Effect of the main demographic moments and income relations on the consumption of foods

Attila, Lajos

Extent and composition of food consumption is determined by different factors.

Out of the demographic causes, the multitude of the polulation sets the extent of food consumption, the age-structure, the mean age, the ratio of sexes, etc. are reflected in the composition of the food consumed. Food consumption, in turn, is reflected in the number, age structure, average age and health of the population.

The satisfaction of food demands is secured by the incomes of the population. Basically, the income per person is decisive in summing up the expenses spent for food. With the inceasing incomes diminition of the size of families, the ratio of expenses per person assigned for purchasing food is mounting. This will move the demand in the direction of more valuable foods, however, the ratio of expenses assigned to food will diminish. Those phenomena form the profile of the structure of consumption.

The prevailing customs of consumption are highly responsible for the demand and the composition of certain foods. Their general attribute is a considerable rigidity difficult to change, therefore their effect on food consumption is permanent, on the long run.

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