Study of the beef consumption pattern in the city of Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

<span>The objective of this study was to identify beef consumption patterns compared to the consumption of chicken meat, pork, fish and lamb. The data were collected by questionnaire applied to the population of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Social, educational, economic and specific factors of beef consumption in relation to the order of consumption, meat attributes and consumer preference were included. The study was conducted on 429 consumers interviewed at the entrance of supermarkets. Important concern of consumers regarding attributes related to hygiene, color, flavor and tenderness was noted. With respect to nutritional value, 41.03% of consumers believe that beef is more nutritious than other meats. Analysis of the frequency of meat consumption showed that 45.92% of the subjects have the habit to eat beef daily. Regarding the order of consumption, beef was reported as the first option (80.65% of the responses), followed by chicken meat, pork, fish and lamb. A change in the responses was observed when the price of meat was disregarded, with an increase in the preference for fish consumption, although beef was still chosen as the first option.