2010 was a stable year for food costs

Dubai: Indian homemaker and price-conscious shopper Naina Nair says 2010 was a good year for her in terms of food prices.

"The prices were very stable last year. All that changed were seasonal products like vegetables for which consumers have had other options to choose from," she said.

Nair said she keeps track of her spending on groceries and retains her bills to make comparisons.

"We moved to Dubai in 2006. Between then and 2008, the prices of basics had almost doubled. But ever since it has been stable," she said.

She buys foodstuffs two or three times a week after checking out prices and offers from brochures printed by retailers. "Each bill comes around Dh250."

Her family has four members — two adults and two children.

Great offers

During all the festivals happened last year there were great offers, that helped too, she added.

Minor ups and downs in prices of commodities have not affected her family, according to her.

"Fruits and vegetables are seasonal and so there are ups and downs in prices every year, just like anywhere else in the world. I buy based on what is the best priced at the time and buy local products mostly."