scholarly journals Consumer Preferences for Different Designs of Carbon Footprint Labelling on Tomatoes in Germany—Does Design Matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Meyerding ◽  
Anna-Lena Schaffmann ◽  
Mira Lehberger
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Climate Impact ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Impact Reduction ◽  
Northern European

The climate impact of tomato production is an important issue in the sustainability of tomatoes, especially in northern European countries, such as Germany. Communicating the climate impact of products to the consumer is difficult and the design of the label might be the key to its success. For this reason, the present study compares the utilities of six different carbon footprint labels to evaluate which label design works best for the consumer. 598 consumers were surveyed in a representative online choice-experiment. The participants had to choose between tomatoes with different product characteristics, such as origin, price, organic label, and carbon footprint label. A split sample approach was used where each sub-sample with around n = 100 saw a different carbon footprint label design in the choice-experiment. The results suggest that qualitative carbon footprint labels using color-coded traffic light labelling are superior to those that claim climate impact reduction or neutrality, including those that provide more details regarding the climate impact of the product and the company. The latent class analysis with four consumer segments shows that a significant proportion of consumers in Germany would consider a carbon footprint label as an important characteristic.

Is “Localness” about Distance or Relationships? Evidence from Hard Cider

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarrad Farris ◽  
Trey Malone ◽  
Lindon J. Robison ◽  
Nikki L. Rothwell
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Choice Experiment ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Social Capital Theory ◽  
The State ◽  
Travel Distance ◽  
Local Foods

AbstractWhile many studies have evaluated consumer demand for local foods, fewer studies have focused on the mechanism that has created the positive willingness-to-pay for local foods. This article compares the role of geographic distance and attachment value in consumer preferences for locally produced hard cider. Consumer valuations are estimated via a “branded” discrete choice experiment where the respondents chose between an in-state hard cider, an out-of-state hard cider, and a no buy option. Our measure of travel distance is based on the optimal driving route between each consumer's GPS location and the locations of the cideries while our attachment value measure is based on social capital theory. This allows us to analyze individual-specific travel distance heterogeneity in consumer choice as it relates to attachment value. Based on a latent class logit model estimated from a discrete choice experiment with 441 participants, we show that attachment value is higher for a cider produced within the state than for a cider produced outside the state. Furthermore, we show that increases in attachment value increase demand for locally produced hard cider more than an equal increase in attachment value for non-locally produced hard cider. Our findings are consistent with “local” preferences based on geopolitical boundaries (e.g., the state of Michigan) and not distance. (JEL Classifications: B55, M3, Q13, C83)

Tomato attributes and consumer preferences – a consumer segmentation approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 328-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Jürkenbeck ◽  
Achim Spiller ◽  
Stephan G.H. Meyerding
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taste Preference ◽  
German Population ◽  
Principal Component Factor Analysis ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
Segmentation Approach

Purpose Vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet. Given that tomatoes are the most purchased vegetable in Germany, the purpose of this paper is to focus on how consumers evaluate tomatoes during their food choice. Each consumer has different preferences and, in order to target them, it is necessary to identify consumer groups. The study segments tomato consumers into homogenous target groups. Design/methodology/approach A choice experiment was used to simulate the buying situation in a supermarket. The data were analysed using latent class analysis, as well as principal component factor analysis to measure food-related lifestyles. The sample consisted of 1,027 consumers and was representative of the characteristics of gender, age, educational level and income for the German population. Findings Consumers perceive air transportation and plastic wrapping as most climate damaging in tomato production. Six different tomato consumer groups were identified and named according to the attribute they found most important, i.e. “Balanced consumers”, “Price-conscious consumers”, “Taste enthusiasts”, “Colour-sensitive consumers”, “Price-conscious consumers with a taste preference” and “Colour- and price-sensitive consumers”. In three clusters, colour was the most important attribute. However, green and yellow tomatoes were rejected by all segments, indicating communication problems. Originality/value The results of this study provide breeders and marketers with valuable insights into the factors driving tomato choice. The information was based on a large sample and will help breeders to select the types of tomatoes that are in demand by consumers.

scholarly journals Assessing consumer preferences and willingness to pay for organic tomatoes in Albania: a conjoint choice experiment study

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. e0114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Engjell Skreli ◽  
Drini Imami ◽  
Catherine Chan-Halbrendt ◽  
Maurizio Canavari ◽  
Edvin Zhllima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Product Attributes ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Production Type ◽  
Conjoint Choice ◽  
Conjoint Choice Experiment

Albania has potential for developing the organic agriculture sector; however, it is a new industry and constraints abound including lack of consumer preferences information for organic food. Knowledge on consumer preferences and behaviour toward organic (bio) products is crucial for market development benefiting potential entrepreneurs and government policies. They need to know the preference for preferred product attributes and willingness to pay. Tomato, which is the most important vegetable in terms of consumption and production in Albania, is the subject of this study. A conjoint choice experiment with the most important product attributes: production type (bio vs. conventional), production system (open field vs. greenhouse), origin and price were used to design the choice surveys. Four distinct classes have been identified as significant using latent class analysis. The classes are summarized as: bio-ready consumers, price sensitive consumers, variety seeking consumers and quality seeking consumers. Origin played a small influence on preference. Education and income did show some influence on preference for organic tomatoes. Although the organic food market in Albania is in its infancy stage, organic tomatoes are clearly preferred and many consumers are willing to pay a premium price.

scholarly journals Using Market Segmentation Analysis to Identify Consumer Preferences for Fresh Peach Attributes

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 1664-1668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchen Zhou ◽  
Chengyan Yue ◽  
Shuoli Zhao ◽  
R. Karina Gallardo ◽  
Vicki McCracken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Market Segmentation ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
The United States ◽  
Peach Fruit ◽  
Segmentation Analysis ◽  
Heterogeneous Preference ◽  
Latent Class Logit

Consumer preferences for attributes of fresh peach fruit in the United States are largely unknown on a national basis. We used a choice experiment to explore market segmentation based on consumer heterogeneous preference for fruit attributes including external color, blemish, firmness, sweetness, flavor, and price. We collected the data using an online survey with 800 U.S. consumers. Using a latent class logit model, we identified three segments of consumers differing by different sets of preferred quality attributes: experience attribute-oriented consumers, who valued fruit quality (48.8% of the sample); search attribute-oriented consumers, who valued fruit appearance (33.7% of the sample); and balanced consumers, who considered search attributes and experience attributes but who valued each in a balanced way (17.5% of the sample). Each group demonstrated differentiated demographics and purchasing habits. The results have important marketing implications for peach breeders and suppliers.

scholarly journals Is India Ready for Alt-Meat? Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Meat Alternatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashmit S. Arora ◽  
Daniel A. Brent ◽  
Edward C. Jaenicke
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Latent Class Model ◽  
Future Price ◽  
Indian Market ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Class Model ◽  
Generation Plant

Little is known about the consumer preferences of next-generation plant-based and cell-based meat alternatives, two food technologies that offer a demand-side solution to the environmental, nutritional, and other societal concerns associated with animal-intensive agriculture. To address this gap, this paper estimates consumers’ willingness to pay for four sources of protein (conventional meat, plant-based meat, cell-based meat, and chickpeas) in a developing country with rising demand for meat—India. A latent class model of a discrete choice experiment conducted in Mumbai identifies four heterogeneous segments in the Indian market. Aggregating across all four segments, respondents are willing to pay a premium for plant-based meat and a smaller premium for cell-based meat over the price of conventional meat. However, our main findings show that these premiums strongly differ across the four consumer-class segments. The results offer important insights into future price points and policy options that might make these meat alternatives commercially successful, and therefore, a viable option in addressing societal concerns.

scholarly journals Assessing Consumer Preferences for Suboptimal Food: Application of a Choice Experiment in Citrus Fruit Retail

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Wen-Shin Huang ◽  
Hung-Yu Kuo ◽  
Shi-Yuan Tung ◽  
Han-Shen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Citrus Fruit ◽  
Consumer Preference ◽  
Random Parameter ◽  
Price Discounts

Amid the trend of sustainable development, reducing food waste is a global concern and campaigns to reduce food waste have been launched. For example, the term “food sharing” has originated from Germany and promotes sharing food instead of wasting. “The Guerilla Kitchen”, which originated from Netherlands, is an organization that also promotes avoiding wasting food. Consequently, more and more people are paying attention on this issue and we think it is necessary to understand people’s acceptance of suboptimal food, as discarded suboptimal food represents a significant proportion of food waste. Additionally, at least one-third of the food globally produced each year is classified as suboptimal and cannot be sold in the market because of a poor appearance, damaged packaging, or near expiration date, thus presenting challenges for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Previous studies on suboptimal food have focused more on appearances and packaging dates and less on investigating traceable agricultural and price discounts, which is where food classified as suboptimal entails a discount. Moreover, citrus product attributes such as appearance, size, freshness indicators, traceable agricultural products, and price discounts were determined in terms of consumer preference through pre-measurement here, then using a choice experiment method to clarify which attributes consumers care about most (N = 485 respondents). Conditional logistic regression and a random parameter logit model (RPL) are employed to examine the various properties of a marginal willingness to pay (WTP). RPL was also used to deduce the respondents’ choices based on differences in appearance and freshness indicator. The results showed that consumers place greater emphasis on the freshness indicators (harvesting/packaging date labels) and appearance of suboptimal citrus fruits but do not focus on the size. Consumers are willing to purchase citrus fruit with a flawed appearance, although the price needs to be reduced from the original price. Although suboptimal food does not reduce health, people may still not buy it and this result in food wastage. As a result, it is essential to increase awareness regarding suboptimal foods and reduce food waste to support sustainable development.

scholarly journals Who Wants Chicken? Uncovering Consumer Preferences for Produce of Alternative Chicken Product Methods

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2440
Author(s):  
Cynthia I. Escobedo del Bosque ◽  
Achim Spiller ◽  
Antje Risius
Keyword(s):  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Geographical Origin ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Local Production ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Economic Implications

As ethical and environmental concerns regarding current poultry production systems arise, consumers look for alternatives. This study assesses consumers’ preferences for chicken meat of dual-purpose breeds (DPBs), regionally produced feedstuff, and specific breeds, along with attitudes and social norms that explain these preferences. We conducted an online survey (n = 934) including a discrete choice experiment and elements of the theory of planned behavior. Results show that after price, product and feedstuff origin are preferred by consumers, followed by breeding form and specific breed. Utilities for each attribute and level were calculated and consumer segments were created using latent class analysis. Three different consumer groups were identified: (1) price-sensitive consumers, (2) price-sensitive and origin-oriented consumers, and (3) origin-oriented consumers. We conclude that although consumers are interested in meat from DPBs, this attribute alone is not enough to influence the purchase decision, and geographical origin seems to be of crucial importance. However, by highlighting important attributes (i.e., animal welfare, regional/local production), DPB products could be introduced to the market. The consumption of these alternative products has economic implications, such as not relying on imports and promoting local production/consumption, along with social implications as refraining from killing day-old chicks.

scholarly journals Consumer Preferences for Private Label Brand vs. National Brand Organic Juice and Eggs: A Latent Class Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7028
Author(s):  
Ellen J. Van Loo ◽  
Fien Minnens ◽  
Wim Verbeke
Keyword(s):  
Orange Juice ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Latent Class Model ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Private Label ◽  
National Brand ◽  
Major Barrier

Many retailers have expanded and diversified their private label food product assortment by offering premium-quality private label food products such as organic products. With price being identified as the major barrier for organic food purchases, private label organic food products could be a suitable and more affordable alternative for many consumers. While numerous studies have examined consumer preferences for organic food, very few organic food studies have incorporated the concept of private labels. This study addresses this research gap by studying consumer preferences and willingness to pay for national brand and private label organic food using a latent class model. Specifically, this study analyzes consumer preferences for organic eggs and orange juice and the effect of national branding versus private label. Findings show heterogeneity in consumer preferences for production method and brand, with three consumer segments being identified based on their preferences for both juice and eggs. For eggs, about half of the consumers prefer private label and organic production, whereas one-quarter clearly prefers organic, and another quarter is indifferent about the brand and the organic production. For orange juice, the majority (75%) prefer the national brand. In addition, one-quarter of the consumers prefers organic juice, and about one-third values both organic and the national brand.

scholarly journals Spontaneous Variety-Seeking Meal Choice in Business Canteens Impedes Sustainable Production

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 746
Author(s):  
Pascal Ohlhausen ◽  
Nina Langen
Keyword(s):  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Sustainable Production ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Variety Seeking ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Development Goals

Sustainable meal choices in the out-of-home catering market are essential to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. This study investigated consumers’ acceptance of different features that help service providers to work more sustainably. For this purpose, data of a choice experiment and a supporting online questionnaire were analyzed using latent class analysis (LCA) and the data of n = 373 employees. Examined attributes in the choice experiment were menu variety, menu type, ordering system, ingredients and price. LCA led to four consumer segments: variety seekers (27.6%), spontaneous decisionmakers—vegetarian (25.7%), spontaneous decisionmakers—meat (24.1%) and vegetarians/vegans (22.6%). Results showed that consumers in all four segments expected to have the choice between different menus in company canteens. Moreover, they preferred spontaneous choice to preordering. Both preferences hamper sustainable production and consumption in the catering sector.

scholarly journals Which Bag? Predicting Consumer Preferences for a Luxury Product With a Discrete Choice Experiment

2021 ◽  
pp. 183933492199950
Author(s):  
Canie K.Y. Chu Lo ◽  
Suzan Burton ◽  
Regan Lam ◽  
Paul Nesbit
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Choice Experiment ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Conspicuous Consumption ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Luxury Brands ◽  
Chinese Consumers ◽  
Enormous Amount ◽  
Luxury Products

Limited research has described a segment of consumers who prefer subtly branded luxury products, rather than conspicuous consumption. However, in comparison with the enormous amount of research mentioning conspicuous consumption, there has been only very limited research into “inconspicuous consumption,” leading to calls for more research in the area. In this article, we describe a discrete choice experiment examining the luxury product preferences of Chinese consumers, the largest market segment for luxury products. We describe and test a theoretical model investigating how product characteristics (logo prominence, price, and brand), peers’ attitudes and behaviors, and other individual characteristics influence consumers’ choice of a luxury bag. For each brand, a prominent logo was preferred, but a very large minority preferred a subtle logo. However, the effect of price, attitudinal and social factors varied across luxury brands. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

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