Sales of flour, rice and pasta rose more than four-fold in Slovenia in the week from 9 to 15 March compared to the same period last year, data by Nielsen agency shows. Cereal, canned meat, and pre-made sauces and soups recorded a growth rate of between 200% and 300%.
This was in the week when the government declared a coronavirus epidemic on 12 March, when residents were becoming more worried about the outbreak and potential food shortages.
Retailers in Slovenia recorded a 67% jump in the value of sales compared to the comparable week last year, that is from 11 to 17 March 2019.
The value of foods sold at shops around the country increased by 64% and the value of goods other than food by 77%.
Soaps and plastic gloves were also in big demand, posting a rise of 200% to 300%, with glove sales further rising by almost 400% in the week from 16 to 22 March.
Consumers also bought increasing amounts of toilet paper and washing powder, while alcohol drinks posted a drop.