The Influence of Food Mile Concept on Purchase Behavior and Pattern for Indian Consumers

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineThe complexity and competitiveness of the food market can be seen in India and also in the rest of the world. This complexity and competitiveness are due to globalization, increase of new entrants both international and domestic in the food sector, change in lifestyle, and the increase of nuclear family with working women and emigration of consumers from rural to urban and within nations for better job opportunities. We can see that around the world food variety is increasing and also there is a huge change in the economic and social condition of different nations, due to these changing environmental factors, the food consuming pattern and purchase behavior of the consumers have changed drastically. This also has to lead to a change in the food business industry and thus India is now seeing more of imported food product in India. newlineAfter China, India is the 2nd largest producer of food. In the next 10 years, India s food production is likely to grow more. With the increase in various domestic sectors of the food industry in India, there is a huge chance of the increase in the imported food market in India too. A big question lies in front of all of us, What would be the face of Indian food Industry, both Local and Global? Definitely, the answer lies in the lifestyle, income and consumer preferences. We can see that in the last two decades the incomes of Indian consumer has increased many folds due to globalization and industrialization, which has increased the disposable income of the Indian families. The influence of western culture through media and entertainment industry has brought in changing lifestyle. Indian consumers staying abroad who are coming to India for visit or Indian consumers who are traveling abroad for various reasons are bringing different taste preferences among Indian consumers. newlineThe different food sections in the food industry which are showing rapid growth are dairy products, sugar products, fruits and vegetables, coffee and tea, spices, nuts and gourmet food.