An econometric analysis of Irish households' Food Away From Home (FAFH) expenditure patterns 1994-2000

Abstract

In this thesis, the factors shaping Irish households’ Food-Away-From-Home (FAFH) expenditure decisions are analysed using the 1994/5 and 1999/2000 Irish Household Budget Survey datasets. Chapter 1 outlines why FAFH is selected as the variable of interest in this analysis, particularly as it has experienced considerable growth in Ireland in recent times. In addition, a comparative analysis is undertaken of FAFH expenditure in the UK. As the UK market is at a more mature stage of development than its Irish equivalent an analysis of this market may indicate factors which will influence growth in the Irish FAFH market into the future. Due to the diversity of the FAFH industry in both Ireland and the UK a disaggregated analysis is undertaken with the two largest components of the industry, the quick-service (fast food and takeaway) and full-service (hotel and restaurant meals) sectors being analysed separately. While a variety of factors are influencing growth in both scctors of the market health awareness and the demand for convenience have been identified as among the most important.