Methodology and Geographic Scope
The analysis focused on a 36-month period, collecting anonymized transaction and point-of-sale data from districts with contrasting socioeconomic profiles. The methodology combined geolocation techniques with consumption frequency surveys, enabling a spatial visualization of patterns.
Key Findings by District
- Financial District: High frequency of purchases during limited hours (lunchtime), predominance of prepared food.
- Middle Residential Zone: Larger weekly purchases, greater diversity in fresh products.
- University Area: Mixed pattern, with evening peaks and high price sensitivity.
Correlations with Urban Indicators
The data was cross-referenced with mobility indicators (commute times) and service density. An inverse correlation was observed between supermarket density and the diversity of the shopping basket within a 500-meter radius. Districts with better public transport connections showed greater experimentation with niche brands.
This pattern suggests that physical accessibility does not always translate into consumption variety, but factors such as available time and pedestrian flows are critical determinants.
Implications for Urban Planning
The results raise questions about equity in access to food diversity. The concentration of certain types of establishments in specific corridors can create "deserts" of options in adjacent areas, a phenomenon not captured by traditional proximity metrics.
The study concludes that urban policies must integrate commercial diversity metrics, beyond a simple count of establishments, to foster more resilient and varied metropolitan food ecosystems.