scholarly journals Analysis of Changes in Shopping Habits and Causes of Food Waste Among Consumers Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 8-19
Author(s):  
Robert Nicewicz ◽  
Beata Bilska

Abstract Food waste is a worldwide phenomenon that needs to be reduced. The causes of this problem vary widely. The study used the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method. There were 500 respondents from all over the country and among them 60% women and 40% men. The sample selection was purposeful. Before the pandemic began, the highest percentage of consumers shopped two to three times a week. As of March 2020, the frequency of this activity has decreased for every fourth respondent. Also during this period, an increase in the frequency of shopping alone was observed, as well as an increase in the number of people who outsource their shopping list to others. Nowadays, the vast majority of respondents usually create a shopping list before doing it and follow it. Before the pandemic, this was the case for only 46% of respondents, while during the pandemic it was the case for 81%. Exceeding the expiration date was the most common reason for throwing products in the trash before as well as during the pandemic. Over-shopping as a cause of food waste increased almost fourfold during the pandemic. A positive aspect is noticeable for the ‘I don’t throw food away’ response. The percentage of respondents increased from 16% to 21%. During both survey periods, respondents most often indicated that they throw away fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy products. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers’ shopping behaviour changed. They attended grocery stores far less frequently, mostly on their own, and purchased larger quantities of products. Nonetheless, consumers planned their purchases and checked expiration dates before putting food in their shopping carts. Households were thus forced to respond quickly, adjusting their shopping behaviour. These behaviours have implications for the subsequent activities of retail merchants.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2535
Author(s):  
Vanessa Mijares ◽  
Jair Alcivar ◽  
Cristina Palacios

The objective of this study was to explore the associations between food waste and the diet quality of foods purchased and with grocery purchasing behaviors. This was a cross-sectional study among 109 primary household food providers conducting primary shopping. Participants were recruited outside of local grocery stores and were asked to complete a survey assessing amounts of avoidable food waste and grocery purchasing behaviors. The diet quality of the foods purchased was assessed from grocery receipts using the Grocery Purchase Quality Index-2016 (GPQI-2016). Variables were associated using linear regression, analysis of covariance, and point biserial correlations. We found that fresh fruits (63%) and leafy greens (70%) were the foods that were the most wasted. The GPQI-2016 total score was significantly inversely associated with the total amount of food wasted (β  =  −0.63; 95% CI: −1.14,−0.12) after adjusting for important confounders. The reason “food past the date printed on the package” was directly correlated with food wasted (r = 0.40; p < 0.01) but inversely correlated with GPQI-2016 score (r = −0.21; p = 0.04). Food wasted, but not the GPQI-2016 score, was significantly higher among those who grocery shop 2–4 times per week compared to 1 time every 1–2 weeks (p = 0.02). In conclusion, food waste is inversely associated with diet quality and directly associated with grocery purchasing frequency.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweł Sowa ◽  
Bartosz Pędziński ◽  
Michalina Krzyżak ◽  
Dominik Maślach ◽  
Sylwia Wójcik ◽  
...  

Abstract The development and widespread use of ICT in society are reflected by the way research is designed and conducted. The Computer Assisted Web Interview method is becoming more attractive and is a frequently used method in health sciences. The National Study of ICT Use in Primary Healthcare in Poland was conducted using this method. The aim of this paper is to present the major advantages and disadvantages of web surveys. Technical aspects of methodology and important stages of the aforementioned study, as well as key elements for its procedure, are mentioned. The authors also provide reflections based on their analysis of this national study, conducted between January and April 2014.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 104-114
Author(s):  
Dagmar Lesakova

Seniors constitute large and constantly growing group of consumers. These „silver consumers“ form a potentially significant market segment for the near future. An ageing population has implications for pension policy, healthcare policy, but also market policy. In spite of the scope of senior´s group, little attention was paid to this segment from the retail industry in Slovakia, and more research to identify their shopping behaviour is required in order to suggest relevant actions. Considering the need for understanding this market segment, the objective of our paper is to identify the specifics in shopping behaviour of the seniors market, with the emphasis on grocery products. Two main goals were stated as the key for our research: the identification of preference factors in the choice of a shopping place by seniors, and the factors influencing seniors decisions in grocery stores. To explore views and opinions of silver consumers in relation to a preferred place of shopping, focus groups were created. Questions regarding the patterns of shopping, decision factors and motives were also raised. A total of 126 participants took part in the focus groups. Because the seniors are rather multidimensional and very complex segment, in order to indicate the key characteristics in the shopping behaviour of seniors, three age subgroupings in the large segment of seniors were formed: seniors aged 60-69, seniors aged 70-79, seniors aged 80+. The principal purpose of the focus groups interviewing was to determine the factors affecting store choice and shopping behaviour of older people. Recommendations on how the retail industry could respond best to silver consumers were developed based on the empirical outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 143-143
Author(s):  
Vanessa Mijares ◽  
Jair Alcivar ◽  
Cristina Palacios

Abstract Objectives In 2015, the USDA/EPA set a goal of reducing food waste in 50% by 2030. This goal will not only lower U.S. methane gas emissions but also redirect food to millions of food insecure Americans. Little is known on food waste and its association with diet quality. Therefore, our objective was to explore the associations between diet quality and food waste. Methods This was a cross sectional study among adults ³18 years in south Florida who are the primary household food provider conducting a primary shopping event for the week. Participants were recruited outside of local grocery stores and asked to fill out a quick food waste survey. Pictures of the participants’ grocery receipts were taken to analyze diet quality using the Grocery Purchase Quality Index 2016 (GPQI-2016). The GPQI-2016 is based on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)– 2010 and has 11 different components (each with a maximum score of 5 or 10) for a total score of 75. Correlations were used to determine the associations between diet quality and amount of food waste (Pearson) or reasons for food waste (Point-biserial). Results A total of 109 participants were recruited but 103 had complete data. Mean age was 44.6 ± 13.6 years, most were females (74%) and Hispanics (79%). Most usually grocery shop in a main event and then go back for smaller items (44%) once (36%) or twice (28%) a week. Mean diet quality score was 40.9 ± 9.64 out of 75 points and mean amount of food waste was 17.7 ± 19.9 handfuls. Most reported throwing away food mainly because it went bad (90%) or it was past it's due date (80%). Handfuls of bread/rice waste were significantly inversely correlated with diet quality (r = −2.60; p = 0.013). Also, we found a significant inverse correlation between diet quality and food thrown away because it had gone past it's use by date (r = −.196; p = 0.049). Conclusions A lower diet quality score was related to higher amount of bread/rice wasted and with throwing away foods that has past it's use date. These results could justify directing reducing food waste efforts in the community by educating individuals on purchasing frozen products or on proper storage to prolong shelf life, as well as on understanding the different dates placed on products by manufacturers. Funding Sources Internal funds from Florida International University.


Author(s):  
Aisyah Vania ◽  
Talbani Farlian

This study aims to analyze capital and profit-taking percentage influance on the revenue of grocery stores in Karang Anyar, Langsa. This study uses primary data and the method used to collect primary data is field research methods. The sample selection used Slovin sampling technique. By using Slovin formula, a population of 5 grocery stores and an error limit of 5 percent, obtained a sample of 5 grocery stores. The data analysis technique used to solve problem in the study is multiple linear regression analysis techniques. Based on calculation of Eviews 11, the simultaneous test results show that capital and percentage of profit-taking percentage have a significant effect on the revenue of grocery stores in Karang Anyar, Langsa. Capital and percentage of profit taking partially have a positive and significant effect on the revenue of grocery stores in Karang Anyar, Langsa


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Sajdakowska ◽  
Agnieszka Tekień

Modern consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the perceived health benefits of food. As a result, they are in search of various types of information, for example, information on the packaging of food products that could confirm to what extent the purchased product will meet their expectations regarding the proper composition, that is, nutritional value, or perceived health values earlier mentioned. Furthermore, consumers increasingly seek new dairy products with additional health benefits and, therefore, it is essential to explore which attributes are important drivers of food choices and how producers can better respond to shifting consumer values and needs in each dairy product category. Therefore, the aims of our research was twofold: (1) To determine different segments of consumers based on their preferences towards food and nutrition, including opinion on new food products with a particular emphasis on a dairy market as well as (2) to study the importance of some statements related to nutrition presented on the yoghurt label with a precise focus on aspects of the increased and decreased content of some ingredients. The data were collected using a CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interview) survey on a sample of 489 adult Polish consumers. Respondents provided answers to questions and took part in a discrete choice-based experiment. The obtained data were analysed using the clustering method. The segmentation was performed using a hierarchical Ward’s method. As a result, four segments were identified: Quality-oriented, Involved, Quality Enthusiasts, and Neutral. The results indicated that in relation to the features that are important in the case of yoghurts, the following were indicated above all: Beneficial effects on health, its sensory values, as well as its availability on the market and production by traditional methods. Consumers belonging to Quality Enthusiasts seemed to be the most promising segment due to their openness to new products, as well as positive feedback on yoghurt. From the perspective of taking action on the food market, Involved may also be interesting, as it showed their openness to new products available on the food market. However, due to the relatively lower, compared to other segments, assessment on the beneficial effect of yoghurt on health, their taste, aroma, availability, as well as the importance of information on care for the proper method of breeding animals, this segment can pose a special challenge to entrepreneurs. Moreover, Involved seemed to be more demanding and critical towards some projects undertaken on the market by policy makers and marketing practitioners.


2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly M. Lamb ◽  
Lee Beers ◽  
Debra Reed-Gillette ◽  
Margaret A. McDowell

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Sajdakowska ◽  
Jerzy Gębski ◽  
Krystyna Gutkowska ◽  
Sylwia Żakowska-Biemans

In general, dairy products are well regarded for their nutritional value. Consumer perception of dairy products is influenced by many interrelated factors but healthiness remains one of the key attributes and values for consumers. Furthermore, contemporary consumers increasingly seek out dairy products with additional health benefits and, therefore, it is essential to explore which attributes are important drivers of food choices and how producers can better respond to shifting consumer values and needs in each dairy product category. Therefore, the aims of the study were: (a) to identify consumer segments based on the importance they attached to selected attributes of dairy products, (b) to explore differences between the identified segments in their perceptions of health-related attributes of dairy products, (c) to determine if health-related aspects influenced consumers decisions to buy high-quality dairy products, and (d) to identify if consumers were open to novelties in dairy products. The data were collected within a CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interview) survey on a representative sample of 983 adult Polish consumers. The non-hierarchical K-means clustering method was used to identify four clusters of consumers, namely: Enthusiastic, Involved, Ultra-involved and Neutral. Enthusiastic consumers attach more importance to the influence of dairy products on immunity and are more willing to agree with the opinion that dairy products are a source of mineral nutrients as well as vitamins. Ultra-involved and Involved consumers pay less attention to some health aspects of dairy products compared to other clusters; however, the Ultra-involved are more quality-oriented than are the Involved. Neutral consumers are more open to accept changes on the dairy product market and are relatively more inclined to choose new dairy products. However, these consumers have scored lower on those aspects related to the healthiness of dairy products and, in order to target them effectively, it is essential to develop well-tailored communication strategies highlighting the health benefits of dairy products. These results relate to the Polish market and are important for the development of new dairy products and for targeting public nutrition as well as for directing marketing communication. The results may provide important insights for those who develop educational strategies and campaigns.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Lipińska ◽  
Marzena Tomaszewska ◽  
Danuta Kołożyn-Krajewska

The problem of food waste and food loss covers the entire food chain, and its scale varies depending on the part of the chain. The aim of the study was to identify a problem and indicate places where goods redistribution is possible at the food transportation stage. The article provides a detailed breakdown of the causes of losses at the transportation stage. The research material was a large dairy cooperative in Poland. It was found that it was possible to recover 25.08 tons of dairy products. Taking into account the total weight of the cargo carried by all transport units during the analyzed period, this amount is approximately 0.5% of the full load capacity of all transport units in a two-year period. The research conducted shows that losses during the transportation of finished goods are generated, therefore it is possible to recover part of the food during the loading, transportation and unloading stages. The present practice involves an unconditional disposal of all products, which for various reasons are not delivered to the customer at the appropriate time and in proper commercial quality (accidents, collisions). The disposal of ready, often packed, completely safe products is a highly undesirable phenomenon, especially in the context of the poverty experienced by part of society.


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