In German supermarkets, you may notice that some products are upside down on the shelves. However, this is not a coincidence or the result of careless arrangement of goods, but part of a certain initiative.
Upside down products in the supermarket
One Reddit post features two photos: one of upside-down cans of Heinz beans, the other of Philadelphia cheese cups. The post is titled, “People in my city got the message.” It continues, “These photos were taken today in a German supermarket. I also saw a few upside-down Twix bars. The Pringles were still standing normally.”
The people in my part of town got the message…
byu/amethystextravaganza inBuyFromEU
“Buy from EU” – support for European products
Those who don’t know the context may be confused. The “Buy from EU” movement isn’t yet widely known in Germany. On Reddit, a group associated with the trend already has over 180,000 members. Its goal is to promote European products and services .
According to Capital magazine, the initiative “Buy from EU” has spawned a donation-funded online catalogue called Go European, which presents European alternatives to American products. The founder, Laura Catz, a marketing manager from Romania, explains: “We want to draw people’s attention to European companies.” However, she stresses that this is not a political statement: “We are not organising a boycott.”
However, the political implications are obvious. Many supporters of the movement likely support it as a protest against Donald Trump and his tariff-based trade policies , and perhaps also as an objection to his actions on the international stage.
Turning American Products Around: Unexpected Consequences
The idea of turning over American products on store shelves originated in Canada but has since spread to Germany. Not everyone supports it, though. “It’s just extra work for the poor supermarket workers who have to stack shelves at night,” one user commented. Another asked: “It makes no sense. What can American companies do against the stupidity of their president?”
Outdoor gear 🏔️🥾 (we have so many brands)
byu/ihatetool inBuyFromEU
The photos from the German supermarket have sparked mixed reactions. One person is seeking supporters in France to promote the campaign there. Another boasts that she has turned over a lot of products. One critical voice points out: “My son works as a stock boy in a supermarket. He understands the idea of the movement but is annoyed because he has to put everything back.”
Back in February, a researcher drew attention to the importance of buying European products to boost the continent’s economy. His list of American brands and European alternatives has been viewed more than 1.5 million times.
And so the upside-down can of beans becomes a political manifesto, pointing to the American producer. The final decision, however, rests with the consumers.
JS
