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Food consumption and demographics in Japan: Implications for an aging population

Author

Listed:
  • Mauricio V.L. Bittencourt

    (Department of Economics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil 80210-170)

  • Ratapol P. Teratanavat

    (Marketing Information and Consumer Research (MICR), Philip Morris USA, Chesterfield, VA 23832)

  • Wen S. Chern

    (Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, Ohio State University. Columbus, OH 43211)

Abstract

This study estimates a cross-sectional model based on the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) to examine the determinants of food consumption patterns in Japan over life-cycle periods. The test of structural changes, the analysis of the effects of demographic characteristics, and the estimation of expenditure and price elasticities are conducted from a random sample of 1,281 households from a Japanese household survey in 1997. Results show that each economic or noneconomic factor has a different impact on food consumption over a lifetime. Changes in consumption of some food groups can be explained by price and income effects where others can be explained by demographic characteristics. Financial constraint is not binding and residential location is likely to have little or no impact on predicting consumers' food choices at different periods of their lives. Other key factors that affect consumption pattern include family size, number of children, lifestyle, and health concern. [EconLit citations: C310, D120, D910.] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 529-551, 2007.

Suggested Citation

  • Mauricio V.L. Bittencourt & Ratapol P. Teratanavat & Wen S. Chern, 2007. "Food consumption and demographics in Japan: Implications for an aging population," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 23(4), pages 529-551.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:agribz:v:23:y:2007:i:4:p:529-551
    DOI: 10.1002/agr.20136
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