According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive for Satélem and published on Monday 5 February, 87% of French people say they have reduced their food waste in 2023 due to inflation. A trend seen in some European countries, where citizens have had to redouble their efforts to maintain a certain standard of living due to declining purchasing power.
Sharp decline in purchasing power in Europe
The study, conducted by Harris Interactive for Cetelem in November 2023, made it possible to establish a barometer that reveals the new habits of Europeans after inflation. According to the survey, conducted in 10 countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Spain, 88% of Europeans and 89% of the French say they have felt the impact of inflation on their wallets. A relatively greater impact in southern countries such as Portugal, where 81% of respondents observed this, Italy and Spain (65%).
” It is in Portugal and France that the sentiment is most negative, with 58% and 55% respectively asking that their purchasing power has decreased. », Details of Barometer Report. To cope with rising prices, Europeans are turning to savings. Indeed, the rate of savers across the continent increased from 51% in 2023 to 53% in 2024.
The French were forced to reduce their spending
In France, 87% of the 3,000 citizens surveyed say they have changed their consumption habits since inflation increased. Still according to a barometer produced by Harris Interactive, 62% of European citizens (including 65% in France) have reduced their leisure budget, preferring to spend their money on essential purchases. In detail, 59% of French people have skipped holidays, while 60% say they have limited spending on clothes. Additionally, 44% say they have cut back on their food spending to make ends meet.
Closer to their money than ever, 79% of French respondents confirm that they are increasingly resorting to buying products on promotions and looking for slight discounts to save money. Moreover, many consumers turn to sub-brand products to avoid paying high prices. Still looking for another basket To go to goWhich, in addition to limiting food waste, often has fresh, quality produce at very attractive prices.
