Exploring disparities and similarities in European food consumption patterns

Dan A. Petrovici (), Christopher Ritson and Mitchell Ness
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Dan A. Petrovici: Kent Business School, University of Kent, Parkwood Road, Canterbury, CT2 7PE, United Kingdom.
Christopher Ritson: School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Agriculture building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
Mitchell Ness: School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Agriculture building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.

Cahiers d'Economie et Sociologie Rurales, 2005, vol. 75, 24-49

Abstract: This paper investigates the heterogeneity of food consumption patterns in Europe. The analysis relies on a wide set of indicators, namely the structure of calorie, protein and fat consumption as well as the consumption of main foodstuffs. Clusters based on estimated income elasticity of calorie and protein demand are also reported. Income elasticities of animal products tend to exceed those corresponding to the total calorie demand. The same pattern holds true for the elasticity of demand for proteins. Main dimensions of consumption are identified based on factor analysis and used subsequently for the purpose of clustering countries. The hard core clusters are those that remain stable regardless of the algorithm used in classification or the indicators as a proxy of food consumption patterns. A limited number of hard core clusters of countries emerged. The paper concludes with a discussion of clusters with homogeneous patterns of consumption.

Keywords: food consumption patterns; Europe; factor analysis; cluster analysis; hard-core clusters (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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