CONSUMPTION TRENDS A taste for ethnic food Where's the beef? 73% Percentage of consumers who like experiencing alternative cultures through food; 72% eat ethnic meals to mix up the meal routine at home. Nearly 20kg Canadian consumers purchase about 18 kilograms (retail weight) of beef per person per year. That compares to about 25.45 kg/capita for U.S. beef consumption. (Canfax Research Services, the market information division of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association) (Mintel) A real mouthful Canadians love their food. So what are we eating and how much? These stats are more than enough to give any grocer something to chew on. Statistics compiled by STUART FOXMAN Egg-ceptional Snack attack 25% Snacking makes up 25% of the daily energy intake for children and 23% for adolescents. For these groups snacking offers more calories than breakfast. (Nestlé Canada) 28 | CANADIAN RETAILER | THE FOOD & GROCERY ISSUE Nearly 20-dozen Per capita consumption of eggs is 19.4 dozen, and trending up. Some factors: a shift toward more protein-driven diets; a decrease in cold cereal consumption for breakfast; and increased demand for products containing liquid egg whites. (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)