The Mackerel Mirage: Skimpflation's Slippery Slope The recent shift towards Chilean jack mackerel as a substitute for Atlantic mackerel in tinned products has sparked concerns about "skimpflation," a phenomenon where manufacturers quietly downgrade everyday staples to cut costs.
This trend is not only a reflection of the unsustainable fishing practices that have led to the depletion of Atlantic mackerel stocks but also a worrying sign of what happens when profit takes precedence over consumer welfare and environmental responsibility.
Princes, one of the largest suppliers of tinned fish products, has been at the forefront of this change.