1,720,994 research outputs found
The impacts in real estate of landscape values: Evidence from Tuscany (Italy)
Full text linkUsing spatial econometric techniques and local spatial statistics, this study explores the relationships between the real estate values in Tuscany with the individual perception of satisfaction by landscape types. The analysis includes the usual territorial variables such as proximity to urban centres and roads. The landscape values are measured through a sample of respondents who expressed their aesthetic-visual perceptions of different types of land use. Results from a multivariate local Geary highlight that house prices are not spatial independent and that between the variables included in the analysis there is mainly a positive correlation. Specifically, the findings demonstrate a significant spatial dependence in real estate prices. The aesthetic values influence the real estate price throughout more a spatial indirect effect rather than the direct effect. Practically, house prices in specific areas are more influenced by aspects such as proximity to essential services. The results seem to show to live close to highly aesthetic environments not in these environments. The results relating to the distance from the main roads, however, seem counterintuitive. This result probably depends on the evidence that these areas suffer from greater traffic jam or pollution or they are preferred for alternative uses such as for locating industrial plants or big shopping centres rather than residential use. Therefore, these effects decrease house prices
Understanding the role of information and taste heterogeneity in consumer preferences for functional beef: The case of the omega-3 enriched burger
No full textBeef demand has progressively decreased due to an increasing number of consumers who perceive beef as harmful to their health, among other causes. In contrast, functional foods are one of the fastest-growing markets. This study aims to analyse consumer preferences and estimates the willingness to pay for beef enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. We intend to identify and profile the potential market segments for functional beef and determine how the provision of information can affect consumer preferences. Data have been collected by applying a choice experiment on a sample of 757 Italian beef purchasers. The sample was randomly split into two information treatments plus a control group. Participants in the information treatments were given an explanation about the functional meat production system. Results showed that the average consumer has a preference for ω-3 enrichment and that information about the food's production process increases this preference. Therefore, the study reveals the existence of a potentially profitable market for functional beef
Investigating Consumer Preferences for Sustainable Packaging Through a Different Behavioural Approach: A Random Regret Minimization Application
Full text linkPlastic pollution causing the near-permanent contamination of the environment is a preeminent concern. The largest market sector for plastic resins is packaging, and the food industry plays a major role in producing plastic packaging waste. Therefore, the gradual switch of the food system towards pro-environmental packaging strategies is required to contain the plastic packaging waste issue. To this extent, this study aimed to investigate how food consumers relatively value the provision of different sustainable packaging alternatives, namely the unpackaged option and bioplastic packaging. Moreover, to shed light on the behavioural mechanism underlying the decision-making process for sustainable packaging, we considered two different decision paradigms: the traditional random utility maximization and random regret minimization framework. Overall, our results indicate that consumer tastes are highly heterogeneous and that preference patterns change according to the behavioural approach assumed by individuals. Policymakers and marketers of food industries need to carefully consider the differences in the decision mechanism of consumers when implementing strategies to encourage pro-environmental food choices. Notably, our findings elucidate on the importance to embrace other perspectives as well, and not simply limit to utility maximization, to fully comprehend the decision-making process of consumers for sustainable foods
Lifestyle entrepreneurs in winemaking: An exploratory qualitative analysis on the non-pecuniary benefits
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate non-pecuniary motivations and benefits of involvement in the wine business. Combining these motives with winery owners’ characteristics, attitudes and implemented strategies, the aim is to identify different winery owners’ styles in small-medium family-run firms.
Design/methodology/approach: The applied method is a qualitative explorative study involving in-depth interviews with Tuscan winery owners. They have hands-on involvement in the winemaking process, own a family business and supervise all of the production phases, from grape growing to bottling.
Findings: The study highlights the key role of non-economic motivations for winery owners. Passion, independence and a desire to live close to nature are predominant compared to pecuniary motivations, such as profit maximization. Therefore, the “lifestyle-oriented” style, characterized especially by the achievement of non-pecuniary benefits, represents the prevailing style amongst the interviewed winery owners, in contrast to the “business-oriented” style, which features typical producers described by mainstream economic theory.
Originality/value: The findings of this study are pivotal because they can facilitate a better understanding of how family-run wineries make decisions related to, e.g. firm size, staff management, product quality, exports and sustainability
Can blockchain technology strengthen consumer preferences for credence attributes?
Full text linkConsumers’ interest in product information, such as nutrition, environment, and social aspects, is increasing in the food market. Blockchain technology can enhance credibility of quality signals on labels through transparency and accountability in the supply chain. This study examines the impact of blockchain technology on reducing consumer uncertainty about credence attributes and facilitating informed choices. It is particularly relevant for food policies, as greater consumer awareness promotes proactive involvement in sustainability and public health. We conducted a choice experiment with 300 Italian consumers, focusing on craft beer and analysing how blockchain technology in strengthens organic and DOP certification. The results provide valuable insights for producers and policymakers to develop voluntary approaches that engage society in objectives that concern the collective well-being. They highlight the potential of blockchain technology in communicating credence attributes and empowering consumers. However, our study reveals that the impact of blockchain technology on choices is influenced by a different level of trust, likely due to the complexity of understanding its functioning
Exploring the acceptance of entomophagy: A survey of italian consumers
Full text linkInsect-based food is not common in Europe, because most people do not consider insects to be edible, but rather a threat and a health risk. Fear and refusal to eat a new food product introduced into a culture is called food neophobia, which results in a hesitation to trying and experimenting with new foods. Although there is significant interest in this novel sector, there is a lack of research on the link between rejection, the level of food neophobia, and consumer behavior related to the introduction of insects into the diet. In this study, through 420 questionnaires, a specific experimental scale of insects was introduced which, together with a neophobia scale, analyzed the probability and the intention of respondents to consume insects. Another issue tested has been their intention to eat food containing insects. We observed that the analyses of the two scales produced different results, confirming the need for a specific scale to measure “insect phobia”. This is important, since knowledge about consumer preferences for and barriers to using insects as human food sources is limited but necessary in order to set up commercialization strategies. The development of insect-based food offers physical health benefits and also improves the sustainability of the food industry
Effect of executional greenwashing on market share of food products: An empirical study on green-coloured packaging
No full textGreenwashing refers to the strategies adopted by some manufacturers to convey environmentally friendly production methods using claims, green-coloured packaging, and nature-evoking images without reflecting an actual environmental commitment. This phenomenon constitutes a threat to the development of an environmentally and economically sustainable market. Evaluating the impacts of these practices on the purchase behaviour of food consumers is crucial to provide manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers with meaningful guidance. This study aims to analyse the effect of the green-coloured packaging of two chocolate bars on consumers' choices. We implemented an online choice experiment with 737 Italian consumers following a between-subject approach. In the control treatment, we used the original packaging of both chocolate bars, whereas, in the other two treatments, we coloured the packaging of one chocolate bar green and retained the other's original colour. We estimated how the market shares changed when the packaging was greenwashed and segmented our sample according to respondents' attitudinal traits. Our findings demonstrate that greenwashing food products can potentially increase their market share compared to ordinary food, thus supporting the concerns of consumer organisations. However, the present study was inconclusive in identifying a profile of consumers who are most likely to be taken in by greenwashing. In the conclusion, we provide practical implications for policymakers, industry, and retailers for counteracting greenwashing
Spatial analysis of organic farming distribution. A case study in Tuscany
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to investigate spatial distribution of the participation to organic farming measure in Tuscany (measure 214 of Rural Development Policy) Analysis is performed applying indicator of spatial association and spatial econometrics models to estimated determinants of participation. The results suggest that there is a spatial correlation of the rate of participant to measure 214 and of the share of organic UAA. Models results show spatial relation between the share of farms under 214, highlighting that diffusion process is driven by imitation process, by endogeneity of the areas and quality of advice and extension services
La perdita di superficie agricola in Italia
No full textNegli ultimi anni la superficie agricola utilizzata (SAU) registra una decennale, continua e progressiva diminuzione. L'analisi intercensuaria mostra che tra il 1971 e il 2010 la SAU in Italia è diminuita di 5 milioni di ettari. Tale fenomeno può avere delle conseguenze negative, poiché dall'attività agricola dipendono anche la fornitura di beni e servizi non di mercato rivolti alla collettività (es. mantenimento del paesaggio, difesa idrogeologica, etc.). Le cause della diminuzione della SAU sono principalmente riconducibili a due: l’abbandono dell'attività agricola e l'antropizzazione del territorio. Lo scopo dell'articolo è
studiare in quali comuni prevale uno di questi due fenomeni nel determinare la perdita di superficie agricola. Tale scopo è stato perseguito utilizzando una metodologia multivariata: la configural frequency analysis (CFA), la quale ha permesso di mappare i comuni italiani rispetto alle cause di diminuzione della SAU. I risultati permettono di supportare i policy maker nella implementazione di politiche territoriali mirate
Consumers’ Preferences for Game Meat Safety: Results from a Choice Experiment
No full textInvestigating the determinant of consumer preference for game meat safety is crucial in promoting game meat consumption. In this study, we examined the impact on consumer preferences for a safety attribute, taking the individual risk attitude and the risk perception into account. We used data from a survey and a labeled discrete choice experiment involving 476 Italian consumers and analyzed it with a latent class model. The results show that all consumers gain utility from game meat with this safety claim. Furthermore, consistent groups of consumers who dislike game meat are likely to be risk-averse and perceive game meat as hazardous. Therefore, a marketing or public policy strategy aimed at promoting game meat consumption should focus on reinforcing consumers’ trust in more stringent safety standards. For instance, highlighting the safety measures and inspections involved in the production of game meat can help increase consumer confidence in its safety
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