In a curious case of mixed-up produce labels, Penny Market has found itself at the center of a labeling controversy that highlights the complex journey of affordable fruits across Europe.
The incident came to light when the Czech Fruit Growers Union spotted inconsistent labels at a Prague store last month. While the price tag indicated Polish origin, the shipping container bore Hungarian credentials. Penny Market’s spokesperson, Martina Dvořáková, later clarified that while the supplier company is based in Hungary, the apples were actually grown in Poland.
This confusion isn’t an isolated incident. According to Martin Ludvík, Chairman of the Czech Fruit Growers Union, Penny Market has struggled with ambiguous labeling for years, with minimal oversight and consequences. The situation reveals a broader pattern in European retail, where produce often travels through multiple countries based on price negotiations, despite the environmental impact.
The irony hasn’t escaped industry observers, particularly given Penny Market’s “Shop Nice and Czech” marketing campaign, which seems at odds with their international sourcing practices.
A consumer survey reveals significant interest in apple origins, with 59.2% of shoppers saying they check the country of origin when buying apples in supermarkets.