An Online Survey of Consumers of Maharashtra Concerning the Expected Change in the Meat and Meat Product Business

The present study was conducted to understand non-vegetarian consumer behavior, preferences, hygienic considerations and their expected changes in meat selling business. A questionnaire in Marathi language was designed with Google form for this online survey. Under these 194 (172 Male and 21 Female) respondents from all regions of Maharashtra state were surveyed. The study revealed that majority of consumers (90.21%) preferred hot, freshly slaughtered chicken meat (77.32%) which include all body parts of the carcass (56.19%) and them (70.62%) usually preferred to eat non-vegetarian food once or twice in a week. About 68.59% consumers preferred skinless chicken carcass slaughtered by any ritual method (53.76%). The study indicates that most of the consumers (70.62%) usually buy meat from the meat shop near to their residence and nearly 42.78% consumers showed concern about cleanliness and hygienic condition of the meat selling shop where from they buy non-veg products. Most of the consumers (82.38%) showed their willingness to purchase home delivery of minimal handled hygienic meat and for this they (86.17%) are ready to pay a slightly higher price. It indicates consumer concern about safety of food, but surprisingly, they are unaware of the food laws, quality guidelines, food safety standard. Almost all consumers (96.89%) agreed that there is a need to raise awareness and to educate consumers regarding this issue.

• The Maharashtrian consumers usually preferred freshly slaughtered chicken meat.

• Consumers are concerned about safety of non-veg food.

• They showed willingness to buy home delivery of machine cut meat.

• They are ready to pay slightly higher price for this.