With money too tight to mention, people are staying home

The rising cost of living is affecting how people wine and dine – just another challenge for Australian winemakers.

A new survey from the Good Food & Wine Show found that 71.7 percent of respondents revealed they are eating out less often.

And when 46.9 percent admit that their favourite dining experience is fine dining, it seems that how the country eats and drinks is changing dramatically.

The survey was designed to reveal insights into how the country’s culinary habits are evolving, and the results covered everything from cost of living to snacking preferences.

“Cost of living was a core issue, with the bulk of respondents admitting that rising expenses are affecting their shopping and cooking patterns,” Good Food & Wine Show says.

“61.7 percent acknowledged they now spend more time shopping around for sale items, and 48.2 percent admitted they are now cooking more at home than they used to.

“Almost 30 percent of us (29.6 percent) are stocking up on pantry staples to add flavour to any meal.

“And we’re also looking for indulgences that will last us for months (19.7 percent) which is a good thing when almost 30 percent of people said their go-to escape from the stress of everyday life is to cook themselves a fabulous feast at home.”

Other trends to be highlighted were a growing preference for savoury snacks (56.6 percent) and the nation’s unwavering love for wine, with almost one-third of Australians admitting they would trade their morning coffee for an evening glass of wine, and 32 percent of us would give up chocolate before we gave up wine.

Further, on a Friday night, over 39 percent of us would prefer to relax at home with a glass of vino than watch Netflix, eat out or entertain friends and family.

These trends and more will be on display at the Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show from 25-27 October, where there is a concerted focus on affordable luxuries and indulgences.

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