1,721,043 research outputs found
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Attention to carbon footprints in food choices and the crowding out effect of attention-leading nudges
Full text linkConsumer attention to carbon footprint labels may trigger efforts to adjust the agri-food sector toward more sustainable production. To assess attention levels, we used milk and bread products in an information display matrix (IDM), allowing consumers to direct attention or ignore various food product attributes. Our method improved upon previous IDM applications by introducing real-world complexity, featuring 25 attributes per product and multiple trade-offs. A randomizer ensured fairness by determining the order of attribute display. Results show that carbon footprints are not the primarily attended attributes. A salience nudge favoring carbon footprints directs attention to it but halves the attention paid to more holistic environmental footprints. We discuss strategies to promote environmental dimensions jointly and provide implications and recommendations for future labeling policies and marketing strategies
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Investigating consumers' views on foods from soilless farming systems: a review of the literature and discussion of implications and recommendations
Full text linkIncreasing consumer demand for sustainable, locally produced, and fresh vegetables has prompted the crop industry to adopt new soilless farming systems (SFSs) to supply higher-yield, fresher, and more sustainable foods. To address the anticipated increasing and complex consumer demand for SFSs foods, it is essential to better understand the factors affecting consumer preferences for these new products. The scope of this review is threefold: (i) to identify the main factors influencing consumers' views on SFSs foods (e.g., hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming); (ii) to discuss implications and recommendations for food industries and policymakers; and (iii) to identify potential research gaps for future research avenues. Results from 56 consumer studies showed that consumers' views of SFSs and related foods were mainly affected by product characteristics, as well as socio-cultural and psychological factors. Specifically, sensory properties, sustainability, growing conditions of SFSs, income, education, consumer knowledge, technology neophobia, and affinity were most frequently identified factors. Food industry and policymakers should better educate consumers about the characteristics and advantages of SFSs, which might potentially enhance consumer purchase intention toward these new products. Finally, future research avenues are outlined and discussed
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Core organic taste: preferences for naturalness-related sensory attributes of organic food among European consumers
No full textConsumers’ preferences for organic food have evolved in recent years, moving from altruistic values to more egoistic buying motivations, such as health promoting or nutritional aspects and sensory properties. Hypothesizing that organic consumers have peculiar preferences for naturalness-related sensory attributes, we developed the concept of the “core organic taste” based on the principles of a wholesome nutrition. This article investigates to what extent the “core organic taste” is relevant across different European countries and its potential relevance for food marketing. A sample of 1,798 organic food consumers was interviewed during 2010–2011 in six European countries. Explorative factor analysis, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and post hoc tests were applied to analyze the data. Results show that the “core organic taste” is not applicable for all countries. Indeed, for most countries only single elements seem to be relevant. However, for Germany and Switzerland the “core organic taste”—representing the first “taste style”—has proven its potential value and points at the need for more research in this field. Depending on the country, product developers and marketers could potentially use different elements of the “core organic taste” to better meet organic consumers’ wishes and expectations. Finally, recommendations and suggestions for practitioners and academia are provided
Fruit branding: Factors affecting the adoption of new pear variety Angelys® in the Italian food market
No full textAngelys® is a new pear variety with distinctive marketing characteristics as well as particular sensory features. Angelys® has also an extended shelf life during spring season that is especially favourable because traditionally in the Italian food market this season slot is occupied by pear varieties imported from Southern Hemisphere. Angelys® is produced under the trademark licence model called “Club variety” and in Italy it is exclusively cultivated by ”F.lli Spreafico SPA” and sold primarily through large retailer chains. The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the potential interest of Italian large-scale retail chains in marketing this type of product and how large-scale retailers would exploit it to enhance their market potential. An explorative analysis approach was applied via in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with the major Italian large-scale retail purchase managers. A qualitative content analysis of the interviews was performed based on transcripts and summaries. The results show that although sensory properties, handling features and Italian origin are highly appreciated by professional customers, the high prices may limit the chances to extend the market. Higher investments in marketing activities and brand promotions carried out by ”F.lli Spreafico SPA” with the support of large-scale retail chains, could improve market performance of Angelys® and increase their intention to make it available to customers/consumers. Finally, implications and recommendations for academics and operators are discussed. Fruit branding: factors affecting the adoption of new pear variety Angelys® in the Italian food market. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277668443\_Fruit\_branding\_factors\_affecting\_the\_adoption\_of\_new\_pear\_variety\_Angelys\_in\_the\_Italian\_food\_market [accessed Jun 6, 2015]
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Can information affect sensory perceptions? Evidence from a survey on Italian organic food consumers
Full text linkThis paper aims to investigate the influence of information on consumers’ preferences and sensory perceptions of organic food using a sample of 301 Italian organic food consumers. Consumers stated their preferences for “core organic” attributes, labels and information on food products and performed blind and informed tests on strawberry yoghurts and cookies. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results revealed that consumers appreciate “core organic” attributes, like artisanal production and variability of sensory attributes. Comparing blind and informed tests, results showed that information affects the overall liking of products and consumers’ perception of product-specific sensory attributes. However, the influence of information on sensory perceptions depends on the product category, sensory attributes and the type of information provided
Perceptions of European Gatekeepers towards Thai Fruit and Coffee Products with EU Geographical Indication
No full textThis study is aimed at exploring perceptions of European gatekeepers towards renowned Thai fruit and coffee products protected by geographical indication (GI) and factors influencing purchasing decision of gatekeepers towards food products imported from Thailand. Sixteen qualitative interviews with distribution channel gatekeepers were administered in Austria, Italy and Switzerland in 2010. The interviewees are food distribution practitioners and experts and are key informants for imported fruits and coffee in Europe and they were asked for an opinion about recognition of Thai GIs in the EU system. Content analysis and concept mapping were used to analyze data. Results show that Thai GIs products might be interesting for European gatekeepers, but the GI attribute alone might not be sufficient to ensure the product is successful. Support of consistent information and promotion campaigns and fulfillment of other gatekeepers’ requirements of both products and suppliers are also necessary. Eight major factors have been identified, which influence European gatekeepers’ decision to purchase imported food products: quality, price, food safety, environmental aspects, social aspects, business relationship, consumer awareness and preference, and competitors. Results are useful to develop appropriate managerial marketing strategies to introduce these GI products into the EU market
Does Information Affect Sensory Perceptions? Evidence from Italian Organic Food Consumers Survey
No full textThis study aims to analyse the influence of information on consumers’ liking and sensory perceptions. A sample of 301 Italian consumers of organic food products participated in a survey performed from November 2010 to January 2011. Consumers were recruited according to age, gender and frequency of consumption of organic foods (they were divided into light and heavy users). Consumers stated their preferences for “core organic” attributes, labels and information on food products and performed blind tests and branded tests on strawberry yogurt and cookies. In the branded tests, sensory test was combined with provision of different information, such as ingredients and the organic logo. Overall liking and sensory perceptions were elicited after blind tasting and after tasting of labelled products. Data was analysed by using descriptive analysis, an independent T-test and a paired T-Test. Stated preferences revealed that consumers appreciate “core organic” attributes, like artisanal production and variability of products’ sensory attributes; heavy and light users show significant differences in preference for whole grain products. Considering labels and information on food products, heavy users appeared to be more familiar with label reading, thus implying higher awareness about usefulness of information delivered on labels. Comparing blind and branded tests, results showed that information affects the overall liking of products and consumers’ perception of product specific sensory attributes; moreover, we cannot find significant differences in the way heavy and light users are affected by information. In conclusion, the survey showed that the influence of food product information on sensory perceptions depends on product category, sensory attributes and the type of information provided. These findings suggest that information (e.g. ingredients, logos, etc.) could be used by the food industry to fill the gap between consumers taste expectations and their actual experience
Gatekeepers' Perceptions of Thai Geographical Indication Products in Europe
No full textThis study is aimed at exploring perceptions of European gatekeepers toward renowned Thai fruit and coffee products protected by geographical indication (GI) and factors influencing purchasing decision of gatekeepers toward imported food products. Sixteen qualitative interviews with distribution channel gatekeepers were administered in Austria, Italy, and Switzerland in 2010. Content analysis and concept mapping were used to analyze data. Results show that Thai GI products might be interesting for European gatekeepers, but the GI attribute alone might not be sufficient to ensure that the product is successful. Support of consistent information and promotion campaigns and fulfillment of other gatekeepers’ requirements of both products and suppliers are necessary
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Gatekeepers' perceptions of Thai Geographical Indication products in Europe
No full textThis study is aimed at exploring perceptions of European gatekeepers toward renowned Thai fruit and coffee products protected by geographical indication (GI) and factors influencing purchasing decision of gatekeepers toward imported food products. Sixteen qualitative interviews with distribution channel gatekeepers were administered in Austria, Italy, and Switzerland in 2010. Content analysis and concept mapping were used to analyze data. Results show that Thai GI products might be interesting for European gatekeepers, but the GI attribute alone might not be sufficient to ensure that the product is successful. Support of consistent information and promotion campaigns and fulfillment of other gatekeepers' requirements of both products and suppliers are necessary
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Consumer perceptions and attitudes towards farmers' markets: the case of a slow food "Earth Market"
No full textThis research aims to investigate attitudes, motivations and purchasing behaviour and identify consumer segments among Earth Market`s shoppers. The Earth Markets® are a particular type of Farmers' Markets which are organized and promoted by Slow Food® association. Thus, in the Earth Markets® the criteria of the Slow Food philosophy may play an important role to define the profile of Earth Market’s® shoppers. We conducted a survey on a sample of 185 consumers who buy food products at the Earth Market of Bologna in Italy during fall 2011. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistics. Results show that consumers perceive food products of the Earth Market® as tasty, high quality, fresh, local, seasonal and safe. Social and environmental aspects are the main factors that drive consumers to buy at the Earth Market. Three consumer segments were identified, described and discussed. Suggestions and recommendations for farmers, Slow Food® association and policy makers are provided
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