Food packaging and its influence on Thai' elderly consumer's [sic] food choices : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Packaging Technology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2010
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Massey University
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Abstract
Advancing age is leading to changes in consumer needs, desires and aptitude. One need
which is continuous, regardless of age, is the need for food. For some consumer’s [sic] age
associated change can consequently limit their ability in grocery shopping and opening
of food packages. Openability of food packaging for aged consumer is seen to be a
major problem because some types of packages are difficult to open. As a consequence
there is an actual need to provide elderly consumers with more supportive environment
when grocery shopping and supportive instrument when using the packages by
providing sufficient packaging functions.
This research is in grocery shopping behaviour and attitude of older consumer (60 +) in
different culture associated with various different types of food packaging and
packaging utilisation. The aim of this research was to determine the different culture of
consumers in grocery shopping behaviour and experience of elder consumers in
Bangkok, Thailand with the aged from 60 years and over.
Data collection involved quantitative (Questionnaire survey) and qualitative (Focus
group) with elder consumers aged from 60 years. The quantitative findings are collected
from a consumer questionnaire (n= 100), which mainly focused on consumer grocery
shopping behaviour related to packaging utilisation and problems encountered. The
result of questionnaire collections were then analysed using the Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS) version 15. Next, qualitative Focus groups defined in depth the
grocery shopping experience as well as packaging utilisation. Each focus group
consisted of six or seven adults and was carried out in a familiar social setting. Both the
qualitative and quantitative results have identified shopping patterns and motivations for
purchase decisions among this age group, and show that elderly consumer interface with
both positive and negative experiences when accessing food products.
The result shows that the majority of elder people in Bangkok normally go grocery
shopping on a weekly basis in one of the multiple food retailers. Most of the
participants had already retired from work and they are commonly living with their
family member but they do their own house work. However, living situation did not have any affect [sic] in grocery shopping or packaging utilisation. Education and income
could be factors that affect purchase decisions and packaging used. Packaging labels
seems to be a major problem for aged consumers, as they find them difficult to read. In
terms of packaging utilisation, most problems occurred with the packaging closure
rather than packaging itself. Consumer health can affect packaging utilisation and
openability of some type of packages which could lead to injury. The thesis discusses
the advantages and disadvantages of various different types of food packaging.
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Keywords
Consumer behaviour, Older consumers