CONSUMERS' INTEREST IN ALTERNATIVE FOOD DELIVERY SYSTEMS: RESULTS FROM A CONSUMER SURVEY IN NEW JERSEY

Changes in consumer demographic composition, information technology, labor force participation, and time demands of the workplace have created demand as well as opportunities for the food retailing industry to deliver food using new alternative methods. Using a logit analysis, this study analyzes consumers’' interest in patronizing four alternative food delivery mechanisms by examining the impacts of various socioeconomic and preference variables on consumers'’ interest in using these services. Data for the study was obtained via surveys conducted at various locations in New Jersey to gather information on consumers’' socioeconomic conditions and their interest in using four different methods of accessing food. Empirical results suggest that younger consumers, individuals with at least college education, and households having a larger food budget are more likely to use these services. Interest in convenience contributes positively while concern over product quality, diversity, and prices negatively affect consumers’' interest in using one or more of these services. Gender, employment and marital statuses, and driving distance to nearest supermarket have effects on consumers'’ interest level for some, but not all, of the alternative food delivery methods analyzed.