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Abstract
During the first half of 2008, a researching study was done through interviews for some
purchase department employees of selected supermarkets, as well as the people that acquire
mushrooms “Pleurotus Ostreatus” and other edible mushrooms in Mérida, Yucatán. This study
was done with the purpose of identifying their consumer behavior, consumption and to
understand how the product is perceived in the supermarket shopping area. The collected data
was processed using the percentages technique.
It found that the majority (75 %) of respondents had mid-higher and higher education, also 50%
were from Yucatan and the remaining percentage from other states in Mexico. The market
segment consists mainly of women (65%), in relation to men (35%). The main reasons for
purchasing include statements of the nutritional value of the product and family traditions.
Most consumers of mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatus) considered that it has a high price, but
also good quality. Finally, the majority (75 %) stated that they are willing to consume other
varieties of mushrooms as well as processed.
The study provides relevant information for mushrooms producers for their decision-making
process, based on the characteristics and real needs of the product consumers.