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Changes in Frozen Food Consumption Trends Amid Price Increases

In February, the Japan Frozen Food Association conducted a survey among 1,250 individuals aged 25 and older regarding their consumption of frozen foods, revealing a notable increase in the use of frozen vegetables. This shift comes as people adapt to rising food prices without significantly reducing their overall frozen food purchases.

Increased Frequency of Use

The findings indicate a slight rise in the frequency of frozen food consumption among both men and women. Over 20% of respondents reported that their usage has increased compared to last year, with young adults aged 25 to 34 showing the most significant growth. The survey revealed that women's increased usage can be attributed largely to the soaring prices of fresh produce.

• - Average Weekly Use: Women now average 1.9 times a week (up from 1.8), while men average 1.8 (up from 1.7).
• - Notably, 29.6% of young women and 23.2% of young men stated that their consumption frequency had increased compared to last year.

Reasons for Increased Usage

Increased usage frequency among women is prominently linked to rising costs of fresh produce. Responses indicated that the percentage of women who noted this reason increased from 24.1% last year to 33.6% this year. Moreover, among women who reported increased consumption of frozen foods, the usage of frozen vegetables rose by 6 percentage points to 33.9%.

Attitudes Towards Saving

The survey also highlighted a growing awareness of the need to save amidst frequent food price hikes. Approximately 81.4% of women and 68.8% of men reported being more conscious of their spending, marking a shift in consumer behavior. However, compared to women, men reported a lower inclination to adapt their purchasing habits in response to price increases.

Purchase Behavior and Frozen Foods

Unlike other food items, the percentage of individuals reporting a decrease in their frozen food purchases was notably low (4.2% of women and 2.6% of men). This resistance to reducing frozen food purchases contrasts sharply with declines in other categories, such as fruits, vegetables, and snacks. The reasons provided by many respondents emphasized the unchanged necessity of frozen products and the convenience they offer in meal preparation.

The Convenience Factor

Frozen foods are increasingly recognized for their time-saving qualities. While lower percentages of women (27%) and men (15%) expressed feelings of guilt over serving frozen items as side dishes or main courses, satisfaction levels regarding time efficiency were high. For frozen foods, the convenience factor significantly outweighs the expense concern, especially among working professionals juggling busy schedules.

In conclusion, the latest survey offers valuable insights into consumer behavior regarding frozen food usage amid economic pressures. Frozen vegetables stand out as a growing preference, serving both practical needs and economical choices. For more in-depth information, please refer to the full press release from the Japan Frozen Food Association.