Convergence in Global Food Demand and Delivery

Abstract

Using food expenditures and food sales data over 1990-2004, this report examines whether food consumption and delivery trends are converging across 47 high- and middle-income countries. Middle-income countries, such as China and Mexico, appear to be following trends in high-income countries, measured across several dimensions of food system growth and change. Convergence is apparent in most important food expenditure categories and in indicators of food system modernization such as supermarket and fast-food sales.

Keywords: food expenditure, food delivery, food demand convergence, food expenditure, food delivery, food demand convergence, food label claims, supermarket sales, fast-food sales,global food market