The microeconomic approach to food demand modelling: empirical results for Croatian households

This paper provides a detailed analysis of food expenditures of Croatian households by using microeconomic approach and food system modelling. The aim is to provide the in-depth research of Croatian food demand using a methodology that process household-level consumption data. Consequently, we estimate various economic and socio-demographic parameters affecting aggregate demand for food and empirically derive different food demand elasticities. QUAIDS model have been used in order to perform simultaneous modelling of a demand system with the assumption of a rational consumer, which behaves independently of other consumers. The research results show significant variability in household consumption, which is influenced not only by economic, but also by socio-demographic determinants of demand. The main findings do not deviate in large scale when compared with other (post)transition countries of a similar geo-political profile. These results provide a deeper understanding of Croatian households’ behaviour and could be used as a powerful tool in simulating the effects of public policy changes on a range of indicators, from the consumer well-being to the effects on budget revenues.