ABS data: cautious consumers opt for home cooking


Friday, 03 May, 2024

ABS data: cautious consumers opt for home cooking

According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australian retail turnover as a whole fell 0.4% (seasonally adjusted) in March 2024.

Turnover fell in all industries this month except for food retailing (+0.9%), highlighting the continued underlying weakness in retail spending and a potential rising trend in consumers choosing to make their meals at home as opposed to eating out. There was also a 0.2% drop in consumers spending their money at cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services.

“Consumers pulled back on retail spending in March as cost of living pressures remained high,” said Ben Dorber, ABS head of retail statistics.

Access the full report here.

Image credit: iStock.com/vgajic

Related News

Second cell-cultured food under assessment by FSANZ

The cell-cultured duck biomass (Pekin duck) to be used to produce foods such as foie gras and...

RMIT Food Innovation Hub to help advance food processing technology

RMIT has launched its Food Innovation Hub, which will work with industry to test ideas and...

Taste perception study to help advance functional food designs

The findings of a new pilot study may help to improve functional food design and food processing...


  • All content Copyright © 2026 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd