'All under one roof?' differences in food availability and shopping patterns in Southern France and Central England.
BACKGROUND
This study investigates patterns of food shopping and availability of fruit and vegetables and snack foods in a northern European (Central England) and southern European region (Southern France).


METHODS
Two studies were conducted in England (Nottingham) and France (Montpellier): (i) Cross-sectional population surveys using self-administered postal questionnaires to assess type of outlets used for food shopping in random population samples (England: n = 826; Montpellier: n = 766). (ii) Food availability studies to determine: the number of food outlets in defined comparable geographical areas; the number stocking fruit and vegetables, their quality and energy dense snacks.


RESULTS
The English respondents used supermarkets most regularly (P < 0.001), whereas the French preferred to use smaller local shops, such as bakers (P < 0.001), butchers (P < 0.001) and markets (P < 0.001). Overall a larger proportion of outlets in Montpellier than Nottingham sold fresh fruit and vegetables and a wider variety of fresh fruit. However, a range of vegetables and all other types of fruit were as widely available in English shops. Although the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables tended to be better in Montpellier, the difference was not significant. Crisps (P < 0.05) and confectionary items (P < 0.05) were more widely available in England.


CONCLUSIONS
Food shopping was done 'under one roof' more often in England, whereas in France, shopping was done in smaller specialist shops, which was reflected in their presence within the locality. Even though availability of fruit and vegetables was good in both countries, snack foods were more abundant in England. This clearly impacts on the food environment and could explain the higher prevalence of obesity in England, factors which are also influenced by culture, habits and convenience.
Pettinger
Clare
C
Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK. clare.pettinger@plymouth.ac.uk
Holdsworth
Michelle
M
Gerber
Mariette
M
D000328:Adult; D003132:Commerce / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D005523:Food Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D005638:Fruit / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D014675:Vegetables / Q000600:supply & distribution*