Food Cultures and Consumption Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Food Cultures and Consumption - Research Paper Example This food culture is considered a part of the social identity of these people and is a part of their tradition and heritage. Hence, it is important to study the food culture and consumption habits of people while making studies on the human consumption behavior. Symbolic association between food and culture There is a symbolic association between different preparations of food and the consumption habits of people in different cultural background. One more aspect of food is defined by beverages. Beverages form an important part of food in every culture. In many communities, such as in European countries, China and Japan, consumption of wine resembles their cultural heritage of brewing high quality of wine. Wine consumption is itself identified as a separate field of study and scores of researchers have conducted specific research works on wine consumption habits of people. Research works in psychology, sociology as well as anthropology has evidences of mention of wine consumption habi ts of the population. It is deeply instilled within the cultural connotation of the community (Goodman, 2009). Research shows that in almost all communities around the world, traditional meetings, festivals and cultural gatherings reflect the presence of food as a part of festivity or occasion. Food is a key factor in social interactions and acts as an important mechanism for determining relationships among community members (Rijswijk & Frewer, 2008). Often varied communication channels are discovered among nonmembers during discussion over food during snacks breaks, lunch or dinner. However, according to some researchers claim that the food habits of people, although closely associated with their traditional background, are highly affected by the changing nature of the countries under effect of globalization. Irrespective of the current food consumption pattern of the people, it is claimed by researchers that food habit of the population is representative of the population group an d changing food habits are symbolic of the evolving cultures of these communities. New horizons in marketing opportunities In this era of globalization, the effect of the culture and practices of the western society has spread to almost all the countries. In developing countries of Asia and Africa, westernization has affected the growth pattern of these countries. This shows that the growth process embraces the practices of the western countries of the USA and the countries of the European continent. This implicates that there is a strong relation between the growth of a society and their food habits. Companies all around the globe are utilizing this opportunity to expand their services, add new products to their portfolios and capture new markets within the country as well as internationally. In social functions or business meetings, people often discuss and sort out business issues or even establish new contracts. In this scenario, food habits play a major role in developing and a ugmenting contacts. Marketers can enhance the business activities of their companies by intervening into the food consumption pattern of people. Two distinct cultures are visible in this context, association of food and wine and between food and beer. Research works show that the food and beer are not as popular among different communities as food and wine. There is a perceived