The Effect of Downsizing Packages of Energy-Dense, Nutrient-Poor Snacks and Drinks on Consumption, Intentions, and Perceptions—A Scoping Review

The single-serve packaging of discretionary foods is becoming increasingly popular, but evidence is limited on whether smaller package sizes can reduce food intake. The aim of this scoping review is to assess the effect of reducing the package size of energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) snacks and drinks on consumption, intentions, and perception, and to examine the effects of potential moderators or mediators. The search was conducted in six selected databases and grey literature sources, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for the scoping review process (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. After screening 5562 articles, 30 articles comprising 47 intervention studies were included. Twelve of 15 studies found a significant effect in lowering the actual or intended consumption when a single smaller package was offered compared with a single larger package. When the total serving size was held constant between varying package conditions, such as a multipack, single package, or unpackaged, the results on the actual and intended consumption were inconsistent and varied according to the presence of moderators. Overall, these findings suggest that an overall reduction in the size of a single package is a more promising strategy than providing multipacks to reduce consumption. Changes to the current food environment to promote single smaller packages of EDNP snacks and drinks are necessary to support the better selection of appropriate portion sizes and reduce consumption.

Explaining mobile game takeoff through information configuration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how the number and quality of games that publishers have released, popularity of game genre, age rating and package size are configured to determine the mobile game takeoff in a short time.Design/methodology/approachBased on the signaling theory, the authors present a conceptual model. Using actual data about 170 mobile games at their initial stage in the Apple App store, the authors test the conceptual model by applying fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).FindingsThe findings identify four solutions that explain Mobile game takeoff in a short time. The authors highlight the role of the number and quality of games released by publishers, as well as that of popular game genres, which are always core factors when present.Originality/valueThis paper complements the previous research on the diffusion of mobile games by exploring which information combinations can lead to mobile games takeoff in a short time from the perspective of configuration. FsQCA serves as a better tool for explaining the complex relationships among variables than a regression analysis approach does. The authors extend existing knowledge on how the number and quality of games that publishers have released, popularity of game genre, age rating and package size combine to lead to takeoff of mobile games in a short time.

Egg pricing and labeling on supermarkets in São Paulo

Brazil is a big table egg producer and consumer. Although battery cages are still the main production system in the country, growth in demand for specialty eggs can be identified from the growing availability of free-range and organic eggs in the market. The goal for this study was to report the prices of different table egg categories, varying in features such as eggshell color, package size or farming system, and to characterize the information available on labels. We investigated fifteen supermarket units, randomly distributed along the west side of the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Four data collections were performed throughout one year, in each unit. Our results indicate that organic eggs were the most expensive among different farming system categories. Furthermore, brown shell eggs were more expensive compared to white shell eggs, regardless of the farming system. Eggs sold in small packages were more expensive than eggs sold in large packages. Cage-free and organic eggs had labels with more informative content and, lastly, eggs with more detailed labels were related to higher prices.

Abstract MP54: Retail Soda Purchases Decrease And Water Purchases Increase After Six Years Of A Healthy Beverage Campaign

Introduction: Sugary drink consumption is a major risk factor for excess weight gain. In 2013, Howard County, MD launched a multi-component campaign to decrease sugary drink consumption. A previously published difference-in-differences (DID) analysis of supermarket retail beverage sales from 2012 (baseline) to 2015 documented a significant decrease in regular soda and fruit drinks sales in intervention stores compared to matched control stores. The present study extends this evaluation through 2018. Hypothesis: Sugary drink sales will continue to decrease and sales of non-sugary drinks will increase through 2018. Methods: Prior to the intervention, a retail sales tracking company identified a sample of supermarkets (N=15) in Howard County (Intervention stores) and assessed 52-weeks of top brand sales for each beverage category. These data were used to identify a set of matched Control stores (N=17) in an adjacent state. DID analyses were used to compare the weekly volume sales of each product (brand and package size) within each beverage category in the Intervention and Control stores from baseline (2012) to Year 6 (2018). Models were adjusted for relevant variables, including average price/ounce; average competitor price/ounce; and weekly local temperature. Results: DID analyses identified a significantly larger net decrease in average weekly volume sales of regular soda, fruit drinks, and 100% juice in the Intervention stores compared to the Control stores over six years (p < .001). See Figure for regular soda sales. After 2015, intervention stores also exhibited significant increases in sales of plain bottled water (p < .0001) and carbonated water (p < .001). In contrast, sports drinks, diet soda, and flavored waters did not consistently differ between conditions. Conclusion: A locally implemented, multi-component campaign reduced regular soda and fruit drink sales over six years. Additional efforts to reduce sales of sports drinks are warranted.

The effects of dietary restraint and portion-control packaging on snack consumption behaviour

The present study investigated the effects of package size on consumption behaviour when either body image or dietary concerns are activated, in restrained and unrestrained eaters. Portion-control packaging has recently emerged under the assumption that carefully-controlled portion sizes help limit consumption of palatable snacks. While there is reasonably good support for this in most populations, recent findings suggest that portion-control packaging may paradoxically increase consumption for restrained eaters (Coelho Do Vale, Pieters, & Zeelenberg, 2008; Scott et al., 2008). Consistent with prior research, we hypothesized that restrained eaters activated for dieting or body image concerns are more likely to deem larger packaged-sized treats as “unacceptable” and decrease intake. Similarly, activated restrained eaters are more likely to deem smaller packaged-sized treats as “acceptable” and thus paradoxically increase intake. However, the present study did not find support for hypotheses. Theoretical reasons as to why results were not what researchers anticipated are proposed.

The effects of dietary restraint and portion-control packaging on snack consumption behaviour

The present study investigated the effects of package size on consumption behaviour when either body image or dietary concerns are activated, in restrained and unrestrained eaters. Portion-control packaging has recently emerged under the assumption that carefully-controlled portion sizes help limit consumption of palatable snacks. While there is reasonably good support for this in most populations, recent findings suggest that portion-control packaging may paradoxically increase consumption for restrained eaters (Coelho Do Vale, Pieters, & Zeelenberg, 2008; Scott et al., 2008). Consistent with prior research, we hypothesized that restrained eaters activated for dieting or body image concerns are more likely to deem larger packaged-sized treats as “unacceptable” and decrease intake. Similarly, activated restrained eaters are more likely to deem smaller packaged-sized treats as “acceptable” and thus paradoxically increase intake. However, the present study did not find support for hypotheses. Theoretical reasons as to why results were not what researchers anticipated are proposed.

Trends in Sales and Industry Perspectives of Package Sizes of Carbonates and Confectionery Products

Discretionary food package sizes are an important environmental cue that can affect the amount of food consumed. The aim of this study was to determine sales trends and reported food industry perspectives for changing food package sizes of carbonates and confectionery between 2005 and 2019. Changes in package sizes of carbonates and confectionery were investigated in Australia, the USA, Canada, and the UK. Sales data (units per capita and compound annual growth rate between 2005 and 2019) were extracted from the Euromonitor database. Qualitative data (market research reports) on industry perspectives on package size changes were extracted from industry and marketing databases. Carbonate sales data showed increased growth of smaller package sizes (<300 mL) and a decrease in sales of larger package sizes (≥2000 mL) in all four countries. In contrast, confectionery sales data showed no consistent trends across the selected countries. No growth was observed for smaller confectionery package sizes but an increase in growth of larger package sizes (50–99 g, >100 g), including share packages, was observed in Australia. Qualitative data (n = 92 articles) revealed key reasons identified by industry for changes in package size related to consumer health awareness, portion size control, convenience, market growth, and government or industry initiatives. Monitoring of discretionary food package sizes provides additional insights into consumers’ food environment.

Pecan Preferences Associated with Mid-west Nut Buyers

Over the past decade, pecans (Carya illinoinensis) have experienced slow to stagnant growth as other nuts see continual growth. Given demand, producers and retailers are needing to finding new ways to market pecans. Using a conjoint experiment with market segmentation, the market for several value-added pecan products (e.g., cinnamon sugar, chocolate-covered, salted and roasted, pralines, and plain roasted) were assessed. Three to four segments within the market were found depending on product size. For a 1.5-oz product, there are three segments (Budget Traditional, Sugar Origin, and Sugar High) that value product attributes differently. The Budget Traditional values plain roasted pecans and has the largest negative reaction to higher prices. The Sugar Origin segment values pralines and chocolate-covered pecans while also valuing Oklahoma- and Texas-produced pecans. The Sugar High segment has a positive preference for chocolate-covered, and pralines and a disdain for cinnamon sugar, salted and roasted, and plain roasted. Examining the 8-oz package size, there are four market segments. The Budget Traditional and Sugar High are similar to the 1.5-oz package size; however, the 8-oz market also has a Price Sensitive segment that highly values low prices as well as a Cinnamon Hater segment that does not like cinnamon sugar pecans. Demographics and past purchasing are key factors for explaining how a consumer is likely to be grouped into segments. Age (i.e., generation) and whether a consumer had purchased nuts within the past year were important indicators across package size.