Urban and rural contrasts in food prices and availability—a case study in wales

Abstract

This paper examines variations in the prices and availability of a selection of commonly required food and grocery items, in contrasting rural and urban areas of wales. The data are derived from a survey carried out for the Welsh Consumer Council in September 1988. The analysis reveals that, as in previous such studies, the main source of variation in food prices is the ownership category of the shop concerned: multiple and co-operative stores are generally cheaper than stores affiliated to a wholesale organisation, which in turn cheaper than wholly independent stores. Holding these ownership categories constant there is little if any difference between typical food prices in urban and rural areas. In other words, rural isolation as such does not appear to cause higher prices. Similarly, variations in the availability of food item are shown to be related mainly to store ownership type. It appears that rural dwellers who can gain access to a multiple or cooperative store in a nearby town can buy a good selection of food at prices similar to those found in larger urban areas, but those who rely on small local shops are faced with a more limited choice of goods, at higher prices.