Consumption patterns for ready to eat foods items in phagwara district of Punjab (India)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine consumption patterns for ready to eat foods in Phagwara district of Punjab. The study also focused to read food related lifestyle and behaviour of people towards ready to eat food products available in the markets. Defined objectives of the study were fulfilled by collecting primary data in the form of questionnaires, interviews and observations. Primary data was collected from 184 respondents with the help of 18 close ended questions. Data was subjected to statistical tools to gauze the use of ready to eat foods in specified locations. The study concluded that a major segment of ready to eat food products consumers buy these products at discounts from the super markets in the area and another rapidly consuming segment of ready to eat food products prefer these products as a part of convenience in the lifestyle. Further the results from the descriptive statistics showed the rating by the previous consumers is the most influencing factor in deciding the type and brand of ready to use food product. In order to check the impact of gender on the decision of choosing ready to eat products, data filled by the respondents was referred to independent sample t test. Results from the t test described a difference in the gender while using ratings in consumption patterns. The results of the study can be used to develop a proper ready to eat food product market in rural and remote locations of the targeted area.