Food prices remain on the rise globally and grocery shopping is one of the leading expenditure items of all families in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Supermarket expenditure is a second line item of expenditures for a lot of households, after housing expenses.
Fortunately, there is no sacrifice in quality, nutrition, or taste sacrificed when grocery prices are lowered. With just a few changes, costs can be cut down and your pantry can be filled with brand names you know and trust.
The challenge is to substitute the costly imported goods by quality local and regional products that provide similar levels of quality for much less amounts of currency.
Why Local and Regional Brands Often Cost Less?
There are also extra costs involved in importing products, including international shipping, customs, cooling logistics and mark up by the distributor. These charges are then reflected on consumer’s bills.
Manufacturers are also closer to home both locally and on the GCC producing 10% of the cost and storage. This means there are a lot fewer costs to the end-user and products are fresh and reliable.
Quite a few changes during your next visit to the supermarket could save hundreds of dirhams or riyals each month.
1. Swap Imported Dairy for Almarai or Nadec
The quality of European and Australia-based imported milk, cheese and dairy products frequently carry higher price tags.
One of the biggest companies selling fresh dairy products, made in the region and by using the latest farming and production technologies, is Almarai Ltd. and Nadec Ltd. These products are sold 35% to 40% cheaper than imported goods, due to not needing to quote high international shipping expenses.
This will help you save money each month on items such as milk, yogurt and cheese, which are necessary for daily meals.
2. Consider using local hydroponic vegetables rather than imports.
These days, many shoppers would just naturally gravitate towards the foreigners (from Europe or North America) vegetables believing they’re better quality.
In recent years, however, hydroponic greenhouses have been established throughout the UAE and Saudi Arabia cultivating top-quality tomato and cucumber, lettuce and herbs, and even higher-quality strawberries.
The fresh produce that these brands such as Pure Harvest and other local farming projects offer are less expensive due to lower transportation requirements. Local produce can also be 30% cheaper than imports, and are typically fresher.
3. Replace Premium Pantry Staples with Regional Brands
Almost every household has rice, flour, sugar and salt as key ingredients in their cooking. Many consumers spend more for a foreign brand and foreign packaging, but didn’t know that they could get the same taste at a lower cost.
Regional brands, like the Al-Alali, Al Fares and Grand Mills, import ingredients in bulk and bottle them in the region. Competitive quality at much lower prices.
Replace basic food items periodically to save consistently throughout the year.
4. Buy Local Cooking Oils Instead of Imported Specialty Oils
The imported cooking oils may be of high value, not only because of name brand, but because of shipping fees.
In the kitchen, brands like Afia and Al Arabi are trusted options and are effective in everyday cooking across the Gulf households. This is done here in the region, limiting consumers to paying the premium price for imported labels.
But the amount of money that can be saved is even greater when buying larger bottles for a family.
5. Switch to Regional Frozen Poultry Brands
The frozen chicken foods are popular items in the Gulf’s shopping carts. International logistical and storage needs drive up the costs of imported products, particularly in the case of poultry.
Lots of brands are regionally based such as Al Kabeer, Al Rawdah and Tanmiah, which have a wide production network throughout the GCC and guarantee steady quality.
If your family eats frozen chicken, chicken nuggets or chicken that has to be thrown in the pan again each and every month, this change can really help you save money.
6. Replace Imported Cleaning Products with Local Alternatives
When it comes to laundry detergent, disinfectants, dish washing liquid and any other cleaning product many consumers automatically go for the foreign brands. Local brands like DAC and Smac provide an effective clean but are only 25-35% the price of brands. Larger households may find bulk rates even more advantageous.
7. Choose Regional Canned Goods Over Imported Labels
Many families have canned chickpeas, beans, tomatoes and vegetables in their cupboards. Regional brands like California Garden and Americana have established a good reputation in the Middle East with their consistency and quality.
They too are produced locally and sold within the local market zone, and therefore tend to have a much lower price than imported products. Sometimes, this can mean that customers can save as much as 45% with this transition.
Estimated Savings by Category
Category
Premium Import Option
Regional Alternative
Potential Savings
Dairy Products
Imported European Brands
Almarai / Nadec
35% – 40%
Fresh Produce
Imported Vegetables
Local Hydroponic Farms
30%
Pantry Staples
International Brands
Grand Mills / Al Fares
25%
Cleaning Products
Imported Cleaners
DAC / Smac
25% – 35%
Canned Goods
Imported Labels
California Garden
Up to 45%
Additional Grocery Savings Tips
Just some of the ways people can make shopping more affordable include playing on loyalty programs that many stores offer, coupons for weekly sales, and in-house brands.
In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a host of leading retailers also have mobile apps that provide digital coupons. Get some of the most commonly used grocery items in bulk and meal plan in advance to save more.
If these measures are coupled with effective brand substitutions, you can save a lot on groceries per month.
FAQs
What is the actual amount that I can expect to save if I buy locally?
Upon analysing the products purchased by many households and their shopping habits, it can be seen that grocery expenses can be cut by 20% – 30% for many households.
Is there any difference in taste between the local and imported dairy foods?
Yes. Many regional dairy producers (such as Almarai, Nadec) are known for quality and freshness and operate modern production facilities.
What is the largest discount on the food they bought from the grocery store?
The most significant savings come when switching brands between imported and regional when it comes to canned goods, dairy products and household cleaning supplies.
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