Food continues to be the most serious item in the Bulgarian budget, according to data from the National Statistical Institute, distributed on March 15 - World Consumer Day.

According to data for 2016, Bulgarians spend the most on food from their income - 37.3%. Secondly, the cost of housing and utility bills (17.3 per cent) and third - of transport (8.3 per cent).

Health care goes to 6.7% of income. For leisure, culture and recreation the Bulgarians spend 5.8% of their funds, for alcohol and cigarettes - 5.2%, for other goods and services - 5.1%, for home furnishing and home maintenance - 4.5% , and for clothes and shoes - 4.4%, show the data.

The average person per household eats 88 kg of bread per year, 45.6 kg of meat, 27.5 kg of yoghurt, 70 kg of vegetables and 49 kg of fruit. For a year the Bulgarians have eaten an average of 140 eggs. 27.3 liters is average alcohol consumption per person per household in 2016. Beer is the most preferred, followed by wine and for surprise - rakiya is third.

The story of World Consumer Day begins in 1962, when US President John Kennedy first raised the issue of the need to protect consumer rights in a speech before the Senate. It also defines the four basic rights of the consumer: the right to safety, the right to information, the right to choose, the right to be heard.

Since 1991, the Consumer Day is also celebrated in Bulgaria.