One of the ongoing challenges for households is the economic pressure linked to inflation. This pressure is as real for consumers today as it was in recent years. A study conducted by AECOC and the 40dB Analysis Agency highlights that many families are feeling the strain in their everyday budgets. The data show that nearly half of households believe their financial situation has worsened in recent months, a level not seen since the peak of the pandemic era.
In the same report, inflation stands out as the principal concern for about half of consumers, with nearly six in ten households pinpointing it as a top issue. The study also identifies the broader economic crisis as a significant worry for around 40 percent of respondents and energy prices for roughly 40 percent as well. These percentages underscore a broad sense of unease across different facets of household finances.
Recent statistics from the National Institute of Statistics indicate that the general price rise has cooled slightly, yet food prices continue to climb. In October, groceries and staple items were about 15 percent more expensive than the previous year, a gap that has widened by about ten points since the start of the year. These trends contribute to a persistent sense of cost pressure at the checkout and in planning for essential purchases.
Across the survey results, the current economic context clearly shapes consumer choices. Price sensitivity has increased, and households are more deliberate in their purchasing plans. AAECOC notes that 72 percent of shoppers are closely tracking prices and promotions today, a level that marks a significant jump from the prior year. This heightened vigilance reflects a broader shift toward value-oriented shopping and careful budgeting in response to uncertain economic conditions.
The white brand is growing
The report also reveals notable shifts in brand behavior among shoppers. A large majority report altering their usual shopping patterns to curb costs, with consumers increasingly turning toward a mix of supermarket private label products and more affordable alternatives. Specifically, the findings show that 86 percent of respondents changed where they shop because of price concerns, and 88 percent have substituted a familiar brand with a cheaper option at times. These changes illustrate a practical pivot toward more economical choices in daily shopping.
This trend toward value brands is accompanied by a measurable rise in the weight of private label products in overall purchases. The AECOC analysis highlights a clear transfer of volume from national brands to store brands, contributing to a broader distribution of private label availability. The organization concludes that about six in ten consumers now include a greater share of private label items in their baskets, compared with earlier periods. These dynamics reflect a strategic response by households to maintain purchasing power while navigating persistent price pressures.
In sum, the latest data depict a consumer landscape that remains highly attentive to price and value. Families are adapting by tightening budgets, seeking out promotions, and expanding their use of lower-cost brands. The combined effect is a marked rebalancing in how households allocate resources across groceries, household essentials, and discretionary spend, with private labels playing a central role in this recalibration. Marked attributions for the observed shifts point to ongoing inflation concerns, the broader economic climate, and the evolving availability of cost-effective options in the market. These patterns inform manufacturers and retailers alike about where to focus promotional strategies, assortment planning, and price positioning to support prudent consumer choices in the coming months.