Will the “little man” suffer following Tesco’s PR win over Unilever?

British Supermarket Tesco earned more than a few PR points in their battle with Unilever and their proposed post-Brexit price increases. By standing their ground, Tesco took on the “greedy” multi-national organisation and won the day for us little guys who like to spread Marmite on our toast in the morning.

Tesco cleverly didn’t take any sides in the EU Referendum. They couldn’t afford to alienate their diverse customer-base. After so many PR gaffs in recent years, including their (albeit unforeseen) relaxed attitude to selling horse meat (how very European), so-called Marmitegate has been quite a comeback for the retail brand. They will undoubtedly be hoping to capitalise on this reputation boosting PR win.

But while Tesco smugly bathe in the glory of ultimately becoming Brexit heroes, it’s the little guy that stands to lose out.

Smaller producers affected by the current decline in the value of the pound, must already be bracing themselves for accusations of greed and profiteering should they attempt to raise their prices to cover any increases in the cost of business.

Note: While some producers, particularly those who export, might benefit from a decline in the pound there are many other businesses who are paying a higher price for imported goods and everyone suffers when fuel and energy costs increase.

Many UK producers (particularly in the dairy industry) have previously received public support because of “unfair” buying practices adopted by many supermarkets. However, with current rhetoric in much of the UK press, accusing any negativity towards the impact Brexit is having on the economy as “remoaning” you have to wonder where sympathies will lie.

Will the press continue to back Tesco while the thumb-screws are turned on smaller suppliers because the supermarket’s stance towards price rises suits their editorial policies?