Description

Abstract: Using food intake survey data collected in Bulgaria in 1997, this study identified socioeconomic and demographic factors affecting demand for varied diet as measured by the count of food items and Entropy index. Consumer preference for food variety exhibited different patterns depending on the length of time allowed for consumption. Estimated correlation coefficients indicated that daily variety deviated from that measured weekly and monthly. Regression analysis showed that regional effects differed across the three periods of time, illustrating that the length of time allowed for consumption is an important element in measuring the demand for food variety.