Know-How Exchange : Research/Metrics

It would be helpful if we had more information -- research objective, product category/industry, expected use of results, etc. As stated, your question is so general as to be unwieldy. There are many ways to look at "lifestyles," etc.

Numbers or percentages of vague terms such as sentiment and attitudes are difficult to count. If you're set on tracking emerging markets and customer trends, it may be better to focus on sales; or to hone in on numbers of individuals in specific age, gender, or education groups buying at specific price points or in particular time periods; or by tracking levels of disposable income by ZIP code.

Another idea for your consideration. Try posting this on LinkedIn and adding an article outlining your research project in brief detail - with links to your survey.

Then select a cohort of suitable companies to approach - those who will be likely to use third part food procurement services.

Next extract the relevant executives who might be involved in the project and ask them to ad you as a connection, by offering a brief explanation as in your opening question.

Then send them a message asking for them to assist you with your survey again with a link to the article and to the survey. If you take three weeks to get to know these people, you might be surprised at the positivity of your response rate. You need tact, diplomacy and a clear message.

You could also do the same on FaceBook, but do tell people that you are not another Cambridge Analytica!!