Dominican Households Reflect Different Realities in Shopping Habits
Private brands are gaining more strength in Santo Domingo, while households in the interior maintain a preference for commercial brands. This scenario has led Dominican households to reduce their spending on fast-moving consumer goods and opt for more economical alternatives, including private brands.
In contrast, households in the interior stand out in independent supermarkets and maintain an inclination towards commercial brands, although private brands have gained ground: they went from representing 14% of the total value of their purchases to 16% in the third quarter of 2025.
Socioeconomic Profile and Shopping Habits
In Santo Domingo, families with a higher socioeconomic level predominate, with adult housewives who make frequent purchases of products in small and detailed sizes.
In the country's interior, households correspond to lower socioeconomic levels, with younger housewives. Although they generate lower spending, their purchases are characterized by higher tickets and large-sized products.
In the Southwest, households stand out for their preference in the dairy basket, especially in the cheese category.
Macroeconomic Context and National Consumption
The International Monetary Fund lowered its economic growth projections for the region. For the Dominican Republic, the estimate went from 4% to 3% for the end of 2025, while for Central America and the Dominican Republic together it was reduced from 3.8% to 3.4%.
Inflation also impacts families. The country closed 2024 with a 3.3% and is estimated to conclude 2025 at 3.7%.
Regional Differences
The study also identified particularities in specific regions. The growth of these brands is recorded at a higher speed in Santo Domingo than in the interior of the country.
Households in Santo Domingo increase their purchases in the modern channel, especially in chain supermarkets and colmados, and show a greater preference for private brands. In addition, five out of ten capital households use digital platforms to acquire products, compared to three out of ten in the interior.
