The food industry is one of Portugal’s most important trade sectors, both in
. Not only does it generate significant revenues, but it is also a source of entrepreneurial dynamism and employment. Due to the recent rising food costs, Portuguese consumers are forced to ponder more about their grocery purchases. However, the
The Portuguese prefer meat and dairy
Of all the food products available, the Portuguese give priority to meat, thus making this
product category responsible for the largest share of the food industry. This explains the large production volumes of meat, especially
broiler chickens which amounted to almost 18 million heads in November 2023. Pork is the second most produced meat in the country, which is aligned with
meat consumption patterns. Furthermore, dairy products are among the most produced and consumed food categories, particularly milk.
Jerónimo Martins and Sonae are kings of Portuguese food retail
The food retail industry in Portugal comprises multiple selling points, from local grocery stores to mass merchandisers and retailers, even though the number of stores has declined recently.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the preferred locations to acquire food for the Portuguese, who, despite having adhered to buying food at grocery stores or online during the COVID-19 pandemic, have returned to their habit of buying at large retail centers thereafter. Generally, the Portuguese prefer to buy name-brand products. Only yogurts are favored in store-brand options, especially those of Sonae. In fact, Sonae, the owner of Continente, Continente Modelo, Continente Bom Dia, and Continente Online, is the
leader in food retail in Portugal, having the most significant market share and the highest consumer rating. The Jerónimo Martins Group, however, is expanding its presence on the market. With stores not only in Portugal but also in Poland and Colombia, it had one of the highest
food retail revenues among European chains in 2021.
Greater food expenses have led to suspicion toward food retailers
The
food expenditure of Portuguese households is now the highest it has been for years, and the price of items is one of the
main aspects that consumers consider when purchasing food. As family budgets become more and more tight, a feeling of dissatisfaction emerges, and food retailers responsible for the distribution of food are thought to be
responsible for the rising price of these products, as per seven out of ten respondents in a survey conducted in 2023.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no
liability for the information given being complete or correct.
Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date
data than referenced in the text.
