Gazprom Employees’ Food Preferences in Probiotic Products

Employees of the Gazprom Group underwent a food preference survey based on the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) methodology. Such sociological surveys usually provide a comprehensive analysis of behavioral patterns that prevent consumers from achieving a desired consumption structure, as well as give an objective insight of their attitudes. This research focused on consumer awareness of probiotic products, which were evaluated by relevance and acceptability. If probiotics were absent from their menu, the respondents were asked to explain why. The survey revealed a correlation between food preferences, gender, and age. Of all dairy probiotic foods mentioned by the Gazprom staff, only 15 % belonged to functional fermented dairy products, probably, due to poor awareness and insufficient representation in retail chains. In addition, 32% of respondents consumed no probiotics for various reasons that correlated with gender, medical reasons, and taste preferences. The data obtained may help to design new probiotic products based on the identified limitations and consumer attitudes.