Assessing consumer attitudes and perceptions towards food authenticity

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charoula Chousou ◽  
Konstadinos Mattas
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Food Authenticity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Region ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Safe Food

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the factors that consumers evaluate significant in the assessment of food authenticity and guide them to make safe food choices. Design/methodology/approach In this respect, a mixture model for consumer preferences, namely CUB, was employed due to the ability of discriminate features that are rated similarly allowing the detection of significant similarities and differences in consumers’ judgments. Moreover, introducing covariates in CUB models allow studying the influence that consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics have on the importance of the attributes used in the assessment of food authenticity. Findings The results demonstrate that organic certificate, traditional and homemade production practices, origin certificate as well as information about product’s origin country and raw materials production region are significant quality cues enable consumers to judge food authenticity. In addition, consumers further segmentation according to socio-demographic characteristics indicate that country of origin information are mainly used by middle-aged consumers, highly educated and paid, whereas production techniques and organic certification constitute the most effective indicators for judging food authenticity by older consumers. Originality/value The paper confirms that consumers can use extrinsic and intrinsic quality cues to judge food’s authenticity.

Latent class analysis and individuals' preferences mapping: the new consumption orientations and perspectives for craft beer in North-West Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Massaglia ◽  
Valentina Maria Merlino ◽  
Simone Blanc ◽  
Aurora Bargetto ◽  
Danielle Borra
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Class Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North West ◽  
Craft Beer ◽  
Definition Of

PurposeIn Italy, the craft beer (CB) market has undergone a trend of exponential growth in recent years, showing, at the same time, differences among different geographical areas. This research aimed to define the consumer preferences towards different CB attributes by involving a sample of individuals from Piedmont (from North-West Italy). Furthermore, the experimentation was designed to distinguish heterogeneous individuals' consumption profiles each characterised by different CB preferences, drinking habits and socio-demographic characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThe exploration of individuals' preferences towards 12 CB quality attributes was made throughout a choice experiment based on the Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) methodology approach. In addition, the BWS results were employed in the latent class analysis to identify the best sample segmentation in relation to attributes preferences.FindingsThe “Brand knowledge”, “I have already tried it” were the most important attributes for CB choice. On the contrary, the “Type of packaging” and “Price” were the least important for CB choice. The “Loyal”, “Attentive to quality composition” and “Territorial brand” clusters were defined in function of CB consumers preferences and described in terms of individuals consumption habits and socio-demographic characteristics.Originality/valueThe BWS methodology allowed the definition of a preference index for each selected CB attributes. These indications could have concrete importance on production and marketing choices in an increasingly extended and globalised market, also at large-scale distribution level. Furthermore, the definition of different consumption profiles allowed to highlight the heterogeneity of consumption (preferences and habits) towards CB.

scholarly journals Food choice in the e-commerce era

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1215-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ou Wang ◽  
Simon Somogyi ◽  
Sylvain Charlebois
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Food Choice Motives ◽  
Specific Food

PurposeThis study associated consumers' food choice motives and socio-demographic characteristics with their attitudes and consumptions towards food shopping with four e-commerce modes: business-to-consumer (B2C), online-to-offline delivery (O2O Delivery), online-to-offline in-store (O2O In-store) and New Retail. It also explored consumer preferences for specific food categories within the four e-commerce modes.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to 954 participants from three Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Descriptive analysis and linear regression were used in the data analysis.FindingsThe following food choice motives (FCMs) and socio-demographic characteristics had a significant effect on food e-commerce attitudes and/or consumption, with some or all of the four e-commerce modes: Taste Appeal, Value for Money, Safety Concerns, Quality Concerns, Processed Convenience, Purchase Convenience, Others' Reviews, City, Gender, Household Size, Age, Income, Occupation and Marital Status. Consumers also have different consumption preferences for food categories in the four e-commerce modes.Originality/valueThis is the first study to associate consumer FCMs and socio-demographics with their e-commerce attitudes and consumption regarding food in four e-commerce modes: B2C, O2O Delivery, O2O In-store and New Retail.

Consumer preference for wine from hand-harvested grapes

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (8) ◽  
pp. 2551-2567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Dominici ◽  
Fabio Boncinelli ◽  
Francesca Gerini ◽  
Enrico Marone
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Latent Class Model ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Consumer Preference ◽  
Random Parameter ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Taste Heterogeneity ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate preferences for wine made from hand-harvested grapes, and the interactive effect between this attribute and organic certification. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via an online choice experiment involving a sample of 408 Italian wine consumers. A random parameter logit was performed to estimate consumer preferences for wine attributes: harvest type, organic and the interaction between these. The experiment also includes geographical indications and price. Furthermore, a latent class model (LCM) is performed to investigate taste heterogeneity for the included wine attributes. Findings On average, consumers prefer the wine produced with hand-harvested grapes. The hypothesis of an interaction between organic and hand-harvested attributes is rejected. Using the LCM, the authors identify three segments with significant taste heterogeneity in terms of the magnitude and the sign of the parameters. Moreover, consumer attitudes towards food naturalness differ according to their belonging to the segments. Originality/value The novelty of this article is twofold. First, this study investigates, for the first time, the impact of the hand-harvested method on consumer wine preferences. Second, hand-harvesting and organic have independent values.

Consumer preferences versus commercial differentiation: a Spanish case study

2012 ◽  
Vol 114 (11) ◽  
pp. 1626-1639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Bernabéu ◽  
Antonio Tendero ◽  
Miguel Olmeda
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Multivariate Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Differentiation Strategy ◽  
Lamb Meat ◽  
La Mancha

PurposeThis study measures the degree of influence that attributes such as price, organic production, origin and commercial type have on Spanish consumers when purchasing lamb meat, while also analysing various lamb meat differentiation strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consisted of a survey of 421 Castilla‐La Mancha (Spain) lamb meat consumers during the month of January 2009. The preferences of these consumers were determined through several multivariate techniques.FindingsThe results obtained by means of conjoint analysis techniques show that an additional potential differentiation strategy is to offer the market conventionally produced suckling lamb and organic “ternasco” lamb. Thus, potential commercial cannibalism would be simultaneously prevented between two types of meat belonging to one and the same PGI Manchego Lamb.Originality/valueThe excessive commercial differentiation that can arise in food for basic consumption in general and particularly within the Manchego Lamb PGI. Whether it be from the inclusion of another commercial type (suckling lamb meat) together with the traditional type (“ternasco” lamb meat) and the additional possibility of the organic certification, it can make way for a certain commercial “cannibalism” among PGI lamb meats.

Consumer preferences for three dimensions of country of origin of a processed food product

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (11) ◽  
pp. 3361-3382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideo Aizaki ◽  
Kazuo Sato
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
Best Worst Scaling

PurposeThe production process of processed food products may involve several countries. This multi-dimensionality of the country of origin (COO) may affect consumer preferences for the products. We apply Case 2 best–worst scaling to measure Japanese consumers’ preferences for three dimensions of the COO of a vegetable juice product.Design/methodology/approachThe three dimensions of the COO include these: the country where the raw materials of the product were grown (the country of growing), the country where the raw materials were processed (the country of processing) and the country where the food company producing the product is headquartered (the country of the company). Japan, Australia, Thailand and China are the countries considered for the three COO-related attributes. Sixteen juice products (profiles) were created from the three four-level attributes. A survey queried 416 consumers to select the best and worst ones from among the three attribute levels shown in each profile.FindingsThe average utility of the country of growing is the highest among those of the three COO-related attributes. However, consumers evaluate the country of growing as the least preferred among the three attributes with respect to a country with a negative food quality reputation.Originality/valueThis is the first Case 2 best–worst scaling study to measure consumer preferences for the three dimensions of the COO of processed food products. It suggests marketing strategies for domestic and international juice companies.

Quality preferences and pricing of fresh-cut salads in Italy: new evidence from market data

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (7) ◽  
pp. 1473-1486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittoria Pilone ◽  
Antonio Stasi ◽  
Antonio Baselice
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Hedonic Price ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Market Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Real Market ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In Europe fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, is one of the major growing segments in agro-food sector. Current literature reports a limited number of studies about consumers’ preferences towards these products. In particular, it lacks of studies focussed on fresh-cut salads and based on market data. In this paper, a study on consumer preferences towards the main attributes of Italian fresh-cut salads is proposed. More specifically the investigation is focussed on attributes assessable by consumers before purchase such as assortment, tenderness, product preparation and vegetable variety together with brand, size and type of packaging, presence of organic certification, promotion and product price. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how much Italian consumers pay for those attributes with the aim to understand how much profitable could be different strategies in the sector. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on IRI-Infoscan scanner data, consisting of 881 fresh-cut products. The impact of each attributes on pricing is measured by means of a hedonic price model. Findings Main results show that, in Italy, fresh-cut salad price is greatly affected by tenderness, product preparation, assortment, brand, presence of organic certification, packaging attributes and vegetable variety. Practical implications Findings offer to producers the possibility to set up products by composing the mix of attributes that gives back the highest price. In addition, they provide some insights to define manufacturer’s strategies. Originality/value This paper represents a novelty in economic literature because it can be considered an example of consumer preferences analysis towards the different attributes of fresh-cut vegetables based on real market data.

Sustainability certifications and product preference

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 893-906
Author(s):  
Maximilian Prell ◽  
Marco Tulio Zanini ◽  
Fabio Caldieraro ◽  
Carmen Migueles
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Consumer Preference ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Certification ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Food Market ◽  
The One ◽  
Targeting Strategy ◽  
Small Advantage

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the influence of sustainability certifications on consumer preferences. The study investigates whether product certifications have a significant influence on consumer preferences and examines which certificate groups work best from a marketer's perspective for matching the different consumer preferences.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a quantitative survey approach, based on a conjoint analysis carried out in the Brazilian juice market.FindingsThe results of 210 respondents indicate that the certifications chosen generally increase the evaluation of products. The effects, however, differ significantly between the three segments identified, especially between the two most important ones that have a combined market share of almost 90%. Our results show that demographic differences between the clusters are only marginal, as are the specific certification preferences, with a small advantage for organic certification.Research limitations/implicationsThe certificates chosen serve as an example that represents the various categories. The utility of similar certificates of the same category might be different. The scope of the research is also limited to the market for ready-to-drink juice.Practical implicationsUsing a dual targeting strategy, this study makes relevant recommendations for managing product certification. On the one hand, managers should consider a highly priced, certified product and, on the other, a low priced, uncertified product for satisfying identified demands. Decisions with regard to certification differentiation should mostly rely on the specific costs of the process because of limited consumer differentiation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on the influence that product certification has on consumer preferences by adding to the matter of certificate choice, especially from a marketer's perspective. Resolving this issue is important for facilitating the choice of those certificates that contribute most toward increasing consumer preference. Little research has been conducted into different certification groups and categories or the joint appearance of their different labels. Most of the research being carried out is aimed at the food market in developed countries, particularly in North America and Europe. Research in an emerging economy, therefore, introduces new scientific insights.

scholarly journals E-Commerce in the Retail Chain Store Market: An Alternative or a Main Trend?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4392
Author(s):  
Christina Kleisiari ◽  
Marie-Noelle Duquenne ◽  
George Vlontzos
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Main Trend ◽  
Chain Store ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Retail Chain ◽  
Physical Presence ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Physical Accessibility

The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of important aspects leading to the further development of e-trade in the retail market and to identify the rationale behind consumer preferences. The degree of total service (adequacy of staff, reception) and the overall satisfaction regarding the facilities (organization and hygiene level of the supermarket) are the main factors influencing consumers’ decisions for their purchases. Other important components are the degree of coverage of needs in quality products, the intention to use an online store, the interest of consumers in finding quality and safe food, having at the same time information about their prices and possible offers. A quite important criterion is the degree of physical accessibility to the store. The main norm about using e-trade platforms instead of physical presence in supermarkets is quite low. It is tested though if there are significantly different approaches among customers of different firms, with no surprising results to be obtained. Customers familiarized with e-shopping, to a greater extent, are highly educated but quite sensitive to price issues as well. Τhe findings of this survey reflect the consumers’ decision-making process to familiarize and use electronic platforms, instead of visiting physical stores for shopping, based on a group of motives and anti-motives relative to this alternative.

Analysis of consumer demand for traceable pork in China based on a real choice experiment

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linhai Wu ◽  
Hongsha Wang ◽  
Dian Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Consumer Demand ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Chinese Consumers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Government ◽  
Safe Food

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the actual consumer demand for traceable pork by investigating consumer preferences for pork with combined levels of traceability information based on differences in individual consumer preferences, in order to support the government in decision making regarding the gradual construction of safe food markets. Design/methodology/approach – Combinations of four types of traceability information, including farming, slaughter and processing, distribution and sales, and government certification, with price were randomly designed. To identify consumer preferences for these attribute combinations of traceable pork, 215 consumers in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province were investigated using a real choice experiment and the mixed logit model. Findings – Significant heterogeneity was observed in consumer preferences for traceable pork. The information of farming, slaughter and processing, distribution and marketing, and government certification could significantly improve consumer utility. Moreover, consumers had the highest preference for government certification information. Originality/value – Although numerous studies have been performed on consumer preferences for food safety attributes using a real choice experiment, almost none of them focus on Chinese consumers. Therefore, this study is an attempt to fill this gap. The conclusions of this study can serve as a reference for the Chinese government in developing safe food consumption policies. Although Chinese consumers have cried out for improvement of pork safety, they have different preferences for traceability information; thus, the government must promote traceable food step-by-step, using consumer preferences as a starting point.

Drinking biodiversity: a choice experiment on Franciacorta sparkling wines

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (8) ◽  
pp. 2531-2549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giordano Ruggeri ◽  
Chiara Mazzocchi ◽  
Stefano Corsi
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Mixed Logit ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Environment Friendly ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Consumption Frequency

PurposeConsumers' concerns about the environmental impacts of food production have been increasing over the last years, and several certification systems for environment-friendly food products have been created. This research investigates wine consumers' preferences for a certification that guarantees the use of agricultural practices that better protect the biodiversity in the vineyard during the production of grapes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a choice experiment, we investigate consumer preferences and willingness to pay for biodiversity-friendly wines on a sample of 334 wine consumers. The experiment was carried out by direct interviews at a wine-tasting event in an Italian winery located in the Franciacorta area, in northern Italy. A between-subject design and two different questionnaires were used, one presenting the Brut bottle and one the Satén bottle.FindingsEstimates from a mixed logit model reveal that consumers are generally willing to pay a higher price for biodiversity-friendly wines, but they have stronger preferences for organic certification and quality indications. When consumers perceive a specific product as having high quality, i.e. Satèn, they might be less willing to pay for further environment-friendly certifications. Moreover, preferences depend on sociodemographic and attitudinal variables such as gender, wine consumption frequency, wine education and knowledge degree of the labels.Originality/valueThis paper broadens the knowledge about consumer preferences and willingness to pay for biodiversity-friendly wines, focusing on a specific market segment of Italian sparkling wines.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document