Consumers and Consumption

Consumers and consumption are different when it comes to food compared with many other products. Some very specific conditions apply to food consumers and food consumption. The role of income is relatively clear: The consumption of animal-based foods—of which meat accounts for a significant share—increases in line with economic income, while the consumption of vegetable products is almost constant. The share of vegetable-based food will decline in line with increasing income. However, vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians belong to a small but rapidly growing population group in major parts of the world. Convenience, including takeaway food, eating out and catering, is becoming increasingly important with regards to food demand. Market shares for discount stores are also increasing in many countries. The prevalence of the political consumer is increasing, also driven by increasing income.