The prices of a large part of fast moving goods in Bulgaria have started to decrease, as “since January we have been reporting deflation every monthThis was stated during a press conference before journalists by Vigintas Shapokas, executive director of “BILLA Bulgaria”. According to his expectations, the reduction in prices will continue in the coming months.
From the presented data, it is clear that all main categories of goods became cheaper in the stores of the chain by 2.6% on average, with the leaders in falling prices being fruits and vegetables by 10.7%. Dairy products are cheaper by 5.3%, and meat and delicatessen are at the freezing point. An increase in prices is reported mainly for non-food products and cleaning products – respectively by 5.3% and 2.9%.
The interesting thing here is that “Billa’s” own statistics differ from the official NSI, which measures an average decrease of -0.8% for the same basket of goods categories. The explanation of Shapokas is in constant “investment in the prices of the products in the store network”, under which is meant an increase in the number of goods in promotion, as well as in general their selection.
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However, he is adamant that suppliers and manufacturers have started to lower pricesand the company transfers the reduction as quickly as possible to the customers.
The chain presented an interesting comparison with the Easter holidays, and according to their forecast, the basic consumer holiday basket of lamb, eggs, couscous, green salad, radishes, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes and cheese will cost Bulgarians BGN 47 instead of last year’s BGN 49 or with 2.3% cheaper. Commenting on the price of Bulgarian lamb, Shapokas indicated an expected final price of BGN 20 per kilogram in the chains.
The company also showed data on consumer preferences for some categories of goods in 2023. Bulgarian customers of the chain consumed 40% more chicken, 20% more pork and 17% more lamb compared to the previous year. Also, more than 4.5 million eggs were sold, as well as 340,000 eggs. Fruit consumption jumps by 30% and vegetables by 20%.
