Consumer’s Preferences for Indigenous Functional Foods of Haryana State in India

Abstract

: Consumption preferences for the different functional food products were assessed by interviewing consumers with the structured questionnaire. Focus group discussion revealed various functional foods commonly consumed in the research locale. There were different groups of product found to be consumed like namely curries/dhals, sweets, drinks, medicinal foods, Chutneys and others. Consumer preferences vary with different functional food products. The preferences factors associated with the consumer choice are dependents on the personal choices and not on the socio-cultural restrictions. However, few market based preferences like availability and purchase locations are dependent on the economic factors.  Scenario analysis based on various consumer preference factors affecting the choices revealed some significant factors for innovation.