According to Eurostat, food prices grew 4% on the year in the first nine months. While sales volumes increased by nearly 2%, Romanians no longer migrated to higher price ranges as they did last year.
Modern retail strengthened its dominant position on the market at nearly 60%. Hypermarkets continue to hold the biggest market share but are losing some ground to other retail formats.
Supermarkets posted the highest growth, of 6%, followed by discount stores, where families spend an average RON42 per visit, and convenience stores.
Dairy products saw the biggest increase in sales in the first nine months, of 9%, followed by home care products with 7.5%, and personal care products with 7.4%.
Private label products grew slightly and reached 15% of the market after stagnating in the past two years.