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Diamars, 17 October 2023 AWEMainta INTERNATIONAL 37
Netherlands Enjoys Affordable
Groceries, Says Eurostat Report
A recent study by the European statistical agency Eurostat European average.
has found that the cost of groceries in Dutch supermar- This Eurostat report has challenged the prevailing percep-
kets is notably lower than the European average, with Dutch tion, notably among Dutch residents residing close to the
consumers paying 2 percent less for their typical grocery German border, who frequently believe that German prod-
cart. ucts are more cost-effective. Eurostat acknowledges the
variation in individual product costs, underscoring that not
This analysis reveals that prices for bread and grains in all items are more economical in Germany. Ultimately, prices
the Netherlands are a striking 14 percent lower than the fluctuate considerably based on the region and type of store.
European average. Additionally, the Dutch spend nearly 12.5
percent less on fish, whole milk, cheese, and eggs are priced Rob Morren, a food market analyst at ABN Amro, concurred
2.5 percent below the European benchmark. with the report’s findings. He stated, “Compared to the
Netherlands, Germany often maintains lower base prices,
The category referred to as ‘other foods’ by Eurostat, encom- but the Netherlands offers a more extensive range of prod-
passing items such as ready-made meals, spices, and baby ucts on promotion.” In fact, over 25 percent of groceries
food, indicates that prices in the Netherlands are approxi- purchased by the Dutch are bought on sale, a percentage
mately 3.5 percent below the European average. that is notably lower in Germany.
Switzerland leads the list with food prices soaring 63 The Eurostat analysis showcases the cost-efficiency of
percent above the European average. This is followed by the grocery shopping in the Netherlands, shedding light on the
Scandinavian nations of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. In variation in food prices across Europe and dispelling miscon-
Germany, groceries are 7 percent pricier compared to the ceptions regarding cross-border shopping.
