Largest Gay Consumer Study Reveals Automotive, Food and Beverage Preferences


SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) --


               Ford and Toyota Favorite Automakers

           31% Spend $300 to $499 a Month on Groceries

With 8,831 respondents, the recently released 2002 Gay/Lesbian Consumer Online Census is the largest and most comprehensive GLBT consumer study yet prepared. Conducted by GLCensus Partners, the annual study fills the growing need among manufacturers and service providers for detailed information on consumer behavior and preferences of the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) community.

Ford leads the pack of preferred automakers in the Gay and Lesbian community, judging by number of purchases and leases. Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, and Dodge round out the top five. The study reveals that 10.2% of respondents drive a 2002 model vehicle.

"Regarding the Gay and Lesbian community, it is just this kind of consumer preference information-detailed, up-to-date, relevant-that manufacturers and the service industry need," according to Amy Falkner of Syracuse University, lead researcher on the project.

Food and beverages continue to be a big-ticket item. The 2002 Gay/Lesbian Consumer Online Census shows that 31% of respondents spend an average of $300 to 499 a month on their grocery bill. The same percentage average $100 to $199 monthly on restaurant tabs.

Almost 38% of respondents drink 2-4 glasses of wine a week, with California and French wines the favorites. Vodka, rum and tequila are the preferred choices among liquors.

"Food and beverage sales are big business--it is no wonder that the industry is scrambling to better serve the preferences of the GLBT community," explained Jeffrey Garber, president of OpusComm Group Inc., and founder of the GLCensus Partners' study.

The 2003 Gay/Lesbian Consumer Online Census also reports significant new findings in the areas of childcare, electronics, entertainment, home and garden, medical care, pets, sports and fitness, and travel.

The 2001 and 2002 Gay & Lesbian Consumer Online Census is by GLCensus Partners, a partnership between the S.I. Newhouse School of PublicCommunications at Syracuse University, and advertising and public relations firm OpusComm Group, Inc., specializing in consultation of sensitivity issues and market plan development for all types of advertisers to target the GLBT community.

FULL detailed release can be view at: http://www.glcensus.com/press/20030129.html

For further information and to review a full summary of the 2001 or 2002 Gay & Lesbian Consumer Online Census, contact Jeffrey Garber, president of OpusComm Group at jeff@opuscommgroup.com (315) 636-2018 or visit www.glcensus.org. A detailed description of the 2001 or 2002 Gay & Lesbian Consumer Online Census methodology can be viewed at http://www.glcensus.com/downloads/Why_Online_Surveys.htm

GLCensus Partners (www.glcensus.org) -- The world leader in GLBT consumer research, includes:


 -- The S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University (www.syracuse.edu)
    -- One of the world's leading academic and research institutions
    in the field of communications.

 -- OpusComm Group (www.opuscommgroup.com) -- Innovative Advertising,
    Marketing, Communication and Public Relations experts on the
    Gay/Lesbian market.


            

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