Such are the mineral water consumption habits in Hungary

Differences in shopping habits

In relation to the higher consumption of mineral water experienced in the summer months, MAGYÜSZ highlighted that although different shopping habits can be observed in each region, the organization does not keep records of consumer habits separately in relation to the capital city and the countryside. However, the advantages of local water sources were highlighted: the prices of local mineral waters are not affected by transport costs, so they may be more popular in some regions.

Based on MAGYÜSZ’s experience, the consumption of different types of mineral water is not affected by seasonal effects; the consumption of non-carbonated waters is the most popular, which is also true nationally, regardless of regional differences.

Shopping differences between the capital and the countryside

Krisztina Kozák, marketing manager of Mizse mineral water producer Magyarvíz Kft., also confirmed that there are significant differences between shopping habits in the capital and rural areas. In Budapest, the value and frequency of purchases is greater: the proportion of baskets over HUF 15,000 is 18.6%, while in the countryside it is only 5.9%. The average customer in Budapest spends HUF 97,000 per month, while a rural customer spends HUF 47,000. Loyalty cards and collecting points are common in both groups, but the composition of the baskets shifted towards cheaper products.

The brand manager of Szentkirályi Magyarország, Dóra Dávid, pointed out that supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate in Budapest, while local shops and markets play an important role in the countryside. Online shopping is becoming more and more popular in the capital, but this form is less common in the countryside due to the lack of infrastructure.