Consumer Behaviour in Packagedfood Industry.

CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR IN PACKAGEDFOOD INDUSTRY-: AN EMPIRICAL INVESIGATION
Pabitra Kumar Jena , Rashi Taggar Vaseem Hassan Raja

The aim of this paper is to study the consumer behaviour of people of Jammu region in case of packaged food industry. For this study survey has been carried out during January-April of 2011 in Jammu city on a sample of 100 respondents. Reliability test, factor analysis and descriptive statistics were used to find out preferences of consumers in Jammu region in case of packaged food industry. This study finds that packaged food is simple to prepare and it saves time. They said that even their husbands can prepare the food in their absence and can also feed the children. The other reasons for preference for packaged food were tastes good, quality of the food items, the variety it provides to the consumer. Further, the paper goes on to discuss some of the policy suggestions for better service quality for consumers, more profit for the packaged food industry owner and better food quality management in packaged food industry of Jammu region. Finally, limitations of the study also spelt out.

I. Introduction
Packaged food is commercially prepared food designed for ease of consumption. The packaged foods are often preprepared food stuffs that can be sold as hot, ready-to-eat dishes; as room temperature, shelf-stable products; or as refrigerated or frozen products that require minimal preparation, typically just heating, by the consumer. These products often are sold in portion controlled, single serve packaging designed for portability for "on-the-go" or later eating. Packaged food can include products such as candy; beverages such as sodas, juices and milk; fast food; nuts, fruits and vegetables in fresh or preserved states; processed meats and cheeses; and canned products such as soups and pasta dishes.
First a little about what we mean by 'Ready To Use ' goods. Just take a look around and you will find so many

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