Legume consumption in France: analysis of household purchasing decisions.

Summary Introduction and purpose of the study: Legume-based products have the dual advantage of being good for human health and the environment. They are sources of plant protein that can substitute animal products that are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The consumption of legumes is promoted by the FAO since 2016. In France, this consumption remains low. Our study aims to better understand the determinants of French households' purchasing decisions of legume-based products. Material and methods: The data come from Kantar Worldpanel surveys. Our sample is composed of the purchases of 5006 households in 2015. The products purchased include legumes in their raw, processed, and ingredient forms in various preparations. The purchase decision is modeled by the probability of purchase and by the quantities purchased. We applied a "double hurdle" specification that models sequential behavior on the part of households. The explanatory variables are demographic, geographic, socio-economic and anthropometric characteristics of the panelists. Results and Statistical Analysis: In the panel, 6.8% of households never purchase these products. Among buyers, the average quantity consumed is 3.63 kg/year/head. According to our estimates, the quantity purchased by the household whose panelist is in the 45-64 age group is 1.11kg/year/head higher than that in the 18-44 age group. Households residing in the South purchase 0.21kg/year/head more than those in the North. The probability of purchasing is positively associated with households in the lower median income brackets, but with lower quantities purchased. Intermediate occupations purchase lower quantities than the reference category "employees/workers". The level of education below the baccalaureate is positively associated with the quantity purchased. The quantity purchased is also positively associated with the category of household whose panelist is overweight. Furthermore, our study highlights the positive role of self-production on the probability of purchasing legumes. Conclusion: In particular, our results show the importance of socioeconomic status and generational effect in household purchase decisions, which should inform policies to promote legume consumption.