Unknown loss remains one of the major challenges facing the retail sector. In 2025, the most stolen products in supermarkets have had a direct impact on profit margins for many companies. This problem is further exacerbated by rising inflation and changes in consumer habits.
Tackling this issue requires retail security systems specifically designed to prevent theft without compromising the customer experience. It is essential to have advanced technological solutions, such as those we present below.
Which products are currently the most stolen in supermarkets?
The profile has evolved in recent years, leading to a very clear pattern in 2025. The products most frequently targeted today include:
- Premium spirits and alcoholic beverages
- Cosmetics and parapharmacy products
- Chocolates, snacks and confectionery
- Canned goods and packaged cured meats
- Chargers, batteries, earphones, etc.
These are high-turnover, low-volume products with good resale value on parallel markets. This makes them the perfect target for theft.
The real impact of unknown loss
According to industry estimates, losses can account for up to 1.5% of annual turnover, translating into millions of euros for large chains. In addition, theft generates inventory distortions, indirect costs for restocking and security, and creates tension in the shopping environment when there are no effective tools in place to detect shoplifting.
Thanks to CartControl and Purchek, we benefit from discreet security from the shopping trolley. One is an intelligent trolley locking system, and the other detects anomalies in the shopping flow, providing the perfect solution to prevent theft without interfering with the customer experience or placing staff in difficult situations.
In 2025, investing in systems such as CartControl and Purchek is a way to protect business profitability, improve efficiency and convey a sense of security to both staff and customers.
