Survey reveals consumers are minimising their intake of processed food and demanding freshness, good quality and good value for money when shopping for groceries 

8 out of 10 consumers believe it’s important to support local merchants

     
United Arab Emirates, Dubai 24 November 2022: Dubai’s premier fresh food market, the Waterfront Market in Deira, has commissioned a survey by Censuswide which reveals the most important factors that shoppers look for when shopping for groceries. These include fresh produce (94.2%), good quality produce (93.6%), and good value for money (92%), whilst 80.6% of consumers also believe that it’s important to support local merchants. 

Out of 500 Dubai residents polled from a cross section of society, 62.4% of shoppers said they will not sacrifice on fresh, good quality ingredients despite the rise in the cost of living. The survey also revealed that Dubai consumers are health conscious with a staggering 83% of consumers trying to minimize the amount of processed food they consume. In addition, consumers reported they will be changing their habits during the cooler winter months with 64% stating they will eat more healthily, 58.4% will cook at home more often and 54% will use fresh ingredients. 

Continuing the theme of healthy eating, almost half (47%) of the consumers polled eat vegetables every day, 34.8% consume poultry 2-3 days per week, 27.2% consume fish 2-3 days per week and 26.2% consume meat 2-3 days per week. 
 
As well as supporting local businesses, 78% of survey participants prioritise shopping for locally sourced ingredients. The survey also discovered that 78.4% of consumers like to have tips and recommendations shared with them from an expert whilst buying fresh food ingredients. 

Mohammad Al Madani, Waterfront Market Manager said: “At Waterfront Market we always listen to our customers and strive to deliver what they need. The results from the survey overwhelmingly show that consumers are looking for fresh, good quality produce and want value for money when grocery shopping, all of which we offer. I’m delighted to see that supporting local merchants and businesses is also a top priority, something which is incredibly important to the community of the 200 local fisherman and 100 local farmers here at the Waterfront Market.” 

He added: “With the start of the Dubai 30x30 Challenge, and the arrival of the cooler weather allowing us to be more active outside, it’s great to see that consumers will be changing their eating habits and aiming to eat healthier using fresh ingredients. Finally, it’s also great to hear that consumers appreciate having an expert available to provide them with tips and recommendations. We are the first market in the UAE to offer this service with Christos Lymperis, our Executive Resident Chef who is always on hand to advise and help our shoppers.”