scholarly journals Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Potting Mix with Biochar

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3432
Author(s):  
McKenzie Thomas ◽  
Kimberly L. Jensen ◽  
Dayton M. Lambert ◽  
Burton C. English ◽  
Christopher D. Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Marginal Costs ◽  
Consumer Demographics ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Potential Market ◽  
Dedicated Energy Crops

Biochar is a co-product of advanced biofuels production from feedstocks including food, agricultural, wood wastes, or dedicated energy crops. Markets for soil amendments using biochar are emerging, but little is known about consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for these products or the depth of the products’ market potential for this product. This research provides WTP estimates for potting mix amended with 25% biochar, conditioned on consumer demographics and attitudes about product information labeling. Data were collected with an online survey of 577 Tennessee home gardeners. WTP was elicited through a referendum contingent valuation. Consumer WTP for an 8.81 L bag of 25% biochar potting mix is $8.52; a premium of $3.53 over conventional potting mix. Demographics and attitudes toward biofuels and the environment influence WTP. Biochar amounts demanded are projected for the study area’s potential market. Optimal prices, profits, and market shares are estimated across different marginal costs of producing biochar potting mix.

Consumer preferences for ‘natural’ agricultural practices: Assessing methods to manage bird pests

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 516-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Herrnstadt ◽  
Philip H. Howard ◽  
Chi-Ok Oh ◽  
Catherine A. Lindell
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Methyl Anthranilate ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Bird Management

Abstract‘Natural’ is a popular food marketing term. Although it is not well-defined, it refers primarily to inputs used for food processing, rather than agricultural practices. Given the market success of organic and non-GMO labeled foods, other agricultural practices may have the potential to develop ‘natural’ market niches while also addressing sustainability goals. We assessed perceptions of natural for one specific set of agricultural practices, bird management methods in fruit crops, utilizing a series of four focus groups. In addition, we quantified consumer preferences for these methods with a national online survey (n = 1000). The most positively received methods, falconry and nest boxes, were typically described as more natural. Conversely, the most negatively received methods, live ammunition and methyl anthranilate spray, were frequently viewed as less natural. The majority of survey respondents indicated that controlling fruit-consuming birds with natural practices was important, but an even higher percentage deemed avoiding harms to personal health as important. Because falconry and nest boxes do not have perceived direct effects on human health, they are likely to have less market potential than more established ecolabels. Communicating the use of these practices to consumers, however, may result in consumers selecting them over other products, particularly if the associated price premiums are relatively modest.

scholarly journals Rank-Ordered Analysis of Consumer Preferences for the Attributes of a Value-Added Biofuel Co-Product

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 2363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yejun Choi ◽  
Dayton M. Lambert ◽  
Kimberly L. Jensen ◽  
Christopher D. Clark ◽  
Burton C. English ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Wood Waste ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Energy Crop ◽  
Waste Wood ◽  
Consumer Demographics ◽  
A Value ◽  
Best Worst Scaling ◽  
Potential Market

Biochar is a co-product of the production of advanced biofuels that sequesters carbon when used as a soil amendment. Gardening consumers are a potential market for biochar and their purchase of biochar-amended products could provide biofuel producers with an additional revenue stream. To better understand this opportunity, preferences for the attributes of potting soils amended with biochar were elicited using a best-worst scaling experiment administered in a survey of 880 Tennessee households. The attributes analyzed were whether the biochar was produced in Tennessee, certified as biobased, a coproduct of biofuel production, and produced from food waste, wood waste, agricultural by-product, or a non-food energy crop feedstock. The effects of consumer demographics and attitudes on preferences for the biochar attributes were also estimated. We tested the independence of irrelevant alternative assumption using a structured covariance matrix designed specifically to the survey’s structure. The results suggest that the attributes most likely to influence favorably consumers are production from agricultural by-product or wood waste feedstock. On the other hand, the attributes least likely to entice consumers are biochar produced in Tennessee or produced as a co-product of renewable fuel.

scholarly journals Determining Consumer Perceptions of and Willingness to Pay for Appalachian Grass-Fed Beef: An Experimental Economics Approach

2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason R. Evans ◽  
Gerard E. D'Souza ◽  
Alan Collins ◽  
Brown Cheryl ◽  
Mark Sperow
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Experimental Economics ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Price Premium ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
Appalachian Region ◽  
Experimental Auction ◽  
Auction Mechanism

The focus of the current study was on the market potential for grass-fed beef in the Appalachian region, given that these products embody observed, experiential, nutritional, and process attributes that may appeal to a large consumer base. An in-store variant of the Becker-DeGroot-Marschack experimental auction mechanism was employed in the region to determine consumer preferences and willingness to pay. A majority of respondents preferred the grass-fed product over conventional grain-fed samples and were willing to pay a price premium to obtain it. Preferences for grass-fed were rooted largely in the associated superior nutritional content and core observed attributes.

Applications of the Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis Method for Consumer Preference Study

2017 ◽  
pp. 160-184
Author(s):  
Tadeusz Trzaskalik ◽  
Piotr Namieciński ◽  
Andrzej Bajdak ◽  
Slawomir Jarek
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Consumer Preference ◽  
New Product ◽  
Future Market ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Potential Market

Introducing a new product to the market is a complex, costly and time-consuming process which requires research on consumer preferences. On the basis of information on the characteristics of the new product and its competitors, as well as on the competitors and their market shares, the company has to estimate future market shares and to determine the profile of potential consumers inclined to purchase the new product. The purpose of our paper is to present a method of consumer preference research when introducing a new product, using a multiple criteria method called Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis (SMAA). To apply this method, no information requiring tedious research is needed. SMAA allows to obtain essential information on the potential market power of the new product already at an early stage of its preparation. Furthermore, the flexibility of the SMAA method allows to easily expand the scope of the analysis by including additional information and various techniques of the modeling of the consumer selection process.

scholarly journals Slow Fashion in Indonesia: Drivers and Outcomes of Slow Fashion Orientations

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Usep Suhud ◽  
Mamoon Allan ◽  
Bayu Wiratama ◽  
Ernita Maulida
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Potential Market ◽  
Premium Price ◽  
Slow Fashion ◽  
Fashion Involvement

This study aims to measure the willingness to pay premium price in the case of slow fashion by employing consumers’ slow fashion orientation, perceived valued, fashion involvement, and ethical purchase intention as predictor factors. Slow fashion is a fashion that is designed, produced, and consumed ethically by considering environmental, social, and humanitarian issues. Data were collected using an online survey and participants were approached conveniently. In total, 521 participants took part in this study consisting of 360 females and 161 males. The authors applied exploratory factor analysis and structural equation model to analyse the data. This study tested six hypotheses. As a result, slow fashion orientation significantly affected perceived value. Further, a perceived value significantly impacted fashion involvement, ethical purchase intention, and willingness to premium. Also, fashion involvement had a significant effect on ethical purchase intention, and ethical purchase intention had a significant influence on willingness to pay a premium price. This study shows a potential market of slow fashion in a developing country.

scholarly journals How to increase demand for carp? Consumer attitudes and preferences in Germany and Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (11) ◽  
pp. 3267-3282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Zander ◽  
Yvonne Feucht
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Protein Source ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Off Flavors ◽  
Protein Supply

PurposeCarp is a traditional aquaculture fish with decreasing relevance in European markets. Despite this, it is a protein source which could contribute to the worldwide protein supply. Traditional carp ponds are part of human cultural heritage with high relevance for biodiversity. But, market shares of carp are small compared to other seafood market, mainly due to low consumer demand. The aim of this research was to contribute to the discussion on how to increase demand for carp by testing the acceptance of selected preprocessed carp products.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative online survey was conducted in Germany and Poland with the aim of identifying consumers' attitudes towards carp and carp products. On this basis recommendations on how to best market carp products are developed.FindingsCarp is perceived to be a fish eaten primarily at Christmas and New Year's Eve and to be difficult to prepare. The analyses reveal that a potential for novel carp products does exist in Germany and in Poland. The wider introduction of a bonecut filet to the market, a better availability of carp products, and the avoidance of off-flavors are important prerequisites for higher market relevance of carp.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research consumer preferences were elicited “theoretically” by showing pictures of carp products and asking them for their preferences. In this regard, the results presented here state a general consumer interest and a potential for new carp products. Further research, integrating product tastings might give additional information on the likely success of new types of carp products.Practical implicationsIn order to let people know about the new products and at the same time to combat the sometimes existent bad image of carp, product tastings, also in combination with information regarding local origin and environmental/cultural impact, should be offered at the point of sale.Originality/valueCarp is a highly sustainable fish and offers a valuable protein source for human consumption. But, in its common ways of market presentation it is not highly appreciated by consumers. This paper demonstrates options of overcoming this situation.

scholarly journals Demand for High-Quality Beef Attributes in Developing Countries: The Case of Ecuador

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (04) ◽  
pp. 568-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
María José Castillo ◽  
Carlos E. Carpio
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Quality Perceptions ◽  
Knowledge Quality ◽  
Credence Attributes ◽  
Potential Market ◽  
Potential Demand

AbstractConsumer preferences are likely to become more important in policy and market initiatives in developing countries. This study explores current and potential demand for high-quality beef in Ecuador. A survey of 547 households (including two choice experiments) was carried out in order to gather knowledge, quality perceptions, and experiences regarding Ecuadorian beef and preferences for specific beef attributes. Consumers have positive and economically significant willingness-to-pay values for all credence attributes considered in the study: sanitary control, meat maturation, animal welfare, and traceability. The results provide evidence that there is a potential market for increased-quality beef in Ecuador.

Product information and Chinese consumers’ willingness-to-pay for fair trade coffee

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shang-Ho Yang ◽  
Ping Qing ◽  
Wuyang Hu ◽  
Yun Liu
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Fair Trade ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Chinese Consumers ◽  
Survey Question ◽  
Payment Card ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fair Trade Coffee ◽  
Willingness To Purchase

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate Chinese consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for fair trade coffee given different amount of product information. Although coffee is becoming more popular in China, the concept of fair trade is often found unfamiliar to most Chinese consumers. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 564 consumers were interviewed in Hubei, China. The key survey question asked consumers’ willingness to purchase a cup of fair trade coffee compared to a traditional cup of coffee. A modified payment card approach was used to elicit WTP. Before answering the purchase question, respondents were randomly assigned to one of three different information scenarios: basic definition, impact on sustainability and the environment, and information including both environmental and social implications. Findings – Results indicated that consumers were generally willing to pay additional amount for fair trade coffee. Information played an important role in determining what types of consumers were responsive to fair trade coffee. Furthermore, the amount of information provided and consumer WTP did not follow a linear relationship. Practical implications – Results obtained in this study are useful for coffee marketers to better target their promotion strategies. Originality/value – In contrast to China's fast growing coffee market, little is known about consumer preferences and far less on fair trade coffee. This study is the first of its kind to understand Chinese consumers’ preferences for coffee in general and for fair trade coffee in specific.

scholarly journals The Potential Market for Improved Varieties of Mangos in Puerto Rican Supermarkets

1969 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-160
Author(s):  
Frank Mattern ◽  
William Pennock
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Economic Incentive ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
The Other ◽  
Improved Varieties ◽  
Potential Market ◽  
Market Test

Mangos have a long history in Puerto Rico but traditional varieties offer little if any economic incentive for commercial production. Improved varieties therefore have been introduced to the Island. A matched-lot procedure was employed to determine consumer preferences for different improved varieties of mangos. Of 16 varieties tested, Springfels was the most popular, with Ruby, Irwin, and Davis Haden following. In addition to these four varieties, Edward, Haden, Parvin, Zill, Jacqueline, Early Gold, Kent, and Sensation also were rated rather highly. Julie, Pillsbury, Eldon, and Lippens had little consumer appeal when compared with the other varieties in this market test. The market potential for improved varieties of mangos in Puerto Rican supermarkets was estimated by expanding data gathered in three test supermarkets to all Island supermarkets. In the test stores, 0.0987 pounds of mangos per shopper were sold during a 6-week test period. This multiplier was applied to the estimated total number of Puerto Rican supermarket shoppers, which rendered estimated sales of 47,704 pounds per week at 17 cents per pound.

Effect of information on consumer preferences and willingness-to-pay for sparkling mock wines

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (8) ◽  
pp. 2621-2638
Author(s):  
Simona Naspetti ◽  
Francesca Alberti ◽  
Massimo Mozzon ◽  
Sara Zingaretti ◽  
Raffaele Zanoli
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Sparkling Wine ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Sweet Wines ◽  
Other Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of information about alcohol content, organic labelling and packaging on consumer preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) of non-alcoholic sparkling mock wines. Design/methodology/approach In a two-step study, the consumer’s expectations and overall liking of two novel brands of mock wines were investigated by focus groups followed by a common hedonic test combined with a choice experiment aimed at measuring consumer WTP. A total of 240 consumers were assigned to two tasting groups of equal size: all were presented at least one brand of mock wine, while drinkers also tasted a familiar brand of low-alcohol sweet sparkling wine. A paper-and-pencil choice experiment followed the tasting sessions. Findings The results demonstrate that participants in blind or manipulated “informed” conditions are not able to discriminate among mock wines and wine, whereas significant differences in preferences for brands under investigation appeared when labels and other information were disclosed. In effect, drinkers and non-drinkers did not differ in hedonic scores of mock wines. While younger participants exhibited the highest scores in blind liking, the overall expected liking is significantly higher for non-drinkers and women if compared, respectively, to drinkers and men. WTP for mock wines is influenced by taste, glass bottle packaging and the organic label, while mock-wine colour is not relevant. Research limitations/implications Although limited in sample size and representativeness, this study has brought some new insights into the consumption of non-alcoholic mock wines. In this study, a significant influence of blind sensory liking on WTP is demonstrated. This result has theoretical implications: while the effect of product information on WTP is well established, the relationship between hedonic scores and WTP – while theoretically consistent – is not so clear-cut in the literature. Further research is needed to confirm/disconfirm these findings. Practical implications Sparkling no-alcohol mock wines, despite their sweetness, appear not different in taste to medium-to-low APV (7.5 per cent) sweet wines. Originality/value The paper suggests that marketing of mock (no-alcohol) wines needs careful branding to elicit significant hedonic effects, while interacting sensory (blind liking) scores with price information in choice models may help to represent taste heterogeneity in WTP estimates in a better way.

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