1.1 - Global patterns of food consumption

1.1 - Global patterns of food consumption

1. Higher income, urbanisation, demographic shifts, improved transportation and consumer perceptions regarding safety and quality mean global food consumption is changing

   • Changes in food consumption = more trade and changes in composition of world agriculture trade

2. Prices between developed and developing countries varies

   • As developing countries get higher income
     • Meat demand increases
     • Increased import of livestock feed
   • Diet diversification + higher demand for better quality labour saving products
     • Increased imports of high value processed food products

3. Consumer groups in developed countries brought animal welfare and organic production of food to attention

   • As a result, public and private sectors now have mandatory quality control, management and assurance schemes (However don't always work)

4. Fasted growing sector of food trade is process consumer goods

   • Pastry, prepared foods and chocolate have grown in world trade by nearly 10% per year over past 15yrs
     • Accounts for more than $15 billion in world trade - exceeds world wheat trade
       • Wheat, corn, coffee and cocoa beans account for most trade in bulk commodities

5. Per capita consumption of coffee, milk, eggs and red meat has declined significantly during past 30 yrs

   • Consumption of cheese, soft drinks, poultry increased

6. Ability to buy food is a primary factor in GFC

   • Consumers in high-income countries such as US spend large share of food budget on meat
   • Low income such as Kenya - cereal is more predominant
   • As income levels rise - more diverse diet

7. Better trade and transport improved food availability and quality

8. Lifestyle changes relating to urbanisation change

   • 2030 - 6/10 people will live in an urban area
     • Fast paced more affluent dual income households
       • Higher value more processed food with smaller prep time

9. Once basic needs are met demand for good quality increases

   • Increased hugely in developed countries in recent yrs as consumers develop a conscience and media scrutiny highlights issues
   • Led to many more organic products available in supermarkets