The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fish and food perception, consumption, and purchasing behaviors of Turkish consumers

Sühendan Mol; Seda Karakaş Geyik; Yusuf Süren

doi:10.3153/AR24003

EN

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fish and food perception, consumption, and purchasing behaviors of Turkish consumers

Abstract

The fact that the coronavirus was detected in the Wuhan fish market has affected attitudes toward food, especially fish. This survey questioned the opinions and behaviours during and after lockdowns to understand the temporary and permanent effects of the pandemic. Respondents were concerned about virus transmission from food, especially during lockdowns (58%), while less concerned about transmission from fish (22.9%). Although the majority (57.1%) think that eating fish protects against the virus, they (˃60%) did not tend to consume more fish. Most respondents (49.6%) were concerned about food shortages and experienced food insecurity. Food consumption increased (58%) during lockdowns but decreased (29%) afterwards. Vegetables/fruits (51.4%), bakery (48.4%), grains/legumes (37.5%) consumption increased due to home cooking, and chicken preferred as animal protein. Although respondents preferred to buy online and packaged food, the majority (˃60%) were concerned about the freshness of online-ordered fish and did not prefer it (˃80%). Participants stocked food during the lockdowns (47.3%) but did not make it a habit afterwards. Respondents' answers showed that fish prices increased for budget during the pandemic. Findings will be helpful for the seafood sector and contribute to creating resilient and sustainable food environments that can better respond to future shocks that may affect humanity.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Ethical Statement

The survey titled "The Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Consumption of Seafood and Other Foods" with file number 2022/106 was discussed at the meeting of Istanbul University Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee dated 30.05.2022 and numbered 06 and found ethically appropriate. Verification code: BSRSPLA6E3 Pin code: 25652 Document tracking address: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/istanbul-universitesi-ebys Approval no: E-35980450-663.05-952818

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Food Sciences (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Sühendan Mol ^*
0000-0003-3831-5107
Türkiye

Seda Karakaş Geyik
0000-0003-2218-6689
Türkiye

Yusuf Süren
0009-0005-6233-0886
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

December 6, 2023

Publication Date

January 3, 2024

Submission Date

September 19, 2023

Acceptance Date

October 16, 2023

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 7 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3153/AR24003

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA28TZ57BS

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Mol, S., Karakaş Geyik, S., & Süren, Y. (2024). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fish and food perception, consumption, and purchasing behaviors of Turkish consumers. Aquatic Research, 7(1), 15-29. https://doi.org/10.3153/AR24003

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fish and food perception, consumption, and purchasing behaviors of Turkish consumers

Abstract

Keywords

Öz

Supporting Institution

Ethical Statement

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Early Pub Date

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

Cite