Influence of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) on Consumption and Purchasing Patterns of Poultry Products from Three Selected Districts in Sri Lanka

The study reported herein investigated the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on purchasing and consumption patterns of poultry products among the communities in Kandy, Gampaha and Galle districts of Sri Lanka. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 629 respondents. The questionnaire explored different socio-economic and health factors affecting on consumption and purchasing frequencies of chicken meat, meat products and eggs before and during the pandemic. The results revealed that the pandemic has made an impact on consumption frequencies of chicken or processed chicken products. Weekly purchasing amount of chicken or processed chicken products has been declined during the pandemic. Many respondents increased their egg consumption during the pandemic. Stocking poultry products during the pandemic has also increased. The study concluded that though the purchasing frequencies and the amount of chicken or processed chicken products have been changed consequently to the pandemic, neither the purchasing method nor purchasing brand has been changed. The pandemic had no influence on buying patterns for eggs but has contributed to increased egg consumption frequency among the public.