Report Highlights Anxiety Over Rising Food Bills

The Consumer Council is today publishing a report, 'Hard to Stomach' which looks at the impact rising food costs are having on Northern Ireland consumers.

Speaking at the launch at Stormont, Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council said: "Food is a central and essential part of our daily lives. Our report, 'Hard to Stomach' highlights the anxiety being felt by consumers throughout Northern Ireland in light of rising food bills.

"Our research has found that almost 9 in 10 consumers (87 per cent) are worried about the cost of their food and groceries and it’s a concern that cuts across all ages, income brackets, cities, towns and villages.

"In response to rising food prices 82 per cent of consumers reported changes to the way they shop, cook and eat. We found consumers are making less impulse buys (34 per cent); buying less in general (29 per cent) and planning meals more carefully to avoid waste (28 per cent).

"As well as the price of food, our report looks at the level of trust between consumers and the large supermarkets and retailers and we found that 61 percent of consumers felt that more could be done to help by charging a fair price.

"The report also reflects the anxiety felt by consumers trying to afford a healthily balanced diet. We heard from parents and those with medical or dietary requirements in particular.

"We also got feedback from consumers on the balance of special offers available at supermarkets and how confusing deals and price promotions can be.

"We will use our report to work with Government and food industry representatives to ensure that the consumer voice is heard and to address the issues raised by consumers."

(CD/GK)