A Proposal of the Buying Model for Fresh Food Products

Abstract

This paper develops a model of buying intention for food products based on consumer information, habits and prior experience, contrasting it with a perishable product such as fresh mussels. The model studies what influence the attitude and confidence shown by the subject have in evaluating the product in the intention to buy. Also analysed is the influence that habits and previous experience have on the formation of consumer preference and the intention to buy the product. A structural equation model is used to identify these variables and constructs as well as the relations established between them. Furthermore, strategies are presented for both consumers and managers designed to reduce the perceived risk associated with buying fresh mussels. The purpose of this is to reduce the risk perceived by consumers and prevent it from curtailing mollusc purchases.     

Consumer Attitudes Towards GM Food

Abstract

To communicate effectively with consumers about genetically modified (GM) food, gaining insight in the formation of consumer attitude regarding GM food is essential. Therefore, the current paper first reviews relevant literature describing how consumer attitudes towards GM food are formed. Next, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is applied to own quantitative data to model the formation of consumer attitude towards GM food. Previous analysis of these quantitative data led to the identification and characterisation of four consumer segments (Halfhearted, Green Opponents, Balancers and Enthusiasts) based on beliefs and attitudes towards GM food. Based on the SEM results, recommendations are formulated for each of the four identified consumer segments.     

Market Research for the Optimization of the Consumers Response to the Recent Award of a Protected Geographical Indication to a Local Product,Beans from “La Bañeza-León” (Spain)

Abstract

In Europe several low involvement food products with reduced productions have been awarded with a PGI or PDO during the last few years. The beans from La Bañeza-León (Spain) are an example of this and received a PGI in September 2005. The general objective was to appraise the effect that the award of the PGI to such kinds of food products has in consumers, in order to optimize the managerial and public policies, and to get maximum advantage from the PGI distinction in the commercialization of them. For low involvement products with PGI, the general guidelines should be to keep the prices as low as possible, to develop intensive public information campaigns about the award of the PGI, and to offer the product in medium or high involvement restaurants, in order to reach those consumers willing to pay more for the product, that are mainly in the age range of 36 to 45 years. It is also discussed that the PGI label would have more interest than a private brand. Specifically for beans from “La Bañeza-León,” the PGI Council should urgently tackle a promotional campaign about the product and the PGI award that should reach to most of the consumers in the target markets, taking into account that as the distance from the production area increases the knowledge of the product decreases. This campaign should help the consumer to clearly identify the beans from the PGI by using an attractive logo, and to inform them that the beans from the PGI are superior than substitutive beans in taste and cooking time. Finally, public campaigns that promote the consumption of beans among youth would be necessary.     

Studying composite demand using scanner data: the case of ground beef in the US

This article reports tests of aggregation over elementary ground beef products and estimates composite demand elasticities. Results suggest that we obtain reliable information on consumers’ actual ground beef purchases by grouping data according to either lean percentage or brand type. The results also suggest that we obtain reliable information by using the data to form a single ground beef composite. By testing for valid aggregates and providing estimates of composite demand elasticities the analysis provides economists and policymakers with information regarding the effects of food and agricultural policies on consumers and producers that buy and produce ground beef.     

The Effect of Extrinsic Product Attributes of Pineapple Juice on Consumer Intention to Purchase

This study aimed to investigate the extent to which consumer information concerning several attributes of the pineapple juice packaging, including the manufacturing process, influenced the consumer intention to purchase. It is suggested that high-pressure technology retains nutrients as vitamins and keeps sensory attributes closer to those of fresh foods. These advantages meet the increasing consumer demand for healthy products and a more differentiated food assortment. However, the benefits provided by these products are not always communicated to consumers. Although information about the technology (high-pressure) had been positively considered by consumers when fruit juice consumption was taken into account, fewer studies have focused on this aspect. The effect of 5 attributes of the package (information on manufacturing process, product definition, production information, price, and brand name) on the pineapple juice consumer intention to purchase was investigated by 96 fruit juice consumers. Information about technology (high-pressure) positively contributed to the consumer pineapple juice intention to purchase and showed to be essential when it is applied on pineapple juice production, being a useful approach when adequately communicated to consumers.     

Consumer willingness to pay for genetically modified food in Kenya

Genetically modified (GM) crops are popular in many regions of the world, but their deployment in Africa is hindered by safety concerns and regulatory issues, although the continent is in dire need of boosting its food production. Although consumers' acceptance of GM food has been analyzed in many continents, no such studies have been conducted in Africa. Therefore, a survey of 604 consumers was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2003, to gauge consumers' awareness of GM crops, their willingness to pay (WTP) for GM food, and the factors that influence their WTP. Consumers' knowledge of GM crops was limited and only 38% of the 604 respondents were aware of GM crops. People in higher education and income groups were more aware than others. Regardless, people were generally appreciative of the technology, and a large majority (68%) would be willing to buy GM maize meal at the same price as their favorite brand. Consumers were, however, concerned about possible side effects, especially on the environment and biodiversity. WTP was estimated using a double‐bounded dichotomous choice model, and the mean WTP was found to be 13.8% higher than the average price of non‐GM maize meal. Perceptions of health risk, and ethical and equity concerns had a negative influence on the likelihood of purchasing GM maize meal, whereas trust in government to ensure food quality had a positive influence on WTP. People with at least some secondary education and those in the high‐income category were more likely to purchase GM maize meal at the same price. The study concludes that, because awareness is still low, appropriate communications are needed to involve the consumer in the debate. Consumers' acceptance in this study was high, but the research needs to be expanded to rural areas, where most consumers live, and other survey methods need to be explored.     

Do Nutrition Claims Matter to Consumers? An Empirical Analysis Considering European Requirements

EU Regulation 1924/2006 introduced a European legal framework for nutrition messages for food product labels. The study analyses consumer interest towards nutrition labelling and claims, and examines the information consumers consider important during their purchasing decisions, and the main characteristics of those consumers interested in nutrition claims and nutrition labelling use. A total of 1,025 northern Italian consumers were surveyed. We estimate one binary logit model to investigate the use of nutrition labelling, and seven other ordinal regression models to analyse consumer interest towards nutrition claims and labelling. Consumers who use nutrition labelling have characteristics different from those who use nutrition claims. Consumers using nutrition labelling show a marked interest in food safety concerns, use experts as their source of information and have specific dietary habits. For consumers concerned about nutrition claims, the survey shows significant links with attributes influencing purchasing behaviour, such as price, brand, certification, etc. Socio‐demographic characteristics are statistically significant and show a positive link with age, gender and a negative linkage with income.     

German and British Consumer Willingness to Pay for Beef Labeled with Food Safety Attributes

The European Union has implemented some of the most stringent food safety policies for beef globally, ranging from banning growth hormones to mandating country of origin labeling. Using choice experiments and random parameter logit models, we examine German and British consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for American, Canadian, Argentinian, French, German and British beef, quality assurance seals, hormone‐free beef production and a gourmet label. We also determine how consumer WTP for these food safety and quality attributes is affected by the extent to which consumers consider food safety issues (FSI). Results indicate that British consumers had the lowest WTP for beef from Argentina and German consumers had the lowest WTP for beef from Great Britain. The hormone‐free label was the relatively most preferred label by consumers in both countries, and by those who considered FSI to affect their meat consumption patterns.     

中国绿色食品发展现状与发展战略

中国绿色食品产业创始于20世纪90年代初。发展至今,已经成为具有一定总量规模、产品质量稳定可靠、产业水平不断提升、品牌影响不断扩大、综合效益日益明显的新兴产业。绿色食品建立了全程标准化生产模式、质量保障模式和产业化发展模式,有效促进绿色食品事业持续健康发展。"十二五"期间,要进一步加强标准体系建设,扩大基地规模,严格产品认证,加强质量安全预警和监管,进一步发挥市场的推动作用,以此引领农产品质量安全水平的提高,保证消费安全,促进农业增效、农民增收。     

Framing as strategy for effective communication about Fair Trade products in Flanders

This paper investigates whether reframing an issue related to sustainable consumption can influence citizens' attitude towards that issue. Our investigation focuses on the case of Fair Trade in Flanders, Belgium. Fair Trade contributes to sustainable development by offering better conditions to marginalized producers in the South. Using an internet-based experimental setup, 1617 individuals were exposed to an NGO-based frame, a retailer-based frame, an experimental frame or no frame. Statistical analysis then indicated whether the experimental frame performed better than the control group and the other frames in shifting people's attitudes. Our results suggest that a brief exposure to a combination of tone, messenger, value and metaphor that signals the systemic aspects of Fair Trade may be successful in shifting the attitude and opinion of Flemish consumers/citizens in favour of Fair Trade. Our analysis suggests that the foundations metaphor that has been developed in the context of the environmental impact of food production can also be applied in the context of the social impact of food production.     

绿色消费态度对森林认证产品消费行为的影响研究

基于计划行为理论,从绿色消费态度视角出发,运用结构方程模型研究消费者对森林认证产品的消费行为机制。结果表明:消费者的消费态度正向影响消费者对森林认证产品消费的主观规范和感知行为控制;消费者对森林认证产品消费的主观规范正向影响消费者的消费行为意向,且在消费态度与行为意向之间起完全中介作用;消费者对森林认证产品消费的感知行为控制正向影响消费者的消费行为意向,且在消费态度与行为意向之间起完全中介作用;消费者对森林认证产品消费的行为意向正向影响消费者的消费行为。由此提出利用网络平台促进与消费者的交流、提高消费者对森林认证产品的主观规范等建议。     

The Impact of Social Norms on Suboptimal Food Consumption: A Solution for Food Waste

Abstract

Consumers seem to have a reduced preference to buy fruits and vegetables with unusual appearance, products with damaged package and close to the expiration date, usually called suboptimal food products. However, this pattern of behavior is an important contributor to food waste levels. Interventions aimed at encouraging the purchase of suboptimal food are scarce, however, needed. Across two studies, we investigated the effect of social norms in driving suboptimal food consumption. Additionally, it was tested if food waste problem awareness is the underlying mechanism in the relationship between social norms and intention to buy suboptimal food. Results show that appeals employing social norms positively affect purchases intentions toward the products. Moreover, food waste problem awareness mediates the effect of social norms on intentions to purchase the product with an unusual appearance. We discuss how social norms can be used to tackle food waste and implications for marketing and policy actions.     

发展绿色食品加工产品的难点及建议

绿色食品加工,就是以绿色农、畜等产品为原料所进行的食品加工过程。发展绿色食品加工产品,对于防范风险、满足消费者需求、提升企业效益、增加农民收入等具有重要作用。而结合现阶段绿色食品加工发展实际来看,还存在质量监管体系、产品工艺水平、产品原料供应以及品牌竞争力等方面的问题。对此,本文就完善质量监管体系、提升产品加工工艺、稳定原料供应以及发挥品牌价值效应提出了相应的建议。     

Agricultural Show Awards: A Brief Exploration of Their Role Marketing Food Products

ABSTRACT

Drawing on interviews with 12 agriculture show winners across a range of different food industries, this report provides a preliminary analysis of the role that agricultural show awards play in branding and marketing food products for commercial sale. In keeping with findings from previous studies, show awards were found to be regarded by producers as prestigious, signifying product excellence. Further, the assessment of the quality of products, the opportunity to receive expert feedback on new products, and a comparative, competitive effect of the show system was found to provide a mechanism to improve quality, helping to support industry standards and foster a culture of innovation. Show awards were identified as especially important in supporting small-scale entrepreneurial endeavors that depend on niche marketing strategies. However, winning awards was shown to contribute more to perceived brand equity of products rather than actual economic gain. To strengthen the impact of show success, participants indicated the need for increased consumer awareness of the meaning of the awards. The authors identify key future directions research could take to maximize the impact of agricultural award systems on the businesses of competitors.     

Product Differentiation in the Spanish Beef Industry

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate changes in the structure of the Spanish quality beef industry in response to the significant decline in beef consumption happened over the last few decades. The role of product differentiation, mechanisms and factors involved in it, are specially studied. We use focus groups and a survey to examine the outlook for the organization of the beef industry, and trends in the development of product differentiation mechanisms and vertical co-ordination strategies.

Results reveal the existence of a restructuring process that is being implemented in two ways: Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and Quality Certified Brands (QCB). Each strategy forms its own entry barriers: the origin of calves in the case of PGI and farm size in QCB; they are therefore complementary rather than competitive.     

Consumers’ Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Organic Fruits and Vegetables: Marketing Trends for Organic Food in the Twenty-First Century

ABSTRACT

Organic food market is very challenging in Europe and developing rapidly with different rates between the western and eastern parts. The objective of this report is to gain knowledge about attitudes toward organic fruits and vegetables among Slovenian consumers. Results indicated that organic buyers tend to be younger and higher educated than those who do not buy them. In addition, consumers’ trust in the authenticity of the goods and price are also issues. However, the main barrier to increase the market share of organic products is consumer information. According to the research results an important task for the producers will be to increase consumers’ knowledge of what an organic product is and how to differentiate it in the marketplace. Along with knowledgeable and educated consumers, consumption could be raised on another level. The results of the research could be used for planning further marketing activities.     

国际石油市场变异与中国的能源战略

石油及其制品,无论作为生产中的中间投入,还是用于居民生活消费,都是一次性消费品,石油交易在本原上应属于产品市场.由于期货市场的发展,国际石油市场投机性增强,属性发生变异-从产品市场演变为具有产品市场和虚拟经济市场双重性的市场,并形成经济泡沫.在这样的市场上,消费者要被迫按资产价格购买消费品.这类泡沫很难消除,中国宜调整能源战略,以适应形势,抵御损害,使自己立于不败之地,并谋求长治久安之计.     

Health-Orientation and Socio-Demographic Characteristics as Determinants of Fish Consumption

There are many research on consumer perception of fish product attributes. To increase fish consumption, as recommended by international health organizations and dietary guidelines, there is a need to better understand what drives consumers to fish consumption behaviour. The objective of the research is to explore determinants of fish frequency consumption, with focus on healthy attitude and socio-demographic or family structure characteristics. The research interviewed 740 consumers face-to-face. Data elaboration includes a factor analysis, with PCA and Varimax rotation, and multiple multivariate linear regressions. Results show that consumer health-orientation and social influences are better drivers to increase fish consumption frequency, compared to socio-economic characteristics, including households with children. Easing consumer time constraints and fish purchasing favor convenience and at home fish consumption frequency. Given the health advantages of higher fish consumption, government initiatives should support fish food industry marketing strategies.     

Understanding Heterogeneous Consumer Preferences in Chinese Milk Markets: A Latent Class Approach

We examine heterogeneous consumer preferences in Chinese milk markets. Using a discrete choice experiment, we examine how the brand, quality certification, traceability label and price influence consumers' milk choices. We identify four consumer segments using a latent class model: price conscious (9.8%), balanced thinking (19.8%), health conscious (57.5%), and environment conscious (12.9%) consumers. These four segments have distinct preferences: price conscious consumers prefer green certification; balanced thinking consumers have the highest willingness to pay for traceability labels; health conscious consumers have strong brand awareness; and environment conscious consumers prefer organic certification and traceability labels and use price as a quality signal. Such diversity of consumer preference can be explained by four psychological factors: price consciousness, food safety concerns, health consciousness and environmental concerns.     

Evolving Marketing Channels for Beef and Lamb in the United Kingdom-

This paper investigates the effects of: (1) recent changes to food safety legislation; (2) increasing consumer concerns over animal welfare; and (3) further market integration in the European Union on British agribusiness firms involved in marketing beef and lamb. It is hypothesized that these changes will alter the transaction costs associated with marketing these products. As a result, there is likely to be a reduction in the number of animals sold for slaughter through traditional auction markets and an increase in direct contracting or strategic alliances between supermarkets and farmers' marketing cooperatives.