The average Italian spent 12% less
on food in 2013 than they did before the economic downturn began
in 2007, new data from the Italian Farmers' Confederation (CIA)
showed Monday.
Total food spending dropped from 129 billion euros in 2007
to 114 billion euros in 2013, the data showed. Currently,
one in two Italians buys only essential food products, with
supermarkets sales dropping by 1.3% and hypermarket sales down
by 1.9% overall.
Discount store sales increased by 1.6% as some 6.5 million
families said they shop regularly in discount stores.
While just 23% still choose more expensive brand products,
85% of supermarket shoppers said they have cut out all the
extras and 42% said they regularly look for convenience or
family formats.
In addition, 59% said they have given up eating in
restaurants, while 21% have gone back to DIY methods in the
kitchen rather than opting for store-bought cakes, bread, and
hand-made pasta.
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