ACORT named the cheapest products in September

Minimum prices for socially important food products in large Russian retail chains decreased by 1.6% in September 2026 compared to the same period last year. This was announced on October 13 on the website of the Association of Omnichannel Retail Companies (ACORT).

"A new crop arrives on the market in autumn, which additionally helps to curb price fluctuations for seasonal products," said Stanislav Bogdanov, Chairman of ACORT.

According to the association, a decrease in value was recorded in nine of the 25 categories of socially significant goods over the year. Butter fell most noticeably — by 24%, rice — by 19%, pork — by 18%, millet — by 15% and wheat flour — by 10%. The prices of rye and rye-wheat bread decreased by 2.6%, and for chicken eggs — by 2.4%.

On a monthly basis, the minimum cost of the basic grocery basket decreased by 0.7%. The largest decrease in prices in September compared to August was for vegetables: carrots fell by 24%, potatoes — by 19%, cabbage — by 14%, beets — by 12.5%, and onions — by 11%.

In addition, the cost of seasonal apples decreased by 5.3%, lamb — by 2.9%, rye and rye-wheat bread — by 1.6%, sunflower oil — by 1.2% and sugar — by 1.1%.

The average trade margin for goods of the minimum price category in September turned out to be negative and amounted to minus 0.3%. For comparison, in July and August, the indicator was at 0.3%, in September 2025 it reached 2.8%, and in the same month of 2024 — 6.6%.

In 15 of the 25 categories of socially significant products, retail chains sold the most affordable goods for less than the purchase price. In particular, the negative margin on millet was 14.9%, on buckwheat — 14.3%, on chicken eggs — 7.7%, and on sunflower oil and carrots — 5.7% each.

Bogdanov explained that retail chains partially offset the cost of basic products at the expense of their own margins, trying to maintain their accessibility to customers.

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Bogdanov reported on August 20 that large Russian retail chains have seen a decrease in banana prices: over the past month, the cost of the product has fallen by almost 8%. Ecuador provides the main share of banana imports: this country accounts for more than 95% of shipments.