FOOD prices are rising. Statistics South Africa released their Consumer Price Index review last week, which pinned consumer inflation on higher food costs.
The headline CPI (for all urban areas) annual inflation rate in March this year was 4.1 percent, 0.4 of a percentage point higher than the corresponding annual rate of 3.7 percent in February.
On average, prices increased by 1.2 percent between February and March.
The food and non-alcoholic beverages index increased by 1.2 percent between February and March. The annual rate increased to 5 percent in March from 3.6 percent in February.
The following components in the food and non-alcoholic beverages index increased:
l Fruit (5 percent)
l Oils and fats (3.4 percent)
l Hot beverages (2.8 percent)
l Meat (1.8 percent)
l Sugar, sweets and desserts (1.8 percent)
l Fish (1.4 percent)
l Vegetables (1 percent)
l Other food (0.7 percent)
l Milk, eggs and cheese (0.5 percent)
l Bread and cereals (0.4 percent)
Only cold beverages decreased by 0.1 percent.
The long and short of the matter is that consumers will be getting less food for their money. The Mercury asked retailers for savvy shopping advice as well as ways in which to stretch that grocery basket. Shoprite and Checkers have just produced a “Make your grocery budget stretch” consumer leaflet, which will be available in all Shoprite and Checkers store next month.
It consists of handy shopping tips. Here are a few:
l Keep your favourite store’s promotional leaflets and try to plan your meals around their current sales and promotions.
l Take a bit of time before your grocery shopping trip to plan your week’s menu and what you will need to stop you from buying unnecessary items.
l Make an accurate shopping list of what you really need.
l It is to your advantage to buy own-brand products. These are good quality and are specially packaged for the supermarket. They are lower in price because money is saved on marketing, advertising and fancy packaging. The own-brand products are of similar quality to known brands.
l Look out for promotions on items that will keep or that can be frozen. If you see items such as canned foods, frozen vegetables or rice on special, then stock up on what you know you will use. Do not buy items that you would not normally purchase just because they are on special.
l Always try to buy seasonal ingredients. This is one of the most efficient ways to keep your budget down. When fruit and vegetables are in season, their prices are lower.
l Do not go grocery shopping at the beginning of the month just after you receive your salary. Rather try to get into a routine of shopping at the end of the month, when all your bills have been paid. This way you will only spend what you have budgeted for and won’t be able to go over it as you won’t have the money.
Pick n Pay’s Fresh Living Magazine has these helpful suggestions:
l Buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid expensive prepared and pre-packaged items.
l Buy in bulk and repackage into smaller portions yourself.
l Look out for specials and coupons.
l When cooking, bulk up more expensive foods like meat, poultry and fish by adding legumes and grains.
l Opt for cheaper cuts of meat – they may take a little longer to cook, but more often than not are packed with much more flavour.
l Frozen meat products are often cheaper than their fresh counterparts, so opt for them to save money.
l Eat more vegetarian meals – they are good for you and much cheaper.
l Buy dried beans and lentils in place of their canned counterparts.