Consumer’s perception towards “Ready to Eat” food products in Nagpur city

Abstract:

The present study entitled “Consumer’s Perception towards Ready-to-Eat Food Products in Nagpur City” was undertaken to study the socio-economic characteristics of consumers, assess their awareness regarding various categories of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food products and analyse their preference for major brands. The study was based on primary data collected during 2025-2026 from 90 consumers, comprising 30respondents each from below 25 years, 25-50 years and above 50 years age groups. The data were analysed using simple tabular and percentage analysis. The findings revealed considerable variation in the socio-economic characteristics of consumers across age groups. Females constituted 56.67 per cent of consumers below 25 years and 70.00 per cent of those aged 25-50 years, whereas males constituted 66.67 per cent of consumers above 50 years. Post-graduates accounted for 70.00 and 90.00 per cent of consumers in the below 25 and 25-50 years groups, respectively. 
Regarding RTE food categories, snacks were preferred by 33.33 per cent of consumers below 25 years, while RTE meals were preferred by 36.67 per cent and 33.33 per cent of consumers aged 25-50 years and above 50 years, respectively. Social media was the major source of awareness among consumers below 25 years 46.67 per cent, whereas advertisements were the leading source among consumers above 50 years 36.67 per cent. Regarding brand preference, Haldiram was preferred by 30.00 per cent of younger consumers, while MTR was preferred by 30.00 per cent and 36.67 per cent of consumers in the 25-50 and above 50 years groups, respectively. 
Overall, the study revealed that convenience, changing lifestyles, brand familiarity and accessibility influenced consumer choices, while quality, price, nutritional value and healthiness remained important considerations. The study suggests that RTE food manufacturers should focus on improving product quality, nutritional value, affordability and transparent labelling to meet changing consumer expectations.