TITLE:
Confectionery and Child Consumers: Situation and Solution Proposals
AUTHORS:
Iraz Haspolat Kaya
KEYWORDS:
Children, Nutrition, Sugar, Consumer, Food Preference, Consumer Group
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.10 No.8,
August
7,
2019
ABSTRACT: The group of child consumers differs significantly
from other consumer groups due to the effects of individuals other than
themselves on their preferences as well as motivation factors of consumers’
food choices. In recent years, the effect of the relationship between nutrition
and health on food preferences has increased. The effects of this relationship
on protectionist consumer approaches towards children are more visible. It can
be stated that communication channels, especially social media, increase the
level of this effect. Foods, which are frequently preferred by child consumers
due to their taste and pleasure but contain high calorie value and high sugar
levels associated with obesity; are among the foods that are frequently
discussed. This situation increases the concern of parents about these foods. In this study,
consumption characteristics of sugar and confectionery products and potential
alternatives to these products are discussed with the aim of due
diligence and seeking solutions. It is important to carry out awareness-raising
activities on sugar and sugar products not only for children but also for all
socio-economic and age groups, and to develop policies and strategies for this
purpose. Computer game-based consumer awareness studies can be used for sugar
and confectionery products and for a lively lifestyle in order to provide fast
and direct awareness to children. However, first, it is recommended to
elaborate due diligence in order to determine the quality and quantity of
information and awareness, to identify possible solution proposals with the
participation of all stakeholders and to conduct pilot practices based on
recommendations. It may be more beneficial to carry out these activities for a specific product and consumer groups rather than the
general nutrition and consumer group.