Portuguese families facing less difficulties: Household budget is improving.

Percentage of families experiencing financial difficulties is decreasing.

According to Centromarca's data, based on Kantar's Lares Panel and shared in the Notícias ao Minuto, the number of consumers struggling to manage their household budget fell to 28% in the first quarter of 2025. This represents a reduction of 6.4 percentage points compared to 2024.

This data represents a significant improvement in the confidence and financial stability of Portuguese households, reflecting a gradual relief in family finances.

High consumption with stabilization of inflation.

This easing of difficulties coincides with a phase of stabilization of inflation, which has been helping consumers to resume more consistent buying habits.

Centromarca highlights that this evolution is bringing new dynamics in consumer behavior and the relationship with commerce, whether traditional, modern, or digital.

Consumption outside the home grows in 2025.

The study reveals a 4.8% increase in eating out (restaurants, take-away, deliveries), in the first quarter of 2025.  

On the other hand, the growth of household shopping was more moderate, standing at +2.5%. These numbers indicate a gradual return to normalcy after years marked by restraint and changes in consumption, especially during and after the pandemic and the peak of inflation.

Portuguese seek more distant stores and specific products.

The study also shows that almost half of the households (48.7%) are willing to travel further to find products with a better quality/price ratio or more aligned with their values. 

This trend reflects a more selective and informed consumption, with greater appreciation of certain attributes in products, such as sustainability, national origin, or innovation.

White marks continue to grow, but at a slower pace.

Own brands (private labels) continue to increase their market share. However, the growth rate has slowed down compared to 2023, which may mean a partial return to manufacturer brands in certain categories, especially among consumers with less financial pressure. White brands

Data reliability.

This study, conducted until March 23, 2025, was based on a sample of 4,000 households in Mainland Portugal, considered statistically representative. It has a confidence level of 95% and a sampling error of 1.96%, according to Centromarca and Kantar.

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