The aim of the research was to identify the factors influencing consumption of organic food. In our research an attempt was made to find a method for identifying organic food and assessing the features ascribed to it by consumers. These features were then analyzed in terms of their technical and market attributes. The paper presents results of research conducted in 2005, 2010 and 2013 on the organic food market with special emphasis placed on pricing, distribution systems and consumers in the northeastern Poland. Respondents' answers indicate their increasing interest, knowledge and commitment to the environment. They also indicate that the most important technological attribute of organic food is its way of production, which ensures that the food is healthy, contains no chemical additives and has good, natural taste. Market attributes include the food's high nutritious value and naturalness, the producer's logo and price. Consumers buying organic food believe that the production and processing of food does not destroy the natural environment. Emphasizing the health and taste attributes of organic food is not enough, however, and it has to coincide with the consumer's behavior and proenvironmental bias, which become explicit in his choice of food.

Purpose:The main aim of the research is to identify and model the attributes of a food product which are regarded as important during the process of the consumers' choice and to verify the methodology for the creation of the optimal market offer. Design/Methodology/Approach: The carried out analysis was based on the assumption that a food product may be viewed as a collection of directly noticeable and unnoticeable features that are regarded as attributes (values) of the offer. The applied model of a food product is composed of three levels, each of them presenting the characteristic features of product's quality. Findings: A sensory evaluation of the products made it possible to diagnose how consistent the consumers are in their declared sensory preferences for brand and non-brand products. It was established that the intention of purchasing a product is determined by its quality and taste preferences. Practical Implications: The analysis may provide information for communicating with the market and promoting food products, especially when the intention of a producer is to change consumer's habits. Originality/Value: The presented methodological approach may provide clues on what attributes should be constructed in the case of new food products.

Consumption is among the key determinants of milk production and profitability. The main purpose of this paper is to present the level of and changes in milk and dairy products consumption in the EU in 2004–2018. Due to changing consumer preferences, the average consumption of milk and milk products in EU countries is on an increase. In turn, Poland witnesses growth in consumption of milk for ripening and processed cheese and yogurt. In 2004–2017, per capita consumption of ice cream, cheese and powdered milk followed a downward trend. In order to examine changes in the consumption of milk and milk products, a forecast was prepared which shows that in 2018–2022, Poland will experience an increase in the average monthly consumption of milk, ice cream and cheese. On the other hand, the EU will report growth in consumption of fresh dairy products, butter, cheese, skim milk and powdered milk, and a decrease in casein consumption.

The aim of the research was to identify factors influencing consumer perception of organic food quality. The research concerned the consumers’ assessment of certain attributes (technological and market ones) of organic food products. The surveys were carried out in 2005, 2010, and 2013 among the inhabitants of northeast Poland. The main technological attributes indicated by the respondents were the nutrition value of the food and highly valued way of its production, ensuring limited use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. In all analyzed periods the respondents valued sensory features of organic food, especially its natural taste. Market attributes of organic food that were identified during the study are the following: health values, place of purchase, producer’s logo, and price. Among the attributes of the organic products also their social features were presented.