A shrinking and aging population is changing consumer habits in Puerto Rico, and supermarket chains are beginning to feel the effects. Census data presented by demographer Melissa López at the forum "The Demographic Challenge: Its Impact on the Food Industry and Puerto Rico's Economic Development" confirm a 12% population decline over the past decade and a widening gap between residents aged 65 and older and those under 18.
López said the 2010 Census counted 3.7 million people, while recent estimates show a drop of nearly 500,000 residents, putting the current estimated population at 3,184,835. She said that figure raises questions about the size of the economically active population and the number of people of reproductive age. "Our population has been changing and shrinking; and while we might say that 'fewer people on the Island doesn't affect us at all,' the reality is that in a few years, this could impact the economic and commercial sectors, as well as our own daily lives," López stated.
She also noted that an estimated 33% of Puerto Rican households consist of one person and 34% of two people, meaning families buy less food and fewer people bear the cost of maintaining households. Juan Daniel Ramos, Chairman of the Board of Supermercados Selectos, acknowledged the impact on the industry, saying consumers are buying more fresh products than canned, boxed, or bagged goods and are reducing purchases in categories such as pantry staples and liquor.