Romanians spend increasingly less money on food

The weight of food expenditures in Romanians’ monthly budgets has been dwindling over the past 5-6 years, from 45% to less than 39%. In 2001, Romanians spent 45% of their monthly income on food, while last year figures fell to below 39%, according to the data released by the National Statistics Institute (INS). However, in absolute terms, due to a rise in incomes, food expenditures have increased in recent years. The declining weight of food expenditures in monthly budgets can be viewed as natural and points to a rise in incomes and improved standards of living, say consumer goods market analysts. “The weight of food in households’ customary expenses is related to living standards. As incomes increase, consumers spend more on leisure activities and less on food,” explains Andi Dumitrescu, managing director with market research company GfK Romania.