The Swedish economy is under pressure and food prices are higher than ever. Although many Swedes feel that their wallets are thinner than ever, many choose to continue to consume and treat themselves, statistics from the Swedish Grocery Store report show The Express.
The Swedish Grocery Store saw that Swedes are choosing low-price chains and campaign goods to a greater extent, as well as probing between grocery stores’ extra prices, compared to a year ago.
The foods the Swedes opt out of
Last year, the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 11.3 percent, according to The Statistics Authority. At the same time, more Swedes are opting out of eggs, soap and dairy products. We also opt out of organic foods.
But there is, on the other hand, one category that stands out that Swedes still choose to indulge in – namely candy and ice cream.
– I think it’s about that in gloomy economic times, you make decisions about big things you need to save on: trips, restaurant visits, you choose not to renovate. But you still need to treat yourself to things in everyday life, says Emma HernellCEO of the Trade Research Institute (Hui) to Expressen.
The food that seems to be unaffected by inflation
Emma Hernell further tells the newspaper that what Hui sees, on the other hand, is a much more price-conscious consumer who switches from more expensive chains to cheaper ones. Emma Henrell also believes that the Swedes’ continued craving for sweets is because sweets seem to be unaffected by inflation.
– Relatively speaking, you might think that the candy is cheap in relation to vegetables where the prices have risen so much, she tells Expressen and adds:
– What I think is remarkable is that meat consumption is also going up, despite the price increase, and maybe it is that this health trend we have seen for a couple of years is a little broken. We buy less organic, eat more meat, cookies and chips, and ice cream sales are also increasing.