Sensory Panel Comparison of Ostrich and Emu Fillets with Top Sirloin Beef

Abstract

The restaurant industry is an ideal test market for new food products. Emu and ostrich producers and processors are utilizing restaurants to familiarize the public with their products. By means of a sensory panel, the authors evaluated emu and ostrich muscle cuts for flavor, juiciness, texture, and other flavors to the control (top sirloin beef). The results of the sensory panel comparison provided the restaurateurs with conclusive data to assist in assessing the viability of including these new items on their menus.     

Consumers’ Perceptions of African Wildlife Meat: A Laddering Study

African wildlife meat offers South Africans' a healthy and novel red meat alternative, yet consumption is far less than that of beef and lamb. Laddering interviews with 40 respondents were employed to identify the consequences and values associated with the product's perceived attributes. Important attributes included low levels of fat, dryness, novelty, and special preparation requirements. Significant values included security, self-esteem, hedonism, tradition, and stimulation. Promoters of the product are advised to capitalize on consumers' interest in health and the health benefits of the meat in their advertising strategy. They can also address current barriers to consumption as indicated by negative, undesirable consequences (difficult and time-consuming to prepare) by promoting quick and easy ways of preparation, provision of ready-to-eat dishes and training.     

Consumer Perceptions of a Potential Fresh Ground Beef and Poultry Product

Abstract

Consumer concerns with the consumption of fat and cholesterol have encouraged many to seek alternatives to regular ground beef. A sample of Louisiana households was surveyed by mail to examine the willingness of consumers to purchase a blended fresh ground beef and poultry product relative to alternative ground products. Multinomial logit analysis was used to analyze the data. The important variables in the Yes versus No purchase decision for the blended product were: beef is one of the household's two most popular fresh meats, the household had consumed hamburger during the last month, the respondent had mixed the two products in the home, age, single adult head, and Caucasian. Gender, children in the household, education, presence of a homemaker, and family income were less important variables.     

Australia's Gone Chicken!

Abstract

The gross value of Australia's agriculture industry in 2001/2002 was A$38.4 billion with 65% allocated to exports. The major exports markets are South East Asia, Japan, USA, and the EU. Products include wool, beef, wheat, cotton, sugar, and wine. For Australia there have been significant changes over time in markets and production arrangements in the international arena. This is also true of the domestic market especially in the area of meat products. Australians, once dominant red meat eaters, have now “gone chicken.” The total yearly consumption of meats averages around 110 kg per person. Beef up until recent years has always been the dominant player. However, in the last 30 years chicken consumption has risen from being a marginal food item to being a product that is expected to eclipse beef consumption in the very near future. This paper explores the trends and examines the changes as they are reflected by the behaviour of consumers and market chain drivers. The paper provides suggestions that could be gainfully employed at the consumer behaviour levels for other meat producers.     

Socioeconomic Effects of Reducing Household Carbon Footprints Through Meat Consumption Taxes

Beef and sheep products represent the largest emitters of greenhouse gases within the meat group. One way of encouraging Scottish households to substitute purchasing lower carbon footprint meat products such as chicken is through a carbon consumption tax. In this article, the effects of such a tax were studied using a dynamic per capita error correction version of the almost ideal demand system (AIDS). The data used in the analysis were from a Scottish household panel dataset for the years 2006–2011, which allowed disaggregation by three socioeconomic groups. The results suggest that the net application of meat taxes is likely to reduce demand for beef and sheep products irrespective of socioeconomic group. Application of all meat carbon consumption taxes has the potential to reduce household demand for meat products, resulting in a likely 10.5% reduction in Scottish meat emissions.     

A probability model of aggregate meat consumption in the U.S.A.*

This study illustrates the use of Markov analysis to investigate the nature of competition among demand-related products when only aggregate consumption data are available. Applied to meat consumption in the U.S.A. before and after 1976, the year in which per capita beef consumption began to decline, the results indicate that beef has not lost dramatically to chicken. This is contrary to conventional wisdom where consumers are thought to substitute chicken for beef because of the perceived high fat and cholesterol content of beef, and because of the relatively cheaper price of chicken.     

Demand Analysis of Meat in Malaysia

One distinct change in Malaysians' food consumption behavior has been the preference toward meat products. Thus it is meaningful to gain insight of meat consumption patterns. As the market becomes increasingly market-led, information on current meat consumption patterns is required to assess how they are likely to change as prices and incomes change. This study attempts to provide a better understanding of demand for meat products in Malaysia. By utilizing data from Household Expenditure Survey 2004/2005, Engel curve analysis was conducted to derive income elasticities of meat products from QUAIDS model. The estimated income elasticities show that current food consumption patterns are showing signs of convergence toward a Western diet, exhibiting tendency for preference toward red meats (mutton and beef) over white meats (poultry and pork). The estimated elastic own-price elasticities indicate that Malaysian consumers are sensitive to the change in prices of the meat products, with other things remain constant.     

Consumer Acceptance of a New Experience Good: A Case Study of Vacuum Packed Fresh Beef

Vacuum packaging represents an alternative way of providing fresh beef to food shoppers. However, the air-tight seal leads to the beef having a brownish-red color in the package. Consequently, there is an information gap between consumers' perception of red indicating quality fresh beef and the appearance in vacuum packaging. A regression model is estimated using scan data to compare four cuts of steak in the two types of packaging. Results suggest that the information gap is a problem for three lower priced steaks but not for filet mignon.     

Assessing the demand for value‐based organic meats in Canada: a combined retail and household scanner‐data approach

We apply sets of weekly retail and household scanner data to estimate consumer demand of selected organic and conventional fresh beef products in the Canadian retail market. The main contribution of our study stems from the application of a two‐stage procedure that provides new and deeper insight into consumers' responses to changing retail environment and pricing for organic and conventional meat products. Combined knowledge of point‐of‐sale consumer behaviour for value‐based products, such as organic products, and distinct socio‐demographic profiles of buyers vs. non‐buyers of meat is especially interesting for retail managers and meat industry stakeholders. First, household meat consumption patterns are investigated based on household scanner data that track household's meat purchases in the period 2006–2007. The second step of analysis then involves the estimation of an almost ideal demand system for selected organic and conventional fresh beef products using retail scanner data for the period 2000–2007. The introduction of greater selections in organic product lines across mainstream supermarkets in Canada in response to consumer health concerns is expected to spur retail competition in an otherwise saturated Canadian retail market. The analysis of socio‐demographic profiles in beef consumption using individual household's purchase data reveals that besides regional differences in preferences, household size and resource characteristics are major determinants of point‐of‐sale beef purchase decisions. Our demand system results indicate that organic beef is highly dependent on price and expenditures, whereas demand for conventional beef is mostly driven by income, habits and ‘typical’ Canadian seasonal beef consumption patterns. Altogether, our conclusions on organic beef vs. conventional beef buyers may have further implications for institutional regulations.     

Meat labels: consumer attitude and meat consumption pattern

This paper addressed consumers’ attitude towards food labels and the influence of different aspects of meat labels on beef, poultry and seafood consumption using data from a national survey in the USA. Approximately 70% of the respondents reported that food labels helped in the purchases of beef and other meat products. While 50% thought that the present level of information on meat labels was about right, about 30% thought that it was insufficient. Similarly, 80, 81, 60, and 80% of the respondents thought that it was very important that meat labels contain information regarding nutrition, ingredients, health claim, and production process respectively. Those respondents who thought that nutrition and ingredient information on food labels were very important also thought that meat labels helped them select beef and other meat products. Consumer preferences for nutrition and ingredient information on food labels were positively related with meat consumption frequency.     

CONSUMER PREFERENCES REGARDING COOKING METHODS AND TIMES FOR BEEF LOIN STEAKS IN CENTRAL ALBERTA

A total of 383 questionnaires were distributed to determine the cooking methods and times employed in central Alberta households for the preparation of beef loin steaks and to evaluate the influence of age of adult members in households on the cooking methods and times employed. Responses from 353 of these questionnaires indicated that a wide variety of cooking methods and times were normally employed for the preparation of beef loin steaks and that cooking methods and times employed varied with the age of adult household members. However, for laboratory taste panel acceptability tests to most closely simulate consumer evaluations by the majority of central Alberta households, beef loin steaks should be either broiled or pan-fried for approximately 15 min.     

FACTORS AFFECTING CONSUMER SELECTION AND ACCEPTABILITY OF BEEF IN CENTRAL ALBERTA

Beef, pork, poultry, and fish were relatively widely consumed, while lamb and veal were consumed on a regular basis by a relatively small proportion of the respondents in this investigation. Pork was more widely consumed by younger respondents (under 50 years), while a large proportion of older respondents regularly consumed lamb and veal. Number of per capita servings of most kinds of meat and of beef steaks and roasts appeared to increase with age of adult household members. Older respondents (over 50 years) consumed more per capita servings of the higher priced beef cuts, but similar amounts of the cheaper beef cuts. A larger proportion of younger respondents (under 35 years) either did not know or failed to ascertain the grade of beef regularly purchased, while a larger proportion of the older respondents (over 35 years) believed they were purchasing steer beef in preference to heifer beef. Colour, price and lean-to-fat ratio were the most widely used criteria for selection of steak and roast purchases, but colour and price were not as widely considered by respondents in the mid-age groups (25–50 years). Marbling increased in importance as a selection criterion with age of respondent. Respondents in the mid-age groups considered grade and butcher recommendations most often when selecting beef purchases. Respondents in all age groups considered tenderness and flavour most important to the acceptability of steaks and roasts, after purchase, but colour and lean-to-fat ratio were also relatively important to older respondents (over 50 years). Documentation of consumption patterns, selection criteria, and factors contributing to acceptability in various geographical areas is important, so that industry can modify production, processing, and handling practices to better satisfy consumer requirements and desires.     

Consumers Evaluate Frozen and Grilled Ground Beef and Turkey Product

Abstract

Consumers are familiar with evaluating the acceptability of fresh and cooked ground beef in grocery stores and restaurants. Consumer acceptability of either fresh or frozen ground beef or ground beef blended with ground turkey has, however, received little attention. The acceptability of the blended beef turkey product is assumed to be relatively high given its origin from the traditional ground meats. Several different combinations of ground beef and ground turkey were evaluated for sensory color/texture differences in frozen and grilled forms by a 115-member consumer taste panel. Their evaluations of both frozen and grilled samples were influenced by previous experience with the combined product in the home and willingness to purchase the new product prior to evaluation of actual samples.     

A Comparative Assessment of Consumer and Non-Consumer Preference for Beef Cuts Consumption in Malaysia

Malaysia is currently enjoying an economic revival, resulting in a rising per capita income and an increasing urban population. There are consumers whose taste buds have become more accustomed to international cuisines, including meaty Western food, to satisfy their quest for diversity in their new lifestyles. This group of consumers in Malaysia plays an important role in shaping the rising trend in the consumption of meat products, and this changing attitude calls for empirical research to clarify factors shaping it. The results also indicate that there are three factors (attributes of beef cuts, quality and safety, and the variety of Malaysian dishes) that greatly influence the preference for beef consumers toward their consumption of beef cuts. It was also determined that four factors that influenced the preference for non-beef consumers are price of beef cuts, lifestyle, risk associated with beef cuts consumption, taste, and preferences influencing non-beef consumers.     

新疆主要肉类产品之间的价格波动关联分析

基于2001年~2017年新疆4种主要肉类产品价格时间序列数据,采用VAR模型和脉冲响应方法,分析了猪肉、牛肉、羊肉和鸡肉之间的价格波动关系以及相互影响程度,结果表明:2001年~2017年新疆各肉类产品价格均呈上涨趋势,其中2017年牛肉、羊肉价格与猪肉和鸡肉价格比较上涨幅度更大;短期内,各肉类产品受自身价格波动影响显著,长期内,牛肉、猪肉价格波动是引致新疆肉类产品市场价格波动的主要因子;从价格波动传导机制上看,猪肉和牛肉二者互为彼此价格波动的影响因素;鸡肉价格相对独立,不受其他肉类产品价格影响;羊肉价格受到猪肉、牛肉价格的影响较显著,但羊肉价格波动对猪肉、牛肉价格的影响有限。通过保证猪、牛产业规模化发展,保护扶持羊产业,鼓励发展鸡产业,建立新疆主要肉类市场价格联动的监测预警机制等措施,可以增加新疆肉类产品有效供给,降低肉类产品价格波动,保障新疆主要肉产品供需平衡。     

How do U.S. and Canadian consumers value credence attributes associated with beef labels after the North American BSE crisis of 2003?

A consumer survey conducted in 2006 (n = 419), and therefore after the first confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases in North America in 2003, employs attribute‐based choice experiments for a cross‐country comparison of consumers' valuation of credence attributes associated with beef steak labels; specifically a guarantee that beef was tested for BSE, a guarantee that the steaks were produced without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and a guarantee that beef steaks were produced without growth hormones and antibiotics. Considering consumers' socio‐economic characteristics, the results suggest that consumers in Montana (U.S.) and Alberta (Canada) are significantly heterogeneous in their valuation of the above attributes, although consumers' relative valuation of these process attributes does not appear to have changed since the 2003 BSE crisis in each region. Alberta consumers place a significant valuation on beef tested for BSE, which is striking because Canada's current legal environment does not permit testing and labelling of such beef by private industry participants. Montana consumers' valuation was found highest for a guarantee that the steaks were produced without GMO. Effective supply‐chain responses to consumers' valuation of credence attributes, for example, in the form of labelling, should therefore take consumers' heterogeneity into account.     

The effect of cookery method on beef palatability and cooking properties

A total of 432 boneless beef loin steaks were prepared using three different cookery methods (conventional electric oven, electric convection oven and microwave oven) and evaluated for palatability by an experienced six-member laboratory taste panel. Cooking losses and times were also recorded. Composite results indicate that microwave cookery can not be utilized to shorten cooking times without compromising the eating quality, but that preparation time can be substantially reduced (66%) without compromising eating quality by using convection rather than conventional cookery methods, under the conditions in which this study was conducted.     

Factors affecting consumer acceptance of chilled ready meals on the island of Ireland

The chilled ready meal market on the island of Ireland is relatively young but is growing rapidly. This paper focused on a consumer questionnaire (n = 702), designed to examine consumer attitudes to and consumption of chilled ready meals, in both the north and south of Ireland. This formed part of a larger study, with the questionnaire findings contributing to an in‐depth sensory study on a selected range of chilled ready meals. For a significant number of Irish consumers, consumption of these products is higher than on the UK mainland. For others, the products are purchased as a convenient alternative or a weekly treat. Respondents in urban locations were significantly more likely to consume chilled ready meals, as were men and younger, single respondents. Irish consumers are becoming more accustomed to ethnic cuisine although traditional meals remain popular. There is a clear need for developers to continue to enhance the sensory quality of these products, particularly as the primary barrier to consumption was a preference for home cooked food. However, they must also strive to maintain consumer interest in the sector, fulfil the desire for convenience and satisfy a more discerning palate.     

我国城乡居民食用农产品消费需求弹性比较——基于2003-2012年省级面板数据

文章利用AIDS模型,采用省级面板数据,对城乡居民主要食用农产品消费支出弹性及需求价格弹性进行估算,分析预算支出和价格变动对食用农产品消费的影响。结果表明：城乡居民对水产品和肉禽的消费支出均富有弹性,对粮食、植物油、蛋类和鲜瓜果的消费支出均缺乏弹性。农村居民对肉禽和蔬菜的支出弹性明显高于城镇居民。城乡居民对水产品的需求量对价格波动很敏感,但对粮食、肉禽、植物油、蔬菜和鲜瓜果的自价格弹性均为缺乏弹性。价格波动对城镇居民食用农产品消费的影响更大,而收入变动对农村居民食用农产品消费的影响更大。以上发现可为政府采取差别化政策引导居民改善食品消费结构及促进农业结构升级提供借鉴。     

Environmentally Sustainable Meat Consumption: An Analysis of the Norwegian Public Debate

Private consumption is increasingly being blamed for resource depletion and environmental degradation, and the discourse of ascribing environmental responsibility to the individual consumer has become a part of mainstream policy-making. Measures aimed at promoting consumers' voluntary engagement through sustainable consumption now constitute an important part of public sustainability strategies. Nevertheless, the actual progress made in changing people's consumptions patterns in a more sustainable direction has been modest. Based on a quantitative and a qualitative content analysis of articles on environmentally sustainable consumption of meat published in five national and regional newspapers in Norway between 2000 and 2010, it is argued in this article that an important reason for the lack of both political and consumer engagement in the issue can be attributed to a discursive confusion that arises from a simultaneous existence of mainly two clashing discourses on what is actually environmentally sustainable consumption of meat. One that is focussing on the environmentally malign aspects of consumption and production of (especially) red meat, and another that is focussing on the environmentally benign aspects of production and consumption of red meat. The findings imply that the lack of consensus on the character of the problem constitutes a major barrier for the opportunity to change people's consumption patterns in a more environmentally sustainable direction through the use of voluntary measures.