Study on Consumer Habits in the Kisvárda District

This study was prepared based on research conducted by the Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association examining food consumption habits. The research was carried out in three settlements of varying population sizes, geographic scales, and infrastructure within the Kisvárda District—specifically, in the villages of Újdombrád and Pátroha, as well as in the town of Kisvárda.

The study was conducted with a balanced distribution across different age groups in each settlement—namely among individuals aged 25–39, 40–59, and those aged 60 or above. This approach was chosen based on our experience and various surveys, which suggest significant differences in food purchasing and consumption habits across generations.

Thus, in each of the three settlements, respondents were proportionally represented from each age group. The aim of the research was to test our assumptions, including the hypothesis that as settlement size and population increase, the proportion of people purchasing food from supermarkets also increases, while the same proportion decreases with advancing age. Another hypothesis, based on our observations, posits that convenience and time-saving aspects are the primary motivations for those who prefer shopping at supermarkets—particularly among the younger and middle-aged population.

We also examined the prevalence of food self-sufficiency (i.e., the domestic production of food), to determine whether there are differences in this practice based on settlement size and population, as well as among the different age groups studied.

Home-based food production has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years; however, in our view, its development remains a slow process due to a variety of factors. One such factor is time, which particularly affects the younger and middle-aged population and hinders their involvement in domestic food production. In addition to evaluating current engagement in food self-sufficiency, we also assessed the willingness to produce food at home among those who, for various reasons, are not currently engaged in such practices.

A separate section of the study focuses on the frequency of consumption of specific food categories (such as luxury items, fast food, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and organic products) and the reasons behind either their consumption or avoidance. Based on our experience, current dietary trends are shifting toward more health-conscious eating habits. Accordingly, our hypothesis in this area was that the proportion of individuals citing health-related reasons for consuming fewer luxury and fast food products—and more fish, vegetables, and fruits—would be higher among urban residents and younger generations who are more likely to follow such trends.

Where applicable, we also referred to existing academic literature to support certain hypotheses, acknowledging that this research covers only a relatively small geographical area of Hungary.

The full study can be viewed and downloaded at the "Documents" section.