Food Lover’s Market claimed the top spot for affordability in April 2024, with their basket costing N$1,278.78, up from N$1,238.28 in March 2024, marking a 3.27% increase. This rise was driven by several items, notably the 1kg tomato, which saw a price jump from N$39.99 to N$69.99, along with the 1kg potato, lettuce, and 2 litres of cooking oil, which increased from N$24.99 to N$32.99, N$19.99 to N$34.99, and N$85.49 to N$76.99, respectively.
Spar followed closely in second place, with a basket totaling N$ 1299.73, up from N$ 1289.22, representing a 0.82% increase. The main contributor to this increase was the price hike in their 1kg tomato, which rose from N$42.9 to N$64.90.
Woermann Brock secured the third position, experiencing a significant 15% month-on-month increase in their basket cost. The surge was particularly noticeable in items like sirloin steak, 1kg tomato, chicken breast, and 2 litres of oil, which increased from N$149.99 to N$239.99, N$44.99 to N$70.99, N$119.99 to N$129.99, and N$79.99 to N$85.49, respectively.
Woolworths, once again, lagged behind in affordability, with a 6% increase in their basket cost from March 2024. This uptick was driven by items such as washing powder, 1 liter of milk, basmati rice and butter both to store brand substitutes, which increased from N$81.95 to N$82.95, N$22.95 to N$24.95, N$94.95 to N$108.95, and N$64.95 to N$115.95, respectively.
The price of 1kg tomatoes surged significantly across three of the surveyed stores. The most notable increase was observed at Woermann Brock, soaring from N$44.99 to N$70.99. Spar followed suit, with prices climbing from N$42.90 to N$64.90, while Food Lover’s Market mirrored this increase, also rising from N$42.90 to N$64.90. Meanwhile, Woolworths maintained a steady price month-on-month.
Basket composition:
Loaf of bread
2-litre Sunflower Oil
2.5kg Sugar (white sugar)
P/kg Chicken Filets
P/kg Beef sirloin
2kg Tastic rice (Basmati)
500g Macaroni
1-litre full cream milk
9 Baby Soft toilet papers (350 sheets)
340 Salad Dressing
1kg Sunlight Washing powder (Auto)
750ml Sunlight dishwashing liquid
500g Buttro Butter
1 litre Foam Bath
100ml Colgate toothpaste
1kg Onions
1kg Potatoes
1kg Tomatoes
1kg Apples
Lettuce
Cucumber
200g Cheese
Stores are categorised according to the offerings they offer, moreover the location they are situated.
Thus, Four A-grade retailers in Windhoek will be compared in this survey namely Woermann Brock Fresh (Olympia), Food Lover’s Market (Grove Mall), Woolworths (Maerua Mall), and SuperSpar (Maerua Mall). These shops are divided into groups according to their locations and products offering.
The survey’s objective is to provide customers with insightful information about the costs associated with a uniform basket that includes 22 grocery items from each of these four supermarkets. To make comparisons easier, we have adjusted our retail basket by adding and removing items.
