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Economics - Metric Conversion

There is evidence that metric conversion is the primary cause of "downsizing", whereby packaged foods and goods are reduced during conversion from pounds/grams to pints/millilitres. Research shows that companies use metric to make reductions of up to 10% or 15% with no comparable decreases in price.

Co-op
Whereas the Co-op's four-pint containers were priced 83p (September 2000), their two-litre containers cost 79p. While the two-litre price tag is 4p less, the price in real terms of the Co-op's metric milk is 8% higher.

Campbell's
In 1988, labels on cans of stew (Irish, Beef, Chicken) and Ready Meals (Chilli Con Carni, Beef Curry, Chicken Curry) were changed from 15oz to 425g. During 1990-1992, all cans were reduced to 392g (13.8oz). Four varieties of Meatballs were trimmed by half an ounce in 1988 when 15oz cans were replaced with 410g cans. Prices remained the same.

Heinz
Between 1993 and 1995, eight varieties of Baked Beans (Curried, Burger Bites, Italian, Hot Dogs, Mini Sausages, Pork Sausages and Weight Watchers) were reduced from 225g (previously 8oz/227g) to 205g. In addition, 425g cans (15oz) of Spaghetti reduced to 400g (14.1oz) in 1995.

Crosse & Blackwell
Pasta & Sausages and Pasta Bolognaise cans fell from 15oz to 405g (14.3oz). Prices remained the same. On converting Waistline Tartare Sauce from 9oz to 210g, Crosse & Blackwell cut prices by 5%. However, since 210g is the equivalent of only 7.4oz, real prices rose by 13%.

Colmans
In 1990, Colmans English Mustard was reduced from 2oz (57g) to 50g.

Quaker Oats
Reduced seven varieties of Sutherland Spread from 2oz to 53g (minus 6%) while raising the price.

Thorntons
57g (2oz) bags of chocolage buttons costing 59p were replaced with 40g bags costing 45p - a real price increase of 8%.

Lyons Tetley
Reduced milk and plain chocolate Polka Dots from 4oz to 100g with no price decrease.

Cadbury's
Roses and Spice chocolates were sold in boxes of identical height, but only the former contained ½lb; Spice chocolates contained 205g, 10% less, even though sold at the same price.


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