Producers' and processors' perceptions of locality and its interaction with the concept of organic farming – empirical evidence from Denmark

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramona Teuber ◽  
Jørgen Dejgård Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Local Food ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distribution Strategy ◽  
Strong Emphasis

PurposeGiven the fact that local food as a tool to create value-added is a relatively new trend in Scandinavian countries with a strong emphasis on organic food, only limited – and mainly qualitative and case-based - empirical evidence on producers and processors involved in local food value chains (FVCs) has been available so far. Thus, the present paper contributes to the small but growing literature analyzing local FVCs by providing and analyzing quantitative survey data. More specifically, the authors aim at investigating (1) how agricultural producers and processors define and perceive local food, (2) which drivers are important for the decision to become involved in local FVC and (3) whether these drivers differ in a systematic way across producers and processors.Design/methodology/approachIn order to address these research questions, empirical data from a quantitative stakeholder survey carried out in spring in 2017 is used. Data are analyzed via descriptive and inductive statistics including a cluster analysis.FindingsThe survey results concerning the definition and perceptions of local food are in line with previous studies showing that there is usually a strong emphasis on geographic proximity. Besides, local (organic) food producers and processors are diverse and heterogeneous with differing distribution and product differentiation strategies being implemented and pursued. In particular, businesses employing primarily a personified distribution strategy (e.g. direct sales via farmers markets) differ quite substantially from businesses employing mainly a standardized distribution strategy (e.g. via retail) in their economic characteristics. Moreover, differences in the perception of potential benefits of local food as well as in the underlying drivers to become part of local FVCs were detected across businesses with different distribution strategies.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the employed data sample is considered adequate for analyzing heterogeneity in firms' business strategies, the sample is not representative for Denmark and cannot straight-forwardly be extrapolated to the population level.Originality/valueOne of the first quantitative study on producers' and processors' perceptions of local food and its interaction with organic farming. So far, there is a large literature on consumers' perceptions but empirical evidence for other stakeholders is scarce. Hence, the present study provides a complementary perspective on the topic of local food.

An ethnographic analysis of consumer information processing and decision-making at farmers’ markets

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Garner
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Local Food ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Consumer Information ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Ethnographic Methods ◽  
Process Information ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Messages

Purpose Farmers’ markets have grown rapidly in recent years and at the same time consumers increasingly desire to eat healthfully and sustainably. This research aims to analyze the way consumers process information regarding local food claims such as sustainability and organics when shopping for local foods at farmers’ markets. Design/methodology/approach This research uses ethnographic methods that included interviews with 36 participants, more than 100 hours of participant observation and prolonged engagement over a two and half-year period. Findings The findings indicate that there are two dominant types of consumers at the farmers’ market, hedonistic and utilitarian consumers. Hedonistic consumers rely on heuristic cues such as aesthetics, their relationship with the farmer and other peripheral sources of information when making purchase decisions. Utilitarian consumers, by contrast, carefully analyze marketing messages using central route cues and tend to be more conscious of their purchase choices. Practical implications This study will help farmers more effectively position their marketing messages and help consumers be aware how they process information in this space. Originality/value Unlike previous studies of consumer behavior at farmers’ markets that primarily use survey methods, this study uses observational and ethnographic methods to capture in situ interactions in this complex buying context. Further, while much work has been done on broad concepts of local food and organic preferences, this study provides a more in-depth look at consumer information processing in the farmers’ market space that reflects a mixture of organic and non-organic food.

Business strategy for environmental social governance practices: evidence from telecommunication companies in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-289
Author(s):  
Nur Syuhada Jasni ◽  
Haslinda Yusoff ◽  
Mustaffa Mohamed Zain ◽  
Noreena Md Yusoff ◽  
Nor Syafinaz Shaffee
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Telecommunications Industry ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Governance ◽  
Telecommunications Companies

Purpose The present digital era has integrated the conventional telecommunications companies as service providers in this ever-competitive environment. Towards gaining business competitiveness, businesses are operated from the stance of dynamic business model that places focus on both economic activities and, more importantly, value-added benefits. One essential value embedded into business strategies refers to the aspect of sustainability in conjunction to environmental social governance (ESG). Within the context of Malaysia, ESG practices have been expected to grow rapidly in years to come, along with the vision of becoming a digital economy nation, by 2050. The continuous discussions appear to support the significance of implementing ESG practices amidst organizations, which in turn, could enhance a more sustainable economic growth for the country. Although many studies have probed into the dimensions of ESG, little attention has been given to the ESG practices incorporated into business strategy agenda. Design/methodology/approach This paper combed through the literature to retrieve the multi-dimensions of ESG concepts, as well as related in-depth insights into ESG disclosures amongst leading companies established in Malaysia. As for the research design, this study used the content analysis method and the ESG Grid as the benchmarking tool to explore superior commitments amongst its peers. Findings As a result, this study stumbled upon two major outcomes: the pattern of ESG disclosures in telecommunications industry and the approaches in implementing ESG practices in telecommunications companies. These two aspects appear essential to establish a competitive advantage, apart from addressing the issues raised by concerned stakeholders. Research limitations/implications Future studies may explore deeper into comprehending the ESG practices by using the interview method and incorporating other industry or arena. Practical implications The decisions made by the companies to invest in ESG practices mark the ability of a company in devising viable survival strategies within the industry. Originality/value Hence, this study offers several vital insights into the practical value to learn from the best experiences, aside from analyzing the current progress of ESG practices within the context of developing nation.

Sharing economy approach for the development of the organic food market in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-126
Author(s):  
Neeraj Dangi ◽  
Sapna A. Narula
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
Sharing Economy ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Food Markets ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Food Market

PurposeThis paper explores the contextual relevance of sharing economy for the organic food market in an emerging economy like India.Design/methodology/approachCase study approach was used to collect empirical data from different types of organic food markets.FindingsOrganic food farmers markets compared to online and health food stores tends to facilitate sharing economy more since it helps them to build value, scale and trust. By sharing resources, skills and spaces, organic farmers markets have increased organic food availability, reduced its cost of certification and operation besides managing consumer trust. Subjective influence through social media and offline interaction reduces information asymmetry at zero marginal cost. Organic food producers/retailers can get a competitive advantage by tapping underutilized assets to create value and opportunities besides overcoming their demand and supply constraints.Originality/valueThe research offers a fresh perspective to the organic food sector, particularly in emerging economies like India. It could assist all stakeholders to overcome the current demand and supply challenges faced in organic food markets.

scholarly journals Assessing the risk of non-compliance in UK organic agriculture

2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (8) ◽  
pp. 1369-1382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Zanoli ◽  
Danilo Gambelli ◽  
Francesco Solfanelli ◽  
Susanne Padel
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Food System ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Probability Of Occurrence ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Control Body ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the risk factors influencing non-compliance in UK organic farming. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a formal econometric model of risk analysis to provide empirical evidence on the determinants of non-compliance in organic farming. A panel of data from the archives of the largest control body in the UK for 2007-2009 is used, and specific analyses are performed for two types of non-compliances. A zero inflated count data model is used for the estimation, taking into account the fact that the occurrences of non-compliance are very sparse. Findings – Results show the existence of strong co-dependence of non-compliant behaviours (i.e. the occurrence of major and critical non-compliance increases the probability of occurrence of the minor one; similarly the probability of occurrence of major non-compliance increases when minor non-compliance occur). Besides, livestock production and farm size are relevant risk factors. Research limitations/implications – Albeit highly representative, the findings are based on Soil Association data only and not on all UK organic farms. Practical implications – The paper provides practical indications for control bodies, concerning aspects that could be strengthened for more efficient risk-based inspections. The paper advocates the use of financial information like turnover or capital stock, and of data concerning the characteristics of the farmers, that could substantially improve the probability of detecting the most severe non-compliances. Social implications – Certification is essential for organic farming, and an improvement of inspection procedures through a risk-based approach could add efficiency and effectiveness to the whole organic food system, with obvious advantages for consumers and the society as a whole. Originality/value – This paper provides for the first time empirical evidence concerning the implementation of the organic certification system in the UK.

Assessing industry differences in marketing innovation using multi-level modeling

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajax Persaud ◽  
Shu Wang ◽  
Sandra R. Schillo
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Innovation ◽  
Industry Level ◽  
Multi Level

Purpose Currently, the bulk of research on marketing innovation focuses on various firm-level dimensions using relationships from the technological (product and process) innovation literature. Research on industry-level differences in marketing innovation is lacking. Testing relationships form the technological paradigm in the context of the marketing innovation paradigm is also lacking. This paper aims to present empirical evidence on both aspects using a large-scale data set. Design/methodology/approach This study uses two large-scale datasets, each consisting of approximately 4,000 Canadian enterprises in 18 industries. The data was collected by Statistics Canada in 2009 and 2012 through its nationwide Survey of Innovation and Business Strategies program. Two widely used theoretical frameworks, resource-based view of the firm and the competitive perspective, are used to generate constructs and hypotheses in relation to marketing innovation. The data was analyzed using multi-level logistic regression. Findings The findings show that industry-level competition is a much more important driver of marketing innovation than firm-level competition. The authors also show that marketing constructs that are significant in the context of technological innovation are also significant for marketing innovation. Research limitations/implications This study extends the firm-level literature by providing evidence of how industry-level dynamics enhances marketing innovation. The study also provides empirical evidence from Canadian enterprises that complement those from other countries. Practical implications A deeper understanding of the drivers of marketing innovation can enable managers to enact innovation strategies that can enhance organizational performance, differentiate themselves and enhance customer engagement and brand image. Originality/value As one of the few studies to examine industry-level differences in marketing innovation, the authors show that disaggregating competition into industry-level and firm-level provides a clearer picture of how competition advances marketing innovation. Additionally, this study is the first of its kind to provide empirical evidence on Canadian enterprises, thereby complementing evidence on marketing innovation from other countries. Thus, this study makes a theoretical and empirical contribution to the emerging marketing innovation literature.

An analysis of factors affecting growth of organic food

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (9) ◽  
pp. 2308-2325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Misra ◽  
Deepak Singh
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
National Capital

Purpose Food gives us essential nutrients to lead a healthy lifestyle but lately it has been found that many food products have become hazardous due to contamination and lead to many diseases. The rampant use of pesticides and chemical-based fertilizers in agriculture has, increased the productivity but at the same time they have created an alarming situation for the environment. The demand of the hour is to therefore to encourage organic farming and offer a better choice to consumers as well as save the environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the factors affecting perception of consumers on organic food products in Indian context. Design/methodology/approach The study used a structured survey of 150 respondents covering Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) of Ghaziabad, Noida and Faridabad (India). Exploratory research was used to know the variables from the literature that affect the perception of consumers regarding organic food. Descriptive research was used to understand the demographic profile of the organic food consumer’s. Conclusive research design was used to test the hypotheses based upon the motivating and inhibiting factor in the growth of organic food. Findings The data collected from the survey were analyzed using t-test, χ 2 test, factor analysis and multiple linear regression tests. Results indicated that the intention to purchase organic products was impacted by the consumer’s belief on the safety and health aspect of the product, trust and certification, information and availability and lifestyle and are hence drivers of growth. And certain impeding factors were identified like doubt in the professed quality of organic food, lack of awareness and price parity. Social implications There are enough evidences of fertile land being converted into wasteland because of use of agro- chemical-based fertilizers in farming. There are also enough incidents of polluted water (ground and surface) due to agrochemical-based farming. Heavy use of pesticides leads to adverse effect on the health of farmers also. There were many reports of farmers committing suicide because of debt due to heavy investment on pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming is a win-win proposition for environment, farmers and consumer’s. Originality/value The study was an effort to understand awareness and perception of organic food consumers in urban India post-agriculture revolution. The result would help the organic food producing and marketing companies to understand the factors that influence the belief of consumers when they purchase organic food and henceforth they can formulate communication strategies and marketing policy based on consumer’s expectations.

Procurement and consumption of local and organic food in the catering of a rural town

2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irma Tikkanen
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Local Food ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Development Cooperation ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Food Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Town

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the transformation towards consuming local and organic food (LOF) in the catering of a rural town. Product development cooperation, procurement, consumption, and prices are illustrated. Achieved local, social and environmental benefits are depicted. Design/methodology/approach – Theoretical framework includes the EU's strategy for corporate social responsibility concerning public procurement. Recent research on LOF and its procurement are summarized. The sources for empirical data included web pages depicting the case town and an interviewee, namely the food service manager. Findings – The results indicated that in 2011 local food products amounted to 46 per cent, whereas organic food products accounted for 14 per cent of the food procurement in the case town school's catering. The percentage of local food products in the whole town's catering amounted to 13. Benefits for the local community included money supporting the local economy, which thus facilitated the producers developing their businesses. However, higher prices were paid. Social benefits entailed that LOF contains the least amount of additives possible and LOF also advocates local food culture. Environmental benefits included, e.g. the following aspects: protecting the natural environment; decreasing packaging and bio waste; and diminished consuming water and energy. Practical implications – Increasing consumption of LOF required the following actions: integrating LOF into the town's strategy; allocating extra resources; training catering personnel; developing products with producers; and organising local procurement procedures. Originality/value – The results offer ideas for small municipalities how to increase the consumption of LOF gradually, and thus achieve benefits for the local community. The results may interest also those selling-in to that market sector.

EU organic logo and its perception by consumers

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (5) ◽  
pp. 1506-1526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Zander ◽  
Susanne Padel ◽  
Raffaele Zanoli
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Demographic Indicators ◽  
Efficient Communication ◽  
Food Market ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
The Eu

Purpose – With the introduction of the mandatory European Union (EU) organic logo for all organic food products in 2010, the European Commission aimed at fostering the internal organic food market. This needs consumers’ knowledge of the logo. According to earlier research consumers’ knowledge of the EU organic logo is low. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to elicit consumers’ attitudes towards organic certification and labelling and to develop recommendations on how to improve consumers’ knowledge of the EU organic logo. Design/methodology/approach – By means of an online survey with 3,000 participants in six European countries, knowledge of the logo and attitudes towards organic farming and European labelling, as well as organic food purchase behaviour and socio-demographic indicators were elicited. Factor and cluster analysis based on several statements on the test persons’ attitudes towards organic farming and corresponding EU legislation were conducted in order to segment consumers. Findings – The results indicate that knowledge of the logo is low. Only about 15 per cent of all respondents knew its meaning. Four clusters of consumers could be identified: “Committed organics”, “Pragmatic organics”, “Organic sceptics” and Organic disinterested’. With reference to the EU organic legislation’s aim of promoting the organic market, particularly “Organic sceptics” should be addressed by emphasising the trustworthiness of the organic certification and labelling system. Originality/value – Segmenting consumers according to their attitude towards organic farming, its labelling and certification allows for targeted and efficient communication and organic market development.

scholarly journals Packaging’s of the organic farming products in the context of circular economy

2021 ◽  
Vol 92 ◽  
pp. 05011
Author(s):  
Piotr Kafel ◽  
Paweł Nowicki ◽  
Magdalena Wojnarowska
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Global Trend ◽  
The Eu

Research background: Food production is more and more globalized concerning not only the suppliers of food ingredients and producers but also considering the packaging trends and solutions available on the market. In opposition to that trend the EU high quality food products schemes were implemented such as organic farming products or traditional and regional ones. That products are usually perceived as good for the environment which is not always case when the packaging of that products are considered. The other global trend described in the paper that is focusing the attention is circular economy idea that points to the takeover from a linear economy to a circular economy. This paper combine the specific product (organic food) and its packaging with the recommendations of circular economy. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the study was the question, if the studied companies that are under the strict obligatory surveillance according to the organic food production rules meet the requirements of the sustainable production and circular economy requirements. Methods: Food processing manufacturers operating on a polish market were surveyed in the area of circular economy aspects concerning the use of the product packaging to indicate the level of implementation and real interest in sustainable development and circular economy. Findings & Value added: The main findings are related to the conclusion that organic farming producers with no implemented voluntary management system standards do not implement circular economy requirements.

scholarly journals Designing successful business strategies for private public partnerships: an ontological approach

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fragkoulis Papagiannis ◽  
Patrizia Gazzola ◽  
David Slavata ◽  
Daniele Grechi
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Objectives ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Strategic Design ◽  
Ontological Approach ◽  
Enterprise Ontology ◽  
Project Structure

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative approach for the strategic design of public–private partnerships (PPP) and private finance initiatives (PFI) based on ontology. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a historic approach, it introduces a posteriori knowledge, deriving from the scheme’s stakeholders at the construction and implementation phase of PPPs. Continuous failures of these collaboration schemes and initiatives underline the necessity for a novel project structure. The conceptual argument is based both on empirical and epistemological approaches. It integrates the value-added (VA) of the ontological theory in the PPP/PFI business strategy. Findings The research emphasises contemporary design gaps of their current structure and proposes an ontological redesign. The proposed redesign produces a conceptually innovative scheme, which enhances the VA business strategies and their objectives to the structure of these collaborating schemes. Practical implications The ontological design of this paper is useful for academics and business consultants around the world and especially in Europe for the successful growth and development of such dynamic collaborations. Originality/value Enterprise ontology bridges conceptual and structural gaps of strategic objectives, which are primarily responsible for the failures of PPP collaboration.

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