Household food consumption in Turkey

This paper analyses Turkish household food consumption, using data from the 2003 Turkish Household Expenditure Survey. A complete demand system is estimated taking into account demographic differences and zero consumption. The highest expenditure elasticity is found for the meat and meat products group, suggesting that its demand will grow faster than the demand for other products as the economy develops and income increases. Demand is more price-responsive for fats and oils and non-alcoholic beverages than all other food products. Regional and seasonal differences and socio-demographic factors are as important as the conventional economic variables in explaining observed differences in the household's food consumption patterns in Turkey.