Consumer goods market, up 8.4 percent in first semester of 2018 (survey)

The consumer goods market recorded a 8.4pct boost in the first half of this year as compared to the same period in 2017, the increase coming equally from inflation (+ 4pct), twice as compared to the first half of last year, according to Eurostat), as well as by the increase in purchased amounts, according to a study sent to AGERPRES on Thursday. 

From the point of view of the purchasing behavior, families in Romania have purchased more often consumer household goods and paid nearly 5pct more during a visit to the store. According to the GfK Consumer Panel survey, in the first six months, a family spent an average of 3,500 lei on current consumer goods, up 270 lei more than in the first six months of last year. 

Romanians were more careful with personal and home care, the study mentions. Personal care products were purchased more often and recorded the most significant growth in the first half of the year (+ 14pct in value). Household care products also recorded a two-digit increase (+ 10pct), influenced by higher purchase baskets. Food products (including fresh ones) evolved in line with the market average (around 9pct), while the beverage segment grew at a lower rate (+ 6pct). 

Modern trade has gained ground to the traditional one. In the first half of the year, Romanians left more than 60pct of their expenditure on consumer goods in these formats. Of these, the most dynamic in terms of increasing market share were supermarkets, followed by discount and proximity stores. Hypermarkets remain the most important channel in terms of market share but are affected by the positive evolution of other types of retail formats.