The graph illustrates how much many spent on food and other merchandise in three European countries between 1998 and 2008.
Overall, expenditure in all three countries increased in both categories over the ten-year period. In addition, France and England experienced the most significant increases in spending on other goods, while spending on food also grew considerably in France.
Regarding food expenditure, France saw a dramatic rise from 15% in 1998 to 40% in 2008, becoming the highest spender in this category. In Germany, the figure increased slightly from 25% to 30%. England recorded the lowest proportions in both years, with spending on food rising from 10% to 15%.
Looking at other goods, spending in France grew sharply from under 10% in 1998 to reach 40% in 2008. Similarly, there was a substantial increase in England, which the percentage jumped from 8% to 35%. Meanwhile, expenditure on other goods in Germany experienced a steady rise from roughly 17% to 24% over the period.
