A few days before Christmas, it's the race for the last purchases. The end-of-year celebrations often represent a major expense for households, particularly for family meals. Will inflation come to our tables this year?
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In a few days, we'll set the table. While the end-of-year celebrations often rhyme with large tables, the food budget remains a concern for many. There is no question of neglecting these feasts at the heart of the conviviality of Christmas.
According to a CSA institute survey(new window) for Cofidis, published in mid-November, the French plan to spend 497 euros for Christmas, a decrease of 52 euros compared to 2023. But the budget allocated to the meal is up by 12 euros, reaching 132 euros.
“As the end-of-year holidays approach, the shadow of an unstable economic climate still seems to weigh on consumer morale” notes the investigation. At the center of concerns regarding the organization and preparation of the festivities : the price of food for 75% of people surveyed.
Customers are there with the shopping list at the Halles de Dijon market (Côte-d’Or-
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© Coline Davy / France Télévisions
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Traders at the Halles de Dijon market (Côte-d'Or) see customers passing by with their shopping lists in hand. “People still treat themselves for the holidays, so there isn't much difference in spending compared to other years. It still works well“, notes butcher Victor Petitjean.
Customers will essentially cut out what is very expensive.
Marc SchaferleeFishmonger
A regular at the market says she pays attention to her budget, even if sometimes the temptation is there: “We pay attention to our budget despite everything, with inflation, it becomes hard for everyone, but there are small cracks, the holidays oblige“.
From his fish stall, Marc Schaferlee still notices small changes in habits. “Customers will essentially eliminate what is very expensive, such as monkfish or turbo, which at Christmas time reach staggering sums“These seasonal price increases are not justified according to him.
As for other expenses, gifts remain the top budget this year, but down (€323). Behind, we find decorations for parties (27€) and those for clothing (22€).
► With Emmanuel Pinsonneaux and Coline Davy.
