TRENDS IN AVERAGE ANNUAL FOOD CONSUMPTION PER INHABITANT IN ROMANIA

The paper aimed to analyze the dynamics and trends in average annual food consumption of the population in Romania based on the empirical data provided by National Institute of Statistics for the period 2014-2020. Fixed basis index, growth rate, regression equation, coefficient of determination, graphical method and comparisons were the main procedures used to process. Cereals consumption declined by 1.26%, accounting for 204.4 kg/capita in 2020 and wheat and rye have the highest share in consumption. In the studied interval, vegetable consumption increased by +6.28%, accounting for 194.4 kg in 2020. Consumption decreased for potatoes (-7.4%) and cabbage, while for onion remained the same. Tomatoes reached 42.1 kg (+10.5%) and keep the top position among vegetables. Fruits consumption increased by +34.1%, reaching 107.6 kg in 2020. The consumption increase for (+15.5%), plums (+68%), grapes (+27.4%), peaches (+12.1%), melons (+5.5%), and nuts, while for cherries remained relatively constant and for apricots declined. Romanians consume 39.5 kg Mediterranean and exotic fruits by + 53.6% more, exceeding the apple consumption. Sugar consumption increased 25.5 kg in 2020 (+20.8%), while egg consumption decreased to 236 pieces (-4.1%. Milk and dairy products consumption increased 252.6 litres in 2020 (+3.4%). Oil consumption increased to 18.3 kg with 85.2% share in vegetal fats. Butter consumption account for 3.5 kg/capita. Meat consumption is by +27% higher in 2020, accounting for 77.4 kg/capita. Pork keeps its top position with 38.3 kg (+28.6%), being followed by poultry meat 28 kg (+39.3%). Pork keeps 48.1% and poultry meat 36.1% in meat consumption and together accounting for 84.2%. Fish consumption reached 6.3 kg (+38.5, while honey attained 0.8 kg. Income and price are the main factors influencing buying decision and consumption in Romania, besides product quality, landmark and fidelity, life style and desire to a healthier diet. Consumption plays an important role in GDP creation, and that is why the authorities have to increase salaries and pensions, income per household in a word and to establish thresholds among which prices could vary to stimulate consumption.