Less cheese consumed than a year ago

According to data from GfK Hungária ConsumerScan, practically all segments of the cheese market showed decline last year. Hyper markets and super markets remained the primary distribution channels. Sales in terms of quantity were down by 4 percent in 2008, compared to 2007, but sales in terms of value were up by 3 percent. The number of households buying cheese remained stable (9 out of 10), but the frequency of purchases dropped. The market share of private labels in terms of quantity was up from 27 percent in 2007, to 28 percent in 2008. The market shares of hyper markets and supermarkets showed a substantial increase, while that of discounts and independent store declined. Consumption of cheese is most frequent in households of 3-4 or more persons, in large cities and in households lead by housewives under 50.