The food shopping habits of Hungarians have changed: price has become the main consideration

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 16. 12:08

In the past period, the food purchasing habits of the Hungarian population have changed significantly, as the price of the products has become the most important decision factor. More than two-thirds of the population now make their choices primarily based on prices, which is driving customers more and more towards discount chains. According to agricultural economist György Raskó, this trend is typical not only for Hungary, but for the whole of Europe, although the decrease in consumption is stronger in our country. The specialist spoke to the Agrárszektor.

Food prices rose by around 75% in Hungary between 2022 and 2023, and although the pace of price increases has slowed down in recent months, products are still available at extremely high prices. According to Raskó, most of the population is forced to buy less food because they do not have enough money to cover their needs. Almost 35-38% of Hungarians can only afford to buy the most necessary products.

On July 1st, the mandatory promotion introduced by the government, which tried to compensate for the abolition of official prices, ended. According to György Raskó, the abolition of this did not bring any significant change in food prices. The commercial chains continue to carry out promotions in their own interest, since the purchasing power of Hungarian customers is weak and the goal of the stores is to attract consumers.