Principais aspectos considerados por consumidores na aquisição de carne suína

Abstract

The swine meat has a great importance on the global production and consumption; however, consumption rates in Brazil are still low. Thus, the evaluation of attributes considered important by consumers of swine meat in the purchase of this product helps identify the consumer market demand. This study aimed to identify the main issues considered at the time of purchase by consumers of swine meat residents in some cities from Western Paraná, by applying exploratory and descriptive research. The first consisted of a study of references on research with consumers and application of a questionnaire to ten pig sector professionals, and the second consisted of a research using a questionnaire to one hundred consumers of swine meat residents from cities of Missal, Medianeira, Itaipulândia and São Miguel do Iguaçu, located in the Western region of Paraná. Exploratory research identified that professionals of pig farming interviewees demonstrated to know about the factors that affect the quality of meat obtained and some cities in the region are outpacing the absorption capacity of the market pig production. Descriptive research enabled us to verify that all interviewees are considered consumers of swine meat, though most prefer beef, and 41% reported consuming swine meat 2-3 times a week. The meat cuts most preferred were bisteca and rib, followed by ham, consumed most often fried or baked. Items such as validity and Federal Registry of Inspection were considered the most important at the purchase and the price was one of the least important, suggesting that consumers are concerned about the quality of the above economic value. Regarding the sensory aspects, meat color was the most cited. The research contributed to the survey characteristics considered important by consumers of swine meat, and the results showed that strategic actions could be taken for emphasizing the benefits of swine meat quality, allowing it to be able to achieve a higher degree of consumer preference.