OREANDA-NEWS. March 27, 2015. The stores of DIXY Group divisions have analyzed the changes in demand that have occurred over the four weeks since the beginning of Lent. During the period, dairy and meat products yielded to fresh and canned vegetables, cereals, mushrooms and low-calorie sauces in the standard selection of foodstuffs.

Over the four weeks since the beginning of Lent, the sales of fresh grown potatoes in DIXY stores have shown an eightfold increase and those of squash, tripled; the turnover of Iceberg lettuce has risen by 60% and that of fresh mushrooms has grown almost 30%.  Sales of canned corn have increased by 80%. Traditionally, buckwheat groats remain the cereal most popular with the customers during Lent: their sales rise by 15% compared to the monthly average for February. In order to diversify the menu of those strictly observing the fast rules, neighborhood stores are expanding the range of pre-cooked vegetables they offer and introducing Lent-time mayonnaise and cookies. The line of canned vegetables also has new items: in February, the stores started offering private D-brand ratatouille and eggplant in hot adzhika sauce.

Victoria supermarkets also register an increase in the sales of Lent-time items. During the period, the customers prefer canned vegetables, grits and cereals. Compared to the average daily figures in February, sales of mashed vegetables increase by 63% over the four weeks since the beginning of Lent, those of oatmeal flakes rise by 80%and of buckwheat grits -by 8%. The section of cooked-in-store dishes offers over 40 items – not only various fresh vegetable salads, but also hot meals and desserts. Those with a sweet tooth can treat themselves to Lent-time muffins, whole-grain crackers and apple-and-carrot cakes. Over these four weeks, the overall increase in the sales of Lent items cooked-in-store has totaled 50% by volume. 

During Lent, the patrons of Megamart compact hypermarkets opt for fresh vegetables, canned vegetables, grits and cereals. According to the division’s analysts, over the first four weeks of Lent, sales in these categories rise by up to 28%. Leading in the increased Lent sales of deli products are vegetable rolls and low-calorie dumplings. During Lent, their sales increase by up to ten times. Over the first four weeks of Lent, the sales of store-prepared low-calorie meals have risen by 70%.