Slovakia
The answer to this question comes from our latest Edenred TRC index, which tracks average spending on food, snacks and coffee on employee meal cards. According to our findings, the Košice region spent the most on lunches last year, with an average spending of 9,16 euros. At the opposite end of the scale was the Trenčín region, with an average of just 6,73 euros.
Interestingly, despite its status as the main economic region of Slovakia, the Bratislava region is not among the most expensive. Here, lunch costs an average of 8,10 euros, which is less than in the Košice, Nitra or Trnava regions.
According to Lívia Bachrata, Director of Public Affairs at Edenred, this phenomenon is caused by a combination of factors. "Higher competition between catering establishments, a larger number of customers, more street food options, and more efficient centralization of purchases are some of the main reasons that keep lunch spending in the Bratislava region at lower levels than, for example, in Košice," said L. Bachratá.
Rising food costs
Looking at year-on-year price changes, it is clear that we have witnessed a rapid increase in the cost of meals. In 2023, the national average for lunch payments was 8,17 euros, which is an increase of 45% compared to the last pre-pandemic year of 2019, when the average was 5,73 euros. The largest nominal increase for the period 2019-2024 was recorded in the Košice region, where people paid up to 3,49 euros.
It is also worth noting the different developments between the individual regions. While the Nitra Region recorded the highest year-on-year increase in 2024 (by 71 cents), in the Trenčín Region the average spending even decreased by 2023 cents compared to 85. "This regional contrast reflects differences in the availability of catering establishments, economic development and purchasing power of residents.""," explained L. Bachratá.
Employers should respond
How can an employer respond to these changes? One of the most effective ways is to provide benefits to employees, which includes, for example, a higher meal allowance. "According to our surveys, employees who feel cared for by their employer are more loyal and motivated. They are also less likely to consider changing jobs, which also reduces turnover and the cost of training new employees," is the convinced Director of Public Affairs at Edenred.
However, taking care of employees is not just about benefits, but also about building an environment where they feel valued.
In times of rising prices and economic uncertainty, an employer can take the right steps to support not only their financial situation, but also their overall satisfaction. "Whoever invests in their people invests in the future of the company. That's why it's more important now than ever to focus on benefits that have a real impact on employees' daily lives," concludes L. Bachratá.
Average lunch spending in 2024 according to the Edenred TRC index
Košice region €9,16
Nitra Region €8,89
Trnava region €8,80
Žilina Region €8,62
Banská Bystrica Region €8,36
Prešov Region €8,33
Bratislava region €8,10
Trenčín Region €6,73
Slovakia average €8,30
