Recession-hit hit households shopping around and cutting food waste - but not quality

Austerity-hit shoppers are visiting two or more supermarkets in the same trip and almost half are reducing food waste in efforts to save money, according to a study.

Almost seven in 10 food and grocery shoppers (68 per cent) said they were now prioritising saving money, the IGD ShopperVista research revealed.

Nearly half of consumers (46 per cent) say planning and budgeting is a higher priority now, with 57 per cent of those with children - regardless of social class - saying they put more effort into their shopping to maintain quality while keeping costs down.

The poll revealed 42 per cent of shoppers have visited two or more supermarkets in the same shopping trip during the last month, 48 per cent are reducing food waste to save money and 29 per cent have paid for their shopping in two parts to benefit from a loyalty scheme or promotion over the last year.

IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch said: "Just because people are interested in saving money it doesn't mean they have to compromise on the quality of their food. Smart shoppers are finding imaginative ways to save money and maintain quality at the same time.

"As well as planning better, reducing food waste and cooking from scratch, shoppers are becoming more creative. This includes going to more than one store in a single shopping trip, as they continue to find ways to secure the best value during the downturn.

"Smartphones, money-saving websites and apps have helped people make more informed choices and find the deals and promotions that allow them to save money while maintaining quality.

"The best companies are working with shoppers to help them stretch their money further without sacrificing quality."