Consumers prefer modern retail formats: Technopak

Even as the commitment of Indian consumers to the local grocers remains very high, a significant 15 per cent have started buying food and grocery from the modern retail formats on a regular basis, said a report by consultancy firm Technopak on Thursday.

"Factors such as entry of new brands, availability of a wide range of products, and the new-age shopping experience are slowly pulling consumers towards the modern supermarkets," said Sushmita Balasubramaniam, the Knowledge Company (head), Technopak.

The India Food and Grocery Shopping Trends 2008 offers insights into the behavioural transitions of the Indian food and grocery shoppers.

Consumers spending is highest at 36 per cent on food and grocery vis-à-vis other household expenses, the report stated.

On emerging townships, where the population has not yet crossed the 1-million mark the report said, not only have there been significant trial operations by retail majors but also the neighbourhood shops are also trying to upgrade themselves in the modern formats.