Factors influencing the demand for health food in the market

The rate of customers purchase health food has increased and the worldwide market is growing in a rapid rate.  This makes the demand to grow in a faster rate as customers are concerned with food safety and   their purchasing decision is made for health foods (Baourakis, 2004).  There are various factors which influence the demand and some of them are;

 Availability

 There are many specialist retailers and distribution channels   which dominate the market.  Health food is readily available as it sold in supermarkets and specialist shops. Distributing channels such as mail order and farmers makes it easy for customers to access health foods (Baourakis, 2004).  For example in UK, there are 10 retail outlets which are controlled by specialist retailers.  A research on demand and supply has confirmed that the demand will increase in higher rate and the only problem which will affect the economy is lack of supply (Baourakis, 2004).  For example in Germany, the internal demand is very high and it is not possible to   meet the demand.  Despite the fact that UK is making much effort to ensure that it meets the demands of its customers, 75% of health food is imported.

Health

Consumers are concerned with healthy foods which are not grown with chemical and they are rich in nutrients.  They are motivated by health aspects and the mentality that health foods contain nutritional quality (Baourakis, 2004).  In addition, health fruits and vegetables are fresh compared with conventionally food. Customers also avoid food safety problems and so they go for affordable quality food.

Ethical issue

Consumers are concerned with environmental issues.  They   want to preserve soil fertility, reduce water pollution, and encourage animal welfare and biodiversity.   Intensive farming is contributing to environmental problems. Generally, consumers are valuing environment, human being, and animals.  For example, 50% of Italians who consume health foods are environmental activists (Baourakis, 2004).

 

 

 

 

Reference

Baourakis, G. (2004). Marketing trends for organic food in the 21st century. River Edge, NJ: World Scientific.