How consumers' personalities, lifestyles and demographics predict SVOD genre and SVOD platform consumption

PurposeStreaming video on demand (SVOD) services are comprised of digital media content creation and content distribution that provide a vast array of genre content playable on an assortment of different technology platforms. Additionally, these digital services are equipped to collect data and information on consumers. However, these services do not capture extensive consumer demographics, lifestyles or personalities information.Design/methodology/approachTo resolve this discrepancy, collecting external information such as complete demographics, personalities and lifestyles of consumers can be useful in advancing SVOD consumer behavior knowledge. This study examined how consumer demographics, lifestyles and personalities may predict SVOD genre consumption and SVOD platform consumption. A survey was executed and disseminated to collect consumer information across these dimensions. Multiple linear regressions and a structural equation model were formed to explicate variance.FindingsConsumer demographics, lifestyles and personalities’ information do predict SVOD genre consumption and SVOD platform consumption.Originality/valueMedia selection and trait theory have not been applied to understanding unexplained variance behind consumer media consumption, and are often used to predict media consumption variance among consumers. These findings illustrate that, while digital consumer touchpoints are necessary to collect and analyze, marketers should not lose sight of easily-obtainable consumer data, much of which dictates consumption choices.

Cannabis Cultivator Phenotype and Attribute Preferences in Legal Recreational and Medical Cannabis Cultivation Operations in Oregon and Colorado

BackgroundAs recreational and medicinal Cannabis sativa production increases across the United States, concerns have arisen regarding declines in cannabis biodiversity. Studies have suggested genetic bottlenecking has occurred primarily because of breeder and cultivator preferences and practices which over-emphasize the selection of strains with high contents of the psychoactive cannabinoid, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). No study to-date, however, has sought to systematically assess grower and breeder knowledge, preferences, and practices within legal operations within the United States. MethodsTwenty-one licensed recreational and medical cannabis growers in the states of Colorado and Oregon were provided with free lists to ascertain cultural domains of knowledge regarding cannabis phenotypes and attributes within commercial cannabis production operations. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with participants to provide more nuanced explanations of free-list responses, and to clarify responses where necessary. Free-list results were initially ungrouped excepting those variables whose meanings had been triangulated utilizing interview data. Free list data was assessed utilizing Smith’s S formula to ascertain cultural salience for listed attributes and phenotypes. A second analysis was then conducted for grouped terpene-related data. Results Results from the ungrouped free list identified Yield as the most culturally salient category (.29) followed by High THC Content (.26) and Smell (.25). Overall, horticultural characteristics such as yield, plant structure, and morphology garnered were the most frequently listed, followed by chemometrics, economics, and phenology, with some overlap between these categorizations. Though THC content was described as important within commercial operations by most growers both within free-list responses and interviews, growers also expressed that this preference was due to state testing regulations and a misinformed consumer base, rather than grower partialities. Respondents also noted that they believed consumer preferences were changing as consumer demographics were beginning to trend towards “older” consumers. When terpene-related attributes within free-listed results were combined utilizing triangulation from semi-structured interviews to verify the free list data, terpenes became the most cultural-salient attribute listed by growers (.42). Conclusions The results from this study suggest that cannabis biodiversity may indeed be declining due to breeder practices that emphasize THC content, but that these practices are informed by state policies and consumer purchasing metrics rather than grower preferences.

Exploring the Relationship Between Extended 3Ps and Store Choice: Moderating Role of Consumer Demographics

This study is an attempt to bridge the link between factors representing stores’ decision boundaries and consumers’ decision-making criteria. It also explores the impact of consumer demographic variables on the relationship between the influence of extended 3Ps (process, people and physical evidence) and store choice. Around 290 responses were found suitable for further statistical refinements through a structured survey. After carrying out the reliability and validity properties of the data, structure equation modelling was applied. The findings of the study revealed that individual demographics (income, age and gender) moderated the relationship between the extended 3Ps and consumer store choice for shopping (in this study example of shopping smartphone). However, occupation and education were found to have no different influence by separate segments of population. Also, all demographics have an interpretation for marketers, which are discussed in the conclusion section. The framework used in this article opens up new vistas for research on exploring different consumer segments and service decision-making in retail marketing.

Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Potting Mix with Biochar

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 willingness to pay for locally produced hard cider in the USA

Purpose This study aims to determine whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced hard apple cider and examine the factors influencing this premium. This study examines the influence of hard apple cider attributes and consumer characteristics on consumer preferences for local hard apple cider. Design/methodology/approach Data from a 2019 survey of 875 Tennessee consumers regarding their preferences for a local hard apple cider were obtained. Probit estimates were used to calculate the premium consumers were willing to pay for a locally made hard apple cider and factors influencing this premium. A multivariate probit was used to ascertain factors influencing the importance of attributes (e.g. heirloom apples, sweetness/dryness, sparking/still and no preservatives added) on local hard apple cider preference. Findings Consumers would pay a $3.22 premium for local hard apple cider compared with a $6.99 reference product. Local foods preferences, urbanization, weekly purchases of other alcoholic beverages and shopping venues influenced premium amounts. Other important attributes were sweetness/dryness and no preservatives. Influence of consumer demographics suggests targeted marketing of local ciders could be successful. Originality/value Few studies examine consumer preferences for hard apple ciders. This study represents a cross-sectional analysis of the premium consumers would pay for local hard apple ciders and the importance of other hard apple cider attributes.

Campylobacter Contamination of UK-Produced Halal Chicken at Retail

Campylobacter is the leading cause of human bacterial diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with poultry meat products accounting for the majority of human cases. Recent surveys by the Food Standards Agency estimate the Campylobacter prevalence in fresh UK retail chicken to be 41.2%. However, such surveys have not distinguished between broiler chickens produced for different consumer demographics, such as the Halal market. Campylobacter colonisation of broilers is difficult to prevent, especially during routine partial depopulation of flocks. Broilers produced for the Halal market may undergo multiple depopulation events, which may increase the risk of colonisation and subsequent Campylobacter contamination of chicken meat. This project aimed to determine the prevalence and levels of Campylobacter contamination of chicken meat produced for the UK Halal market. Campylobacter was identified and enumerated from the neck skin and outer packaging of 405 Halal chickens. Following culture, isolates were assigned to species via PCR and disc diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility tests determined. Logistic regression analysis assessed risk factors for Campylobacter isolation, the level of Campylobacter contamination among positive carcasses and antimicrobial resistance outcomes. Campylobacter spp. were confirmed in 65.4% of neck skin samples and 17.1% of packaging samples. 13.8% of neck skin samples had the highest level of contamination (>1000 cfu/g). Large birds had a significantly higher number of samples with >1000 cfu/g (p<0.001) and as chicken carcass weight increased, birds were more likely to be Campylobacter-positive (p<0.05). A high prevalence of resistance was seen to ciprofloxacin (42.0%) and 38.5% of samples contained at least one multi-drug resistant Campylobacter isolate. This study demonstrates that Halal chicken has a higher Campylobacter prevalence than non-Halal chicken. Interventions should be introduced to reduce this increased public health risk to consumers.

Functional outcomes in rural Australia of two continuing care teams: a regional town–city comparison of the 16-item Life Skills Profile

Objective: The primary aim was to examine differences in functional health outcomes in consumers entering a regional mental health service compared with a city service. Method: A retrospective analysis of consumer outcomes and characteristics was undertaken. Consumer demographics and diagnoses were compared between the two services. Functional outcomes were measured using the 16-item Life Skills Profile (LSP-16). The data analysis plan utilised descriptive statistics. For between-clinic comparisons, relevant inferential statistics was used. Results: Patients attending the regional health service were five times more likely to be in the high impairment category on the LSP-16, independent of demographic factors and diagnosis. Other independent contributions to high impairment were being male, Indigenous and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Of the four LSP-16 subscales, regional consumers scored relatively higher on withdrawal, compliance and anti-social but not self-care subscales. Conclusions: There was a greater level of functional impairment in consumers attending the regional service. The independent contributions did not explain the higher impairment; therefore, other factors such as socioeconomic disadvantage may explain the difference. Regional clinicians may need to consider recovery-orientated interventions that address a greater burden of functional impairments in regional services.