OPMR Sets Priorities

The Réunion Island Observatory of Prices, Margins, and Incomes (OPMR) is concerned about the drop in the number of inspections in 2025, with only 24 stores inspected compared to more than sixty in previous years.

This decline calls into question the reliability of the Price-Quality Shield (BQP), particularly regarding price displays, product availability, and price consistency between shelves and checkouts.

Meeting on December 12, the OPMR defined ten priorities to improve the 2026 BQP. At the top of the list is the widespread adoption of the “local produce basket” in all stores, increased monitoring of stores by the DEETS competition unit, and improved product visibility on shelves. The institution also calls for the implementation of a rigorous inspection plan, in accordance with the government circular of July 10 on the high cost of living.

Three independent studies confirm these findings. The first study, conducted by the consulting firm Pigé!, shows that six out of ten households feel constrained in their purchases or are experiencing financial difficulties. Price remains the primary criterion, far ahead of quality or local origin. Even though 71% of households consume BQP (Good Quality Products) at least occasionally, many are unaware of how many products are included and consider their visibility insufficient.

The second study, carried out by the consulting firm Echoes, reveals that only three out of seven retailers have actually implemented the “Panier Péï” (Local Basket). Some have renamed it without mentioning the BQP logo, and visibility remains highly variable. The OPMR (Observatoire du Productive et de la Mode – Observatory of Product and Moderate Prices) recommends a single name, clear display of the total price, and highlighting the savings achieved to encourage local purchasing.

The third survey shows that prices in Réunion remain on average 13% higher than in mainland France for a basket of 130 comparable products, and 21% higher for food products alone. Despite this, the island remains the least expensive of the French overseas departments and regions (DROM). Between 2023 and 2025, inflation on BQP (Basic Quality Products) fluctuated between 7% and 11%, a rate similar to that of mainland France.

Other recommendations include: creating sub-baskets by category (food, hygiene, cleaning), doubling the number of BQP DIY products, establishing an automotive BQP for safety parts, and expanding the program to sectors such as banking services, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, and digital services. Eliminating back margins and adjusting VAT rates are also encouraged to increase transparency.

These measures aim to make the 2026 BQP more visible, promote local products, and reduce the price gap with mainland France, in a context where purchasing power remains severely strained.