Exploring Disparities and Similarities in European Food Consumption Patterns

This paper investigates the heterogeneity of food consumption patterns in Europe. The

analysis relies on a wide set of indicators, namely the structure of calorie, protein and fat consumption

as well as the consumption of main foodstuffs. Clusters based on estimated income elasticity of

calorie and protein demand are also reported. Income elasticities of animal products tend to exceed

those corresponding to the total calorie demand. The same pattern holds true for the elasticity of

demand for proteins. Main dimensions of consumption are identified based on factor analysis and

used subsequently for the purpose of clustering countries. The hard core clusters are those that remain

stable regardless of the algorithm used in classification or the indicators as a proxy of food consumption

patterns. A limited number of hard core clusters of countries emerged. The paper concludes with

a discussion of clusters with homogeneous patterns of consumption.