Consumers' Perception and Preference for the Consumption of Wild Game Meat among Adults in Poland.

Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina,Tomasz Owczarek,Jadwiga Hamulka,Agnieszka Latoch,Dariusz M Stasiak

doi:10.3390/foods11060830

Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina, Tomasz Owczarek + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11060830

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Abstract

Wild game meat can be a healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to meat from farm animals. The aims of this study were to know the preferences and opinions of Polish consumers regarding game meat and its use in their diet, and to identify consumer segments based on differences in individual game meat choices, concerns, and eating habits related to game meat. The survey was conducted using the platform for online surveys among 1261 adult Poles. Six clusters characterizing the behavior of game consumers were identified (casual consumers, occasional game gourmets, indifferent consumers, occasional consumers, accidental consumers, wild game lovers) and four clusters among those who do not eat game (uninterested, restricted, dislikers, fearful). It has been found that wild game is more often eaten by hunters and their family or friends. The most common reasons for not consuming game are high prices, low availability, no family tradition, and unacceptable taste. Many positive respondents eat game because of its nutritional value but are concerned about the potential health risks and lack of cooking skills. The results of this study indicate the need for information programs for consumers about this meat. They will provide guidance to meat companies about consumer preferences for game and allow them to develop appropriate marketing strategies.

Highlights

Increasing nutritional awareness and concern for their health make consumers pay attention more and more often to the amount of food consumed and to its quality, nutritional value, health benefits, and the origin of the food products
Increasing attention is being paid to the hazards of, or the natural environment associated with, industrial livestock farming
A questionnaire provided on a webpage increased the sense of anonymity and gave an opportunity to participate in the study at a time convenient for the respondent

Summary

Introduction

Increasing nutritional awareness and concern for their health make consumers pay attention more and more often to the amount of food consumed and to its quality, nutritional value, health benefits, and the origin of the food products. Food safety, food sustainability, and reducing the climate change impact of food production are becoming increasingly important. Increasing attention is being paid to the hazards of, or the natural environment associated with, industrial livestock farming. Animal production is the cause of unfavorable climate changes and is a source of air pollution (carbon footprint). Incorrect conditions on farms cause the spread of zoonoses, generating further diseases [1–3]. Greater numbers of consumers consciously approach the issue of ethical food sourcing, including obtaining alternative raw material, as opposed to intensive livestock farming [2,4,5]

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