Simon-Kucher research reveals price sensitivity, growing demand for quality, and a sharp rise in private label purchases across key markets. The study says consumers worldwide are rethinking how they shop - prioritizing price, seeking higher quality, and increasingly turning to private label products. Based on a survey of 8,000 respondents across seven countries, the findings showcase a clear shift towards private labels, driven by affordability and evolving priorities.
Key findings include a private label dominance: More than half (53 percent) of consumers prefer private labels, with the highest share in Spain (64 percent), France (60 percent), and the Netherlands (58 percent). The US (42 percent) and Sweden (47 percent) show the lowest adoption, highlighting growth potential in these markets.
Secondly, price remains paramount: Between 55 and 66 percent of respondents across all countries state that price has become even more important, particularly in the UK, US, and Spain.
Third, rising quality awareness: 34 percent of respondents place an increasing emphasis on quality, with notable increases in the US (45 percent) and Germany (37 percent).
Sustainability gains traction: Around 28 percent of shoppers prioritize sustainability, particularly younger consumers. In France and the Netherlands, a significant share of respondents (23 percent and 26 percent, respectively) indicate that sustainability holds less importance for them now compared to the beginning of 2024.