Tomato attributes and consumer preferences – a consumer segmentation approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 328-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Jürkenbeck ◽  
Achim Spiller ◽  
Stephan G.H. Meyerding
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taste Preference ◽  
German Population ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
Segmentation Approach

Purpose Vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet. Given that tomatoes are the most purchased vegetable in Germany, the purpose of this paper is to focus on how consumers evaluate tomatoes during their food choice. Each consumer has different preferences and, in order to target them, it is necessary to identify consumer groups. The study segments tomato consumers into homogenous target groups. Design/methodology/approach A choice experiment was used to simulate the buying situation in a supermarket. The data were analysed using latent class analysis, as well as principal component factor analysis to measure food-related lifestyles. The sample consisted of 1,027 consumers and was representative of the characteristics of gender, age, educational level and income for the German population. Findings Consumers perceive air transportation and plastic wrapping as most climate damaging in tomato production. Six different tomato consumer groups were identified and named according to the attribute they found most important, i.e. “Balanced consumers”, “Price-conscious consumers”, “Taste enthusiasts”, “Colour-sensitive consumers”, “Price-conscious consumers with a taste preference” and “Colour- and price-sensitive consumers”. In three clusters, colour was the most important attribute. However, green and yellow tomatoes were rejected by all segments, indicating communication problems. Originality/value The results of this study provide breeders and marketers with valuable insights into the factors driving tomato choice. The information was based on a large sample and will help breeders to select the types of tomatoes that are in demand by consumers.

scholarly journals Understanding preferences of German flower consumers: the desire for sustained beauty

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-576
Author(s):  
Meike Rombach ◽  
Nicole Widmar ◽  
Elizabeth Byrd ◽  
Vera Bitsch
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Class Analysis ◽  
Cut Flower ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relative Preference ◽  
Best Worst Scaling

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights for flower retailers, horticultural practitioners and marketing managers into the prioritisation of cut flower attributes by German residents.Design/methodology/approachApplying a best–worst scaling approach, this analysis identified the relative ranking of importance amongst product attributes relevant to German consumers when buying fresh cut flowers. A latent class analysis determined four flower consumer segments for further study. The study builds on a sample of 978 consumers and is consistent with the most recent German census in terms of age, gender, income and federal state.FindingsThe best-worst analysis showed that intrinsic flower attributes, in particular appearance, freshness and scent were found to be more important to German consumers than the extrinsic attributes studied, namely, price, country of origin and a certification indicating fair trade. The latent class analysis determined four consumer segments that desire either budget, luxury or ethical flowers or more information about flowers. For all identified consumer segments, appearance was the attribute of greatest importance. The segments that desired luxury or ethical flowers, as well as the segment that desires more information were interested in appearance, but also had relatively large shares of preferences dedicated to flower freshness guarantees. The preference for freshness guarantees in addition to appearance may be interpreted jointly as a desire for not only beautiful and aesthetically pleasing flowers, but for sustained beauty.Originality/valueInternationally, the study fills a research gap by exploring consumer’s relative preference for cut flower attributes. In contrast to existing studies on consumer preferences for flowers in Germany, the present study builds on a sample that was targeted in terms of age, gender, net household income and federal state to the most recent German census.

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 Consumer Preferences for Different Designs of Carbon Footprint Labelling on Tomatoes in Germany—Does Design Matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Meyerding ◽  
Anna-Lena Schaffmann ◽  
Mira Lehberger
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Climate Impact ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Impact Reduction ◽  
Northern European

The climate impact of tomato production is an important issue in the sustainability of tomatoes, especially in northern European countries, such as Germany. Communicating the climate impact of products to the consumer is difficult and the design of the label might be the key to its success. For this reason, the present study compares the utilities of six different carbon footprint labels to evaluate which label design works best for the consumer. 598 consumers were surveyed in a representative online choice-experiment. The participants had to choose between tomatoes with different product characteristics, such as origin, price, organic label, and carbon footprint label. A split sample approach was used where each sub-sample with around n = 100 saw a different carbon footprint label design in the choice-experiment. The results suggest that qualitative carbon footprint labels using color-coded traffic light labelling are superior to those that claim climate impact reduction or neutrality, including those that provide more details regarding the climate impact of the product and the company. The latent class analysis with four consumer segments shows that a significant proportion of consumers in Germany would consider a carbon footprint label as an important characteristic.

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.

Cheese consumption culture in Central Spain (Madrid Region): drivers and consumer profile

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 561-573
Author(s):  
José Luis Cruz Maceín ◽  
Maite Iriondo DeHond ◽  
Eugenio Miguel
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agricultural Industry ◽  
Consumption Culture ◽  
Phone Survey ◽  
Interesting Approach ◽  
Cheese Industry

Purpose The artisanal cheese industry in the Community of Madrid (CM) in Spain has recently experienced an increased development despite its traditionally limited cheese and milk production. The purpose of this paper is to explain this phenomenon by identifying the determinants of consumer attitudes towards cheese consumption in relation to the offer provided by recent artisan cheese producers. Design/methodology/approach A phone survey (n = 1,111 consumers) consisting of 17 questions was carried out to analyse cheese consumption culture in the CM. Principal component analysis was used to identify the factors that determine cheese-purchasing variance. Findings The first component was explained by hedonic (38 per cent of variance), followed by health aspects (24 per cent of variance) and price (15 per cent of variance). Price was identified as the most important criterion when purchasing cheese (67 per cent of consumers), followed by fat (57 per cent) and salt content (56 per cent). Results indicate a low cheese consumption culture in Madrid, as 48 per cent of consumers did not know exactly what kind of cheese they normally consumed. The type of milk used in cheese production was used to identify consumer profiles for market segmentation. Sheep and goat cheese consumers valued local production food quality and may be the driving force behind the expansion of artisanal cheese industry in Madrid. Research limitations/implications Madrid Region is one of the most important markets in Spain and Europe; however, local cheeses are not a traditional product in the market. Practical implications This paper offers a very interesting approach about how consumers’ culture can support a new local agricultural industry. Social implications Rural entrepreneurs can innovate focussing on new consumers demands. Local and handcrafted products are an opportunity in rural and periurban areas. Originality/value This paper shows consumer preferences and attitudes towards the novel artisan cheese sector that has expanded in the CM.

Determinants of trade credit supply among the Ghanaian construction sector

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-383
Author(s):  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
Gary D. Holt ◽  
David J. Edwards ◽  
Edward Badu
Keyword(s):  
Trade Credit ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Decision Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asset Portfolio

Purpose – Trade credit (TC) provides access to capital for construction contractors globally and is an important source of finance in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to explore key factors underpinning construction suppliers’ decisions to provide TC to Ghanaian construction firms. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data from a structured survey of 75 construction suppliers are analysed. Principal component (factor) analysis explores complex structures among suppliers’ decision-making variables. Findings – Underlying constructs of decision criteria exist among seven key factors: financial profile of the contractor; parties’ profit margins; asset portfolio and project particulars; TC quantum and repayment terms; age and experience of the contractor; contractor corporate image; and parties’ cash flows. Originality/value – This is a new decision criteria framework for suppliers and contractors, who utilise TC.

The classification of supplier selection criteria with respect to lean or agile manufacturing strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed El Mokadem
Keyword(s):  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how manufacturing strategies could affect the supplier selection criteria used by business firms. Design/methodology/approach Survey strategy was used to empirically understand the research argument. First, principal component factor analysis was employed to validate the underlying structure of the supplier selection criteria. Then, simple regression analysis was employed to test the research hypotheses. Findings Organizations pursuing lean strategies will emphasize factors that improve their efficiency when selecting their suppliers, while organizations pursuing agile strategies will assert factors that improve their ability to respond to customer unique requirements when selecting their suppliers. Research limitations/implications This study provides new insight for researchers to understand the effect of manufacturing strategies on the classification of supplier selection criteria. However, the small sample size might limit the ability to generalize research findings. Further research is required to confirm the findings using a wider sample. Practical implications This research provides practitioners with useful insights into how to select their suppliers based on their manufacturing strategies. Originality/value This paper classifies supplier selection criteria into three distinct groups: lean, agile, and common capabilities. Lean capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for lean implementers. Agile capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for agile implementers. Finally, common capability refers to the list of criteria that have comparable relevance in selecting suppliers for both lean and agile implementers.

Domain-specific market segmentation using a latent class mixture modelling approach and wine-related lifestyle (WRL) algorithm

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1552-1576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Bruwer ◽  
Elton Li
Keyword(s):  
Market Segmentation ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Classification Error ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Mixture Modelling ◽  
Segmentation Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Modelling Approach

Purpose Since the publication of Van Raaij and Verhallen’s seminal work in European Journal of Marketing in 1994, identifying the domain-specific market segmentation approach as one of the most feasible for segmenting markets, there has been surprisingly limited development in this field, with the food domain as the only exception. This study aims to develop a methodological approach using latent class mixture modelling as contribution in the domain-specific market segmentation field. Design/methodology/approach This study captures the AIO lifestyle perspective using a domain-specific 80-item algorithm which has the wine (product) domain as its focus. A sample size of 811 consumers is used from data collected by means of the CATI approach. Findings The authors use four criteria for model selection: comparison of the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) statistic, comparison of classification error, verification of the interpretation of the derived segments and, finally, use of the conditional bootstrap procedure to test whether the selected model provides a significant improvement over the previous model. The five-segment model option yields a minimum BIC, the classification error measure is minimal and is easier to interpret than the other models. Segment descriptions for the five identified lifestyle-based segments are developed. Research limitations/implications Segmentation by traditional k-means clustering has proven to be less useful than the more innovative alternative of mixture regression modelling; therefore, the authors identify segments in the market on the basis of individuals’ domain-specific lifestyle characteristics using a latent class mixture modelling approach. Practical implications Following the attainment of a clear and robust market segmentation structure, the simultaneous analysis of the lifestyles, demographics and behaviours of consumers as nexus of the domain-specific segmentation approach, provides rich and valid information accurately informing the market segment descriptions. Originality/value The authors make a substantive contribution by developing a methodological approach using latent class mixture modelling; the first of its kind in the area of domain-specific segmentation. Next, they use the discriminant and/or predictive validity of the 80-scale items to predict cluster membership using the WRL algorithm. Finally, the authors describe the identified market segments in detail and outline the practical implications.

A qualitative analysis to identify takeover target criteria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hicham Meghouar
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Target Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Predictive Variables ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Target Theory ◽  
The Subject

PurposeThis study proposes a qualitative analysis to identify takeover target criteria according to French Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) practitioners.Design/methodology/approachA principal component factor analysis, applied to responses from 42 French M&A practitioners, highlighted four factors that summarize information about predictive variables and which explain the occurrence of takeover.FindingsAccording to the surveyed practitioners, four main axes explain 83% of the occurrence of takeover. These axes reflect motivations related to the undervalued target theory, synergy theory and agency theory. The first factor defined by the size of the company, its rate of return and turbulence in the sector. A second factor opposed market value and dividend payout ratio to the liquidity variable. The last two factors are called the debt factor, structured by the debt variable and the value creation factor, which opposed the value creation variable and transaction volume to the growth opportunities variable. The results therefore confirmed the importance of some predictor variables tested in previous studies and showed different results.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited in terms of sample size. The low number of responses obtained reflects the sensitivity of the subject, insofar as it highlights the predictive model used by M&A practitioners (professional secrecy). Future investigations will involve in extending the questionnaire approach to a larger sample of continental European M&A practitioners.Originality/valuePredicting takeover targets has been the subject of abundant literature. The results do not converge and are sometimes contradictory. This paper undertakes a field study conducted using a questionnaire survey to detect predictive variables used by M&A practitioners in their identification of a target firm. The authors aim to identify a relevant indicators favorable to the occurrence of a takeover bid and which are/or not handled by the literature.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity in consumer preferences for ready-to-eat pomegranate: an empirical study in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (12) ◽  
pp. 3869-3884
Author(s):  
Alice Stiletto ◽  
Elisa Giampietri ◽  
Samuele Trestini
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Heterogeneous Preferences ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Italian Origin ◽  
Consumer Test ◽  
Positive Effect

PurposeThe present study aims at analysing consumer preferences for the pomegranate fruit, focussing on the effect of ready-to-eat format (i.e. packaged arils) on the purchasing choice, together with several products’ attributes as the origin, the packaging typology and the price.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a choice experiment (CE) among 626 Italian consumers from Veneto region through an online survey. The study estimates both a conditional logit (CL) and a latent class logit model (LCM).FindingsBy segmenting the sample based on the heterogeneous preferences of consumers, it can distinguish “eco-friendly consumers”, “time-saving lovers”, “nationalists” and “price sensitive” subjects. Interestingly, the marginal willingness to pay for ready-to-eat arils is positive for the “time-saving lovers” that are mainly young consumers. The Italian origin has always a positive effect on the choice, whereas a negative effect is found for the price. Finally, the eco-friendly package has both a negative and a positive effect.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of this study is not representative of the population and the CE has a hypothetical nature. It follows that further research will link the economic analysis to a consumer test on a more representative sample.Practical implicationsThis study can be useful for the pomegranate producers and the industry because it provides original evidence that could drive their business and marketing strategies, for instance, the preference for ready-to-eat arils.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first seeking to determine the factors that affect consumers' preferences for pomegranate arils.

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