Consumer identification in cigarette industry: Brand authenticity, brand identification, brand experience, brand loyalty and brand love

Abstract

The cigarette industry faces market competition, and the pressure that suppresses its existence stems from ambiguous policies. The ambiguous policy is because the government still expects cigarette excise income as a significant source, but also that the government is faced with the demands of the anti-smoking community who establish cigarettes as a sunset industry. This condition does not make cigarette business actors give up, given that the cigarette industry still contributes to employment, state income, and market demand is still there. This study aimed to determine the effect of brand authenticity, brand identification, brand experience, brand loyalty, and brand love. The relationship between the five brand theories is examined using the Structural Equation Model. The sample for this study was 200 cigarette consumers, using a non-probability sampling technique. The result shows that: 1) Brand experience significantly and positively impacts brand identification among cigarette industry consumers; 2) Brand identification significantly and positively impacts brand love among cigarette industry consumers; 3) Brand authenticity significantly and positively impacts brand love among cigarette industry consumers; 4) Brand identification significantly and positively impacts brand loyalty among cigarette industry consumers; 5) Brand love significantly and positively impacts brand loyalty among cigarette industry consumers. The product marketing strategy component must take five branding theories. The product's market strengthens with the value of five brand components.