Núm. 08, julio-diciembre (2005)

New consumer's attitudes and life styles result in changes in the food industry and in self-service store business. Today, preserved and processed foods are a fundamental component in the diet, mainly for urban population. There is a new way of selecting menus both in homes and restaurant industry, supporting the development of a processed food industry, known as convenience foods, incorporating a technology that allows an easier handling both in their preparation and their consumption. Thus, there are cooked and pre-cooked foods. The higher market presence of this type of foods is due, among other factors, to a fuller integration of women in the labor world. The most noticeable consumption trend for this type of foods has its origin in Europe and the United States. There is already a clear leaning in Mexico towards this type of consumption, mainly in urban areas. One of the main reasons for this is its convenience, together with other factors (flavor, price and ease for microwave warming up). Other advantages include their long shelf life and their easy consumption. Shortcomings include difficulty to identify ingredient quantity and quality.