FOOD CHOICE CRITERIA IN THE ERA OF GLOBAL CRISIS.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to check how the external factors, for example the pandemic or high inflation rate, influence the behavior of food consumers. Design/methodology/approach: The main method was the survey questionnaire conducted among 2000 consumers in Poland on a representative sample. Findings: The external factor such as the pandemic influenced the change of consumer behavior when it comes to the food choice. Usually consumers considered less characteristics of food, but the main food choice criteria remained almost the same, such as: best before date, price, ingredients and the country of origin. Research limitations/implications: The results are limited to the Polish market, however can be continued and expanded for other external factors and other markets. Practical implications: The results of this study show how the participants of the food market should be prepared for various crisis. Originality/value: This paper shows how the external conditions of various sources can influence and change the food market and consumers behavior. It is addressed to researchers and professionals operating in food market, food choice, consumers behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]