Scanner data in the CPI

Statistics Netherlands has expanded its use of scanner data recently. Since January 2010 scanner data from six supermarket chains are used in the compilation of price indices for food, beverages and personal care. Before 2010 scanner data from only one supermarket chain were used. The expanded use made it necessary to develop a new calculation method to take full account of the actual dynamics in supermarket purchases by households. The new method has been developed in such a way that the monthly production process is largely automated, thus enabling an efficient production process. The paper The use of supermarket scanner data in the Dutch CPI describes the new method and the reasons why this method was chosen.