Mauritians Tighten Their Belts

In the face of declining purchasing power, food insecurity is on the rise in Mauritius. According to a series of recently published data, many families are forced to buy only the essentials, while thousands are now living day-to-day in a survival mode concerning food. This situation calls for urgent responses.

The Reality of the Numbers

60% of Mauritians have reduced their food consumption
According to a study by Analysis Kantar released this week, six out of ten Mauritians have decreased their food consumption this year. This phenomenon spans all social strata but affects the most vulnerable households more acutely. The reduction is not due to a voluntary change in behavior but rather an economic constraint, primarily caused by rising prices, loss of purchasing power, and food inflation, which account for nearly 80% of the decision to cut back. The most affected households often have no choice but to skip meals, reduce portion sizes, or turn to less nutritious products due to a lack of resources.

22,000 People in Food Distress in the South

Out of approximately 260,000 residents spread across three districts in the South, around 22,000 people are living in food insecurity. These are primarily large families, single mothers, or households caring for the elderly. This data comes from a study conducted by Analysis Kantar between June and October, presented by FoodWise at the end of October. In response to this growing precariousness, eating habits are shifting towards a day-to-day lifestyle, known as "tire-ration." Purchases are focused on staple products - rice and canned goods - at the expense of fresh proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

1 in 6 Residents Cannot Afford Healthy Food

According to the "The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World" (SOFI) 2025 report released at the end of July, 15.2% of the Mauritian population, or about 200,000 Mauritians, lack the necessary resources to access healthy food. Another finding from the Food and Nutrition Analysis Report indicates that only 26.9% of Mauritian households, or 1 in 4 Mauritians, maintain a balanced diet.

Observations from Supermarket Managers

Consumer behavior has significantly changed in recent months, observes Raakesh Bhageerutty, General Manager of Simla Way. "It’s a bit of the current trend. People are buying moderately, only what they need. Purchasing power has decreased, and this is directly reflected in the composition of the shopping basket, which is no longer the same as before," he notes.

Subsidies on certain staple products soften the impact, but the reduction in allowances such as the CSG Income Allowance is felt. "Outside of regulated products, many prices continue to rise, which weighs on families," he adds. November is considered bleak by industry players. "Activity is slowed down. But we anticipate a recovery with December approaching, a traditionally more dynamic period due to bonuses and year-end promotions," he hopes.

Uttam Sumaroo, General Secretary of Masters Express, reports a decline of more than 40% in food purchases. He states that consumers are now focusing on essentials, prioritizing only staple products or those on promotion or at low prices. "Purchasing power is clearly decreasing. That’s the real reason. And less purchasing power means fewer customers, therefore inevitably fewer sales," he explains. Uttam Sumaroo also notes a change in consumption habits. "For example, consumers no longer hesitate to turn to alternative, more affordable brands as soon as a product they usually buy becomes too expensive," he emphasizes.

Vicky Hanoomanjee, CEO of SaveMax, confirms a slight decline in sales but qualifies the impact on staple products. "It’s not at the level of essential products that we see a decrease, as they remain subsidized or price-controlled. It’s mainly other food categories that are affected, especially so-called 'luxury' items like chocolate or certain higher-end goods," he explains. According to him, consumers still do their essential shopping but are more selective with secondary products: "We observe a decrease in sales of soft drinks, for example, but demand for water remains strong."

Observations from Social Workers

When One Meal a Day Becomes the Norm
Sandra Casimir and Laurie Anne Modeste, social workers at Kolektif Rivier Nwar, raise the alarm: more and more families are sinking into alarming food insecurity. "Some families consume only one meal a day, usually just dinner. Occasionally, in the morning, they might buy bread, but with nothing to put on it," they explain. The afternoon tea break, once a habit, is gradually disappearing in some households. In others, families settle for a cup of plain tea, without milk or sugar.

"If some families in the middle class struggle to make ends meet, imagine what it’s like for poorer families, especially since local shops no longer easily extend credit," they warn.

According to Sandra Casimir and Laurie Anne Modeste, the crux of the issue is the decline in purchasing power. Although some staple products like oil or milk are subsidized, they remain out of reach for low-income households. "Many families can no longer fill their carts by the end of the month. Even fruits and vegetables, essential for a healthy diet, have become luxury items. A beet costs Rs 70, a kiwi Rs 40. How can a family with several children meet nutritional recommendations? Even canned goods are now too expensive," they lament.

Sandra Casimir and Laurie Anne Modeste are also concerned about a rise in cases of undernourished children. Many do not get enough to eat, they emphasize. This has led several families to send their children to spend the day at NGOs during the school holidays, where they can receive juices, biscuits, or even fruits.