Social and Economical Analysis of Papaya Consumption in the Hinterland of the State of Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

The papaya, accepted in menus throughout Brazil, has all the organoleptic qualities required and desired by Brazilian consuming market. A social and economical analysis in papaya consumption is undertaken to investigate the fruit ́s consumer profile in the town of Patos PB Brazil. The 2011 research was conducted by questionnaires distributed to consumers. Papaya is readily accepted in the menu of most interviewed consumers. In fact, 96% consume the fruit, 48% buy it weekly and 68% prefer the Formosa-type papaya. Results showed that 48% of interviewed preferred a medium-sized fruit; 56% preferred to eat it ripe; 46% buy 2 k of the fruit; 76% take into account its quality as the main factor in buying the fruit. Results show that papaya is well-accepted by most interviewed consumers and demonstrates that its commercialization is highly viable to increase the earning of producers.