The bar charts compare the proportions of food and other goods purchased in supermarkets in three countries – A, B, and C – in 1998 and 2008.
Overall, all three countries experienced growth in the share of both food and general goods bought in supermarkets over the ten-year period. However, the scale of this increase varied considerably, with Country A showing the most dramatic rise, while Country C remained comparatively low in both sectors.
In terms of food purchases, Country A recorded the largest growth, rising from around 10% in 1998 to approximately 35% in 2008. Country B also saw a notable increase, from just over 20% to nearly 30% over the same period. By contrast, food bought in supermarkets in Country C increased only marginally, from roughly 7% to about 9%.
A similar trend is evident for the purchase of non-food goods. Country A again experienced the sharpest increase, with supermarket purchases surging from around 3% to almost 40%. Country B followed a more moderate upward trajectory, climbing from about 24% to 26%. Meanwhile, Country C, which had almost negligible supermarket activity for goods in 1998, rose to around 14% in 2008; despite this growth, it still remained well below the other two nations.