Belgians spend less on food

The average family spent 4,539 euros on food in 2005. That's only 0.7% less than in 2004, but a trend has been set.

The decrease is partly due to the recent price wars between Belgian retailers. They resulted in lower prices for basic goods.

Other reasons are the high oil price and the continuing stream of bad economic news in Belgium. Because of this, Belgians tend to economise on their food budget.

The Research bureau GfK says that this is a logical reaction but that it has a negative influence on the economy, since it means that supermarkets and the food industry have a smaller turnover now.

Less grocery shopping

GfK noticed that not only does the Belgian spend less on food, he or she does not go out grocery shopping as much as in 2004.

The average Belgian buys food 187 times per year, spending an average of 24.2 euros per visit. In 2000 the Belgian still ran to the stores 210 times per year.