Structural changes in meat consumption in Vietnam: evidence from household survey data

Purpose This paper aims to provide empirical insight into the trends and structural changes in meat consumption in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach This study applies the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System model on multiple cross-sectional data sets derived from the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey (VHLSS) of 2004-2016 and follows a consistent two-step procedure to deal with the zero consumption issue. The estimated demand elasticities are then compared and analyzed over time. Findings The empirical results show that in the last decade, meat consumption patterns in Vietnam have undergone a remarkable structural change, with poultry and beef increasingly taking important roles in the meat consumption structure of households. In addition, demographic characteristics, including settlement type, household size and the age of the household head, have significantly influenced meat expenditure patterns in Vietnam. Research limitations/implications The paper considers the demand for meat consumed at home but not meat consumed away from home. Originality/value In many developing countries, increased disposable income, together with rapid urbanization and international integration, has significantly changed consumers' food consumption behaviors. This is one of the first studies using household survey data, which permits the exploration of heterogeneous preferences between consumers, to explore structural changes in food consumption patterns in Vietnam.