Demand for meat quantitu and quality in Malaysia: Implications to Australia

As per capita income increases, consumers do not only demand for a greater quantity but also higher quality of food. The objective of this study is to examine the demand for meat quantity and quality in Malaysia. By using the Household Expenditure Survey 2004/05 data, expenditure, quantity, and quality expenditures are obtained via Engel curves analyses. The empirical results show that Malaysians are increasingly demanding for quality meat products. To be more specific, urban consumers are more likely to spend on higher quality meat products than rural consumers. By understanding and reacting to the changes in demand for meat products in Malaysia, Australia can offer the right range of meat products earlier than other competitors while continue enjoying their market leadership in the niche of quality meat segments