This study was conducted to investigate whether there were differences in eco-friendly food, home meal replacement (HMR) purchases, and eating-out behavior according to the level of agri-food consumer competence. The data for the study were extracted from main food consumers (n=3,321) in the 2022 Food Consumption Behavior Survey. The competence index was divided into awareness-attitude-practice items, and three groups were classified by competence level. The results showed an agri-food consumer competency score of 70.62, with the highest score for awareness (73.96), followed by practice (69.28) and attitude (66.18). The frequency of purchasing eco-friendly food was higher in the excellent group compared to other groups, and quality and price satisfaction was higher with higher competency (p<0.001). Regarding HMR, the results showed that the shortage group had the lowest HMR consumption rate, and satisfaction decreased as competence decreased (p<0.001). The main reason for eating-out was to enjoy food in all groups (59.0%), followed by a lack of cooking time in the excellent group (15.7%) and hassle with food preparation in the moderate and shortage groups (17.3%, 16.6%) (p<0.001). In short, agri-food consumption competency showed differences by contents and components, and differences in food purchases and eating-out behavior by competency level were found.

Demographic transition drives changes in consumer demand for food products. This study examines how rising incomes and population trends affect spending on food purchased for home. The objective of this study is to characterize the relationships between selected socio-demographic factors and food selection among South Korean households. Panel data from Rural Development Administration (RDA) in South Korea in 2010 was used (n=971). Household food purchases were classified into one of the five food groups from Composition of Foods of RDA. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the effects of household size and income based on the expenditure share on each food group. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS/ PC version 9.3. Results show that household socio- demographic characteristics have a strong influence on food purchasing, with the purchase of vegetables and fruit, and processed food and pre-packaged being particularly sensitive.