Diminishing returns

Shrinkflation

Sir, – Has anyone noticed the reduction in ingredients and size in consumer goods since the magic word " inflation " was let out of the bottle?

Take the fruit scone, where you can now count the sultanas on one hand. Or the fruit loaf that must be cut length-ways to reveal a bashful currant. Then there are the “hand-carved” ham slices, as opposed to foot-carved, which would float out the window if left unattended. Then we have cheese, which, although produced in Ireland, is sold in expensive and reducing slivers that would barely cover a modest cracker. There is more satisfaction in a hologram of same.

Perhaps the producers are aiming at the Lilliputian market. – Yours, etc,

EUGENE TANNAM,

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Firhouse,

Dublin 24.