DETERMINANTS OF PURCHASE AND CONSUMPTION OF CONVENIENCE FOODS – SURVEY OF POLISH RESPONDENTS.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing consumers' purchasing decisions and frequency of convenience food consumption, including qualitative (gender, generation, income level) and quantitative (attitudes towards new foods, values held and lifestyle) factors. Design/methodology/approach: The research instrument was a survey questionnaire administered through the CAWI method using Google forms. The research was conducted in the spring of 2023 in Gdynia, Pomeranian Voivodeship (Northern Poland). To select the respondents for the survey sample, the snowball sampling technique was used. They also acknowledged the inherent risk factors associated with conducting an interview using the CAWI method. The interview questionnaire consisted of thematic blocks including scales on: lifestyle, food neophobia (FNS), convenience food purchasing habits, frequency of convenience food consumption and intention to purchase convenience foods, and a metric. Findings: The research carried out showed that the use of convenience foods of convenience foods varies widely and can depend on factors such as: gender generation, level of monthly income, lifestyle. It was found that generation Z is more likely, compared to generations X and Y, to express an intention to consume convenience foods, new foods and are interested in unconventional food trends. Research limitations/implications: Our study has some limitations. Identification of factors influencing purchase decisions and frequency of convenience food consumption by consumers belonging to generations X, Y, Z was carried out using snowball sampling among residents of Gdynia. The results of the study are therefore not representative of the entire Polish population and should be interpreted with caution. Practical implications: Our findings can be used as a basis for discussion and reflection on the development of smart food systems using information and communication technologies (ICTs) that provide consumers (Generations X, Y, Z) with knowledge about the range and quality of convenience foods and help them to enjoy convenience foods. Originality/value: The change in consumption trends observed in recent years creates new challenges for convenience foods, which not only simplify meal preparation but also heavily influence the nutritional quality of food. Therefore, convenience food manufacturers should consider the preferences and needs of Generation Z when designing such products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]