arose when it was revealed that, in spring 2024, the manufacturer reduced the amount of actual orange juice in the drink and replaced it with sugar water. Despite this change, the retail price remained the same, effectively doubling the cost relative to the juice content. Armin Valet from the Consumer Center Hamburg stated that the company's actions warranted this public outcry, emphasizing that the brand had significantly diluted its product while attempting to conceal the change from consumers.

Market observations indicated that the Granini drink was unavailable in approximately 20 supermarkets in Hamburg, leading to speculation that Eckes-Granini had suspended deliveries due to pricing disagreements with retailers. This has further fueled consumer skepticism regarding the product's integrity.

Recent challenges in sourcing orange juice concentrate due to climate change and a plant disease affecting orange trees have contributed to increasing prices, putting pressure on juice manufacturers. However, Valet argues that reducing product quality and quantity is not the appropriate response to these financial pressures. He advocates for improved pricing transparency and honesty in consumer goods, suggesting that consumers need clearer information about what they are purchasing.

The Consumer Center Hamburg has been conducting the annual 'Product Deception of the Year' voting for several years to highlight misleading practices in the market. This year's results reflect a pressing need for legislative action to better protect consumers from corporate malpractices.