FACTORS AFFECTING CONSUMER PREFERENCES OF FOOD AWAY FROM HOME IN TOKAT PROVINCE OF TURKEY

This study focuses on determining the consumption structure of FAFH (Food Away From Home), socioeconomic and demographic factors affecting the consumption of the households in the center of Tokat province in Turkey. A survey applied to 280 urban households in Tokat province in the period of February-March 2006 by using face-to-face discussion technique has been used as the main material of the study. Chi-square test has been applied in analyzing the factors affecting consumption of FAFH. According to the study findings, there is a significant relation between households' tendency of consuming FAFH and gender, age, father's and mother's education, marital status and level of income. As a result, it can be said that it is of vital importance to investigate the existence of current condition. It will be possible to make predictions on future by determining this current condition in the light of the results of this research on consumption of FAFH which is increasing due to the development in the center of Tokat province. The research can be considered to be worthwhile for arranging the policies help the region develop and raising the level of prosperity.