Purchase of food in large packages in the aspect of food waste in Poland

Abstract

Food waste has become one of the top issues for individuals and organisations involved in food marketing and food policy. The presence of food waste and ways to reduce food waste has generated debate among industry stakeholders, policymakers and consumer groups. One of the key reasons for food waste in households is not consuming the product in a timely manner, which results in its deterioration or expiration. In the article, the authors presented the results of the research on purchasing and consumption behaviour in the food market in Poland, with particular emphasis on buying products in large packaging. The survey results show that in Poland only 1/4 of consumers who buy food in large packages consume the entire product. A relatively high percentage (35%) of the respondents declared that they throw away the purchased product. This is very disturbing behaviour leading to food wastage.