Last year, compared with 2010, household consumption expenditure increased by 5.3%. Average monthly expenses for food, per household member were 54 LVL (2010 – 50 LVL) or an average of 28.8% of total consumption expenditure (in 2010 – 28.3%).

Households spent 7% more money on food and non-alcoholic beverages than in 2010. Consumption prices on these products increased by 8.4% in 2011, according to the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.

Converting these costs at constant prices, it can be concluded that costs for food and non-alcoholic beverages actually decreased by 1.3%. Additionally, a gradual reduction was noted across several years. Because of limited economic resources, households save money for consumption.

In 2011, households spent the most on meat and meat products. Average monthly costs for the said products reached 12 LVL per household member. Average dairy product costs reached 8 LVL and vegetables – 7 LVL.

According to the Household Budget Survey data, in 2011, one person consumed on average 49 litres of milk, 14 kg of cheese and cottage cheese, 198 eggs and 21 kg of fresh pork, 22 kg of sausages and smoked meat, 12 kg of fresh poultry meat. Potato consumption was 78 kg, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers – 23 kg per year per household member. Apples were the most popular fruit were – 14 kg, citrus fruits – 9kg and bananas – 6 kg. Meanwhile, fresh fish consumption was 6 kg per year.

In 2011, compared to 2010, there were not significant changes in the consumption of base products. Consumption of pork, beef, fresh milk and fermented milk product household consumption decreased slightly. Potato consumption notably decreased – by 9 kg on average, which can be related to the steep price increase in 2011 – by 35%. Households consumed more poultry meat, all kinds of bread, pastry, milk with reduced fat, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and fruits in 2011.

By following the progress of the changes in product consumption over the last decade, it can be concluded that food products like bread, beef, milk, sugar, potatoes are being used less, while – poultry meat, cheese, yoghurt, citrus fruits, cucurbits and legumes are consumed more, as well as more mineral water and lemonade.

Also, households increased expenses on social catering services in 2011. Compared with the previous year, these costs have increased by 19%. In 2011, households spent 4.2% (3.7% in 2010) from the total consumption costs on eating out. It should be concluded that, before the economic crisis, households spent more money on food and eating out.

Ref: 102.109.109.2923