With the effects of the economic
crisis still being felt, Italians reduced their spending on food
and travel this Easter, according to data released Monday.
Consumer associations Federconsumatori and Adusbef said
that overall spending was 13.8% down on last year, while
expenditure on traditional 'colomba' Easter cakes and chocolate
eggs dropped 21.5%.
The associations said the data showed "that the economic
situation is having a great effect and families are suffering".
Farm organization Coldiretti said most Italians enjoyed the
Easter long weekend with family, eating at home rather than
spending on restaurants and travel.
Almost eight in 10 people chose to dine at home on Sunday,
with the traditional Easter lamb presiding over the table at
about 40% of households, although a rising number are opting for
vegetarian dishes, according to a survey by Ixe research,
conducted for the farm organization.
"With the vast majority opting for the homemade lunch at
home with relatives and friends, but without leaving their city,
the result is that this year the total expenditure of Italian
families for the Easter menu has dropped," said the
organization.
Consumers have been hit hard by the deepest recession in
Italy since the Second World War, and although the economy has
since emerged from recession, unemployment remains at a record
high 13% and Italians have been reluctant to spend.
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