Italians intend to cope with the rising inflation by cutting other expenditures instead.
Food prices in Italy have increased by 6.2 percent in the past year, mainly due to global inflationary pressures. However, Italian families do not seem interested in limiting grocery spending.
According to the latest report from the Institute of Services for the Agricultural and Food Market (Ismea), Italians intend to cope with the rising inflation by cutting other expenditures instead. Among them, some will spend less at restaurants.
The new report showed that Italians consider the rising costs of raw materials and the energy crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine as the main reasons behind inflation. Moreover, most of them believe inflation will continue to rise in the next three months.
See Also:As Most Consumers Find Ways to Cut Costs, Olive Oil Consumption Trends HigherAnalyzing the answers of a survey conducted on 3,000 families, Ismea determined that 20 percent of Italians are ready to cut spending on travel during their free time, 16 percent to reduce clothing purchases and 12 percent to slash spending on entertainment and outdoor activities.
“Only 2 percent are ready to cut on their shopping basket,” the report’s authors wrote.
Ismea data showed that Italian families plan to continue purchasing bread, milk and extra virgin olive oil in the same quantities as before. However, respondents were willing to cut back on purchases of eggs, fresh fruits, fish, cheeses, wine and frozen food.
Restaurants, which represent one of the most relevant channels for extra virgin olive oil sales, also are likely to be affected by Italians’ response to inflation.
Ismea noted how 24 percent of the respondents between 55 and 64 years of age and 30 percent of couples who have one or more small children would consider spending less on eating out.
Younger consumers seem more willing to slash clothing and travel expenditure. However, all respondents emphasized their focus on savings to safeguard their domestic food purchasing power.
Ismea emphasized how families continue to keep an eye on the health profile of the food they are buying in the current situation. Seventy percent of Italians surveyed said they would not give up buying Italian food even if that would lower costs.
See Also:Campaign in Crete Urges Hospitality Establishments to Choose Local Olive OilsAlmost half of the respondents said that they would not stop buying organic and sustainably-produced products and local food specialties protected with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certification.
Although, Ismea warned that this data point varied significantly depending on the product in question.
For example, 66 percent of the buyers intend to explore the origins of the extra virgin olive oil they purchase. Similar levels of interest were also expressed by consumers about the origin of eggs, fish and meat.
Ismea noted how a significant number of Italian consumers choose their purchases based on the food’s organoleptic properties, especially for bread (44 percent), wine (37 percent) and extra virgin olive oil (20 percent).
While a growing percentage of buyers demonstrate that brand remains relevant when choosing pasta, frozen food or tomato sauce, the sustainability profile of products is also considered. Fourteen percent said they would look for those characteristics when buying eggs, white bread or meat.
Among the reactions to the current challenges posed by inflation, 68 percent of Italian families said they would avoid wasting food, while 47 percent will compare prices more meticulously.
Nine percent said they would purchase less food to continue buying high-quality items. Conversely, only 1 percent of respondents said they would buy lower quality foods to continue purchasing the same amount.
More articles on: Italy, olive oil consumption
Aug. 24, 2023
Olive Oil Prices Soar in Greece
The shortage of olive oil stocks in Europe and domestic inflation are pushing prices to new heights.
Apr. 16, 2024
Small Producers, Oleotourism Take Center Stage at Ercole Olivario
The winners of the main competition will participate in the Shelf Life Monitoring Project, which will help improve best practices for producers and consumers.
Nov. 6, 2023
Olive Oil Production in Europe Expected to Reach 1.5M Tons in 2023/24
Yields are expected to rebound after last year's historic lows. However, rising prices will hamper exports and consumption.
Jul. 18, 2024
Details Emerge in Seizure of Counterfeit Olive Oil in Puglia
The Italian olive oil sector hailed the raid as proof that authorities can crack down on olive oil fraud while warning that a lack of consumer awareness allows such crimes to persist.
Feb. 19, 2024
Fourth Generation of Sicilian Farmers Celebrate Local Cultivars
In southeastern Sicily, the producers behind Vernèra share a sense of social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Mar. 13, 2024
High Prices Are Changing How Italians Feel About Olive Oil
Consumer surveys show Italians are buying less extra virgin olive oil, while other data confirm lower supermarket sales.
Jun. 6, 2024
Pieralisi Appoints New Chief Executive
Coming from the cargo handling sector, the new chief executive plans to focus on increasing its presence in key markets and continuing to develop cutting-edge technology.
Jun. 3, 2024
Xylella-Resilient Groves Are the Future of Apulian Olive Oil
Farmers’ associations, researchers and institutions are teaming up to replant Xylella fastidiosa-resilient olive trees in Puglia.