Low proportion of Slovak food on the shelves
The low share of Slovak food on the shelves was not increased by the pandemic either, it reached 40.17% last year, while in 2019 it was 40.74%. This follows from a survey conducted by the Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food at the end of 2021.
“We understand that if, for example, Polish butter appears in the store in action for 1.29 euros and Slovak for 3.20 euros next to it, then few people see a reason to pay extra. And that is exactly the phenomenon that our politicians must finally begin to address. Various hidden subsidies or export subsidies in Western countries are distorting the market and such anomalies on our shelves. If we cancel the subsidies and everyone on the European side runs from one starting line, I believe that then we will be the ones who will eat food, because we can produce them better, “said SPPK chairman Emil Macho.
According to him, consumers who will look for home-made foods that do not ‘decorate’ any cause and security threat can also return current numbers. The marketing fund, which has been mentioned for several years, could also increase interest in Slovak food.
According to Mach, Slovak farmers and food producers are demanding greater state interest in the production of quality basic foodstuffs in the Slovak Republic and a sincere effort by the state and retail chains to gradually increase the share of domestic products.
“Meanwhile, several breeders of dairy cows, poultry and other livestock report a reduction in the number of animals and the abolition of farms. Traders are pushing for the purchase prices of our food and want to share the margin of our products. I’m not even talking about rising production costs. We are running out of strength, energy and time. If you do not take the state hard, we will soon find some Slovak food in stores, “added Daniel Molnár of the Slovak Food Union.
Survey facts:
- According to the SPPK survey, last year there were the most Slovak eggs in retail chains, 73%.
- This was followed by Slovak milk with a 65% share, mineral waters (62%), honey (57%) and wine with potatoes (54% each).
- The smallest were domestic edible oils, only 16%.
If the current results are compared with the values from 2019, the share of Slovak freshwater fish increased the most, by 10%, according to the chamber. The share of Slovak potatoes increased by 8% and the share of domestic fresh vegetables and packaged meat by 7%. According to the survey, the values of Slovak poultry packaged products and edible fats decreased the most in two years, both by 6%.
According to the survey, it is traditionally possible to find the largest share of Slovak food in the COOP Jednota chain. “In 2021, we were able to find 61% of domestic food in this chain. Since the last survey in 2019, the Lidl retail chain has improved, offering the least Slovak food for a long time. In 2021, we were able to find 24% of home-made food on the shelves of its stores, “said SPPK.
The data collection took place on the 45th sales days of six retail chains – Billa, COOP Jednota, Kaufland, Lidl, Metro and Tesco – from 4 to 10 October 2021. According to the usual methodology, the SPPK survey focuses only on basic foods, which they consume the population on a daily basis and in the Slovak Republic it is possible to produce them. The survey was conducted after a one-year break caused by a pandemic. (tasr)