2023-10-11 16:41:57
Citizens focus on carbohydrates and alcohol – IELKA’s figures are shocking
Revaluations and precision in basic types of food changes the eating habits of consumers, forcing them to choose products with lower nutritional value, as a result of which their health is burdened in several cases, according to a study by the Consumer Goods Retail Research Institute (IELKA).
Specifically, the precision in vegetables, fruit, olive oil, dairy products, but also in meat, has directed consumers mainly to carbohydrates (spaghetti, rice), while the finding of the research on alcohol, in the consumption of of which, despite the revaluations, an increase is observed.
Significant changes in the diet of Greeks in the last decade, in terms of spending and consumption, the research shows, according to which the per capita spending on groceries was 1,825 euros in 2022, reduced by 5.8% compared to 2009, the year before the start of the first financial crisis.
In relation to 2021, the total expenditure on groceries increased by 3.10%, which is attributed, according to IELKA, to the combination of price increases and a decrease in the volume of household purchases.
Based on these figures, it is estimated that the total expenditure of Greeks on groceries in 2022 amounts to 20.28 billion euros (against 22.10 billion euros in 2009). This amount includes only the expenditure of Greek consumers (e.g. not the expenditure through Ho.Re.Ca., tourism, catering, etc.) and concerns only groceries (e.g. other items that are not included found in supermarkets, such as stationery, pet supplies, baby milk, bazaar items, cosmetics, tobacco, etc.).
They cut out meat, increase legumes and nuts
Reduce meat, increase legumes
The research records the changes in economic expenditure per capita by category in the period 2009-2022, as well as the changes in the quantities purchased and consumed.
Specifically, the monthly monetary expenditure figures show an increase in shopping expenditure on basic carbohydrate sources, indicatively a 12% increase in expenditure on bread and bakery items.
They also show a reduction in spending on protein sources (indicatively, an 18% reduction in beef and a 40% reduction in sheep and goat meat), a reduction in spending on dairy products (a 30% reduction in fresh milk), a 17% reduction in spending on olive oil , a decrease in spending on fruit by 7%, on vegetables by 43%, but an increase in pulses by 44% and nuts by 48%. There is a decrease in spending on non-alcoholic beverages by 9%, but an increase in spending on alcoholic beverages by 68%.
Cuts in quantity as well
Even more interesting are the figures of monthly consumption in quantities, which record large changes now in terms of nutrition.
In particular, a steady trend is recorded in the main sources of carbohydrates, with the monthly per capita consumption of bread and bakery items showing a decrease of 6% to around 4 kg per month. Also, a reduction in the consumption of basic animal proteins by about 16%, with about 1 kg less meat per month, with the exception of poultry which shows an increase (it is, after all, a more economical solution).
There is an increase in vegetable proteins and especially legumes. At the same time, a decrease is recorded in dairy products and especially in fresh milk by 41%, with the exception of low-fat milk and eggs, a decrease in olive oil consumption by approximately 30%, a decrease in fresh fruits and vegetables by approximately 15%, with a reduction of 1 kg less per month in both fruit and vegetables, but this is partly attributable to the food waste of the 2000s.
There is also a decrease for non-alcoholic beverages with about 1 liter less soft drinks per month per capita, but also an increase for alcoholic beverages, but this is related to more consumption at home compared to consumption in restaurants.
In terms of the average price paid by the consumer in 2022 compared to 2009, according to the research, the biggest increases are recorded in nuts by 61%, in lettuce by 64% and in coffee by 54%, while the biggest decreases are recorded in preserved milk (-18%), mineral waters (-30%) and poultry (-4%).
It should be noted, at the same time, that in recent years, the coverage of household needs from own production, which usually concerns rural areas, has decreased significantly, with the exception of individual products and mainly olive oil.
Source in.gr
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