Czechs are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of food offered in supermarkets, according to a recent survey by Ipsos for Meriton. The survey found that three-quarters of Czechs are unhappy with the quality of supermarket food, with issues such as high prices, low stock and poor quality all cited as concerns. However, despite this dissatisfaction, two-thirds of those surveyed said they would be willing to pay up to 50% more for higher-quality goods. This is indicative of the growing importance of food quality to Czech consumers, with 87% of respondents saying that they are now more interested in food quality than they were five years ago.

One of the major issues facing Czech supermarkets is the pressure to lower prices, which can lead to a reduction in quality. Additionally, supermarkets are also trying to maximise their margins by pushing up prices. This has resulted in a situation where many Czech consumers feel that they are not getting value for money from their supermarket purchases.

As a result, the popularity of artisanal products and locally-grown vegetables is on the rise in the Czech Republic. These products are seen as being of higher quality and are often produced using more sustainable methods than supermarket produce. The Ipsos survey found that 70% of respondents consider the origin of their food imports, with many expressing a preference for locally-grown produce.

When it comes to choosing higher-quality and healthier foods, Czech consumers pay attention to a number of factors. These include the composition of the food (60% of respondents), the price (45%), the country of origin (41%) and the brand (33%). Additionally, the survey found that Czech consumers are more likely to read the ingredients of the food they buy, with only one-third of respondents saying that they are not interested in the ingredients of the food they purchase.

Overall, the Ipsos survey highlights the growing importance of food quality to Czech consumers, and the challenges faced by supermarkets in meeting these expectations. With more and more Czechs willing to pay for higher-quality food, it will be interesting to see how supermarkets respond to these changing consumer preferences.

Article by Prague Forum