Nielsen: Consumers spent 4.3 billion euros more on FMCG products in 2016 | Progresiv

Consumers in Western Europe last year spent an additional 4.3 billion euros on FMCG products in the grocery retail sector, according to research firm Nielsen. This corresponds to a growth of 0.9% compared to 2015.

Nielsen analysed spending habits in Western Europe’s biggest markets: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, the UK and the Netherlands, in comprising the survey.

Sales growth in fresh foods and confectionery was most pronounced, as a result of consumers buying more products. In addition, growth in the alcoholic beverages sector was mainly due to raised prices.

Fresh food sales accounted for 38% of total industry growth (1.6 billion euros), confectionery/snacks for 23% (1 billion euros) and alcoholic beverages for 20% (849 million euros). Together, the three categories were responsible for 80% of the increased sales.

While the ten biggest food producers in the sector have witnessed a decrease of 430 million euros in consumer spending, they still accounted for 30% of the overall growth.

Nielsen noted that smaller producers currently have a combined market share of 46.6%, followed by private label products (36%) and the ten biggest food producers (17.4%). (www.esmmagazine.com)