DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF FOOD PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR: A CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE

Understanding the socio-demographic determinants of food purchasing behavior is essential for addressing issues related to food safety, consumption patterns, and household expenditure. This study examines the influence of selected demographic variables, family income, educational status, age, and occupation on consumer food buying decisions, with specific reference to expenditure patterns, type of food purchased (loose or packed), and place of purchase. Primary data were collected from consumers and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to assess the significance of associations among variables. This study investigates the influence of socio-demographic factors, family income, educational status, age, and occupation on consumer food purchasing behavior, focusing on expenditure patterns, type of food purchased (loose or packed), and place of purchase. Primary data were collected from (200) respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ²) tests at a 5% significance level. Results indicate a significant association between family income and the proportion of income spent on food (χ² = 17.31), with lower-income households allocating 15–30% of income and higher-income households 16–30%, reflecting differential expenditure behavior. Educational status significantly influenced food preferences (χ² = 23.90), with lower-educated respondents favoring loose foods and higher-educated respondents preferring packed foods. Age (χ² = 7.45) and occupation (χ² = 9.60) were significantly associated with food type, while age (χ² = 25.37) and occupation (χ² = 27.60) influenced the place of purchase, highlighting differences between supermarkets, retail shops, and wholesale markets. Overall, younger, better-educated, and higher-income respondents, particularly in business or service occupations, favored packed foods and organized retail outlets, whereas older respondents and housewives preferred loose foods and traditional markets. These findings underscore the critical role of socio-economic and demographic factors in shaping food purchasing behavior and emphasize the need for targeted awareness programs and policy interventions to promote safe, informed, and healthy food consumption.