Consumer Groups Research Articles

Making the match: How Chinese food‐movement organizations develop consumers in the alternative market

AbstractMany social movement organizations promote their agendas in market spaces. As such they need to attract consumers to their cause. This article used longitudinal qualitative data collected between 2018 and 2023 in Chinese alternative food markets to explore their consumer recruitment and ongoing efforts to match movement ideologies with consumers' values, particularly regarding what makes “good food.” I argue that an iterative, two‐way learning process between organizations and consumers helped facilitate good matching and establish a stable consumer base. Organizations educated consumers about the production process and producers' stories, aligning their missions with consumers' pursuit of safety and taste and distinguishing them from mainstream markets. Consumers resonated with this cultural work but required responsible producers and market organizers. Some organizations fostered self‐affirming discussions to redirect consumer demands, while others interacted with and learned from the dynamic culture within consumer groups to co‐create their new definition of good food. This mutual learning motivated organizers to adjust their visions of ideal consumers to align movement ideologies with consumers' desires, creating the right amount of differentiation in alternative markets. This paper advances the literature on social movement organizations' market activities by revealing the interactive learning process and the diversity of alignment strategies.

Differences in perspectives on sustainability attributes of dietary protein sources between reduced animal-based dieters and nondieters

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals envision a sustainable future that includes a shift in food consumption, aiming to reduce anthropogenic environmental impacts. Protein sources are crucial in sustainable diets because of their high environmental influence. Although consumers play a pivotal role in driving the shift towards more sustainable food consumption patterns, research on the perceptions of specific dietary groups regarding protein sources is limited. In this study, the perceived sustainability attributes of eight common protein sources between reduced animal-based dieters (RABs) and nondieters (NDs) were evaluated. Using a cross-sectional survey, we measured demographic data, food consumption frequency, perceived healthiness, and environmental friendliness. We performed conjoint analysis on the importance of the protein sources’ sustainability attributes (nutritional score, ecological score, price, product category). In total, 294 RABs and 247 NDs participated. The majority of the sample consisted of highly educated, childless women aged 18–39 years with high incomes, residing in cities, and responsible for food in their households. The presence of a nutritional score had a positive effect on both consumer groups’ perceptions of product sustainability, whereas the presence of an ecological score negatively affected consumer preferences for more sustainable products. The perceptions of the sustainability of protein sources varied significantly between RABs and NDs. Overall, RABs underestimated the healthiness of animal-based products, whereas NDs underestimated the environmental impact of protein sources. Among the animal-based protein sources, eggs and fish were seen as the most sustainable, with significantly higher means for NDs (p < 0.001). Among the sustainability attributes, plant-based foods and nutritional scores had a significant positive effect on both groups’ choices. For RABs, all animal-based protein sources had a significant negative effect on food choice. These results support the assumption that nutritional scores can improve the nutritional quality of food choices, whereas ecological scores can reduce the environmental impact of food choices. These findings underscore the need for tailored communication strategies and interventions to promote sustainable food choices among diverse dietary groups.

Russian wheat export to African countries at the present stage: key development features, challenges and opportunities

The Russian Federation traditionally remains one of the most important producers and suppliers of wheat on the world market of agricultural raw materials and food. The countries of the African continent, on the contrary, form the largest group of importers and consumers of this product. The purpose of the article is to identify the main trends in the dynamics of Russian wheat exports to African countries at the present stage, as well as to identify the key features of this aspect of trade relations between the parties. The article examines the dynamics and features of export-import relations between the Russian Federation and African countries in the field of international wheat trade through the prism of food security theory. The paper presents an analysis of numerical indicators of wheat production in Russia and its exports to African countries in comparison with indicators of total supplies to the world market, identifies specific features of Russian exports focused on supplies to the African region, and concludes that Russia needs to expand its participation in ensuring food security in the Global South. The source base is statistical materials containing numerical indicators of wheat production and trade by countries and regions of the world, published by international organizations (FAO, International Trade Center, UNCTAD/WTO), national executive authorities, their subordinate institutions and the Bureau of Statistics (Rosstat, USDA); as well as analytical and information and news publications on the topic.

Exploratory Data Analyses Indicate an Overuse of Dietary Supplements among Male Gym Users in Germany

Background: Dietary supplements (DS) are very popular with the general population, physically active people and professional athletes are often taken without professional advice. Adverse effects on consumer health are increasingly being reported and there are concerns about overdoses of certain nutrients. There are initial indications that some groups of people have a higher affinity to DS than others. It appears that the type of sport and possibly gym membership could have an influence on consumer behaviour. Therefore, this study aimed to identify high consumer groups of DS among the general population in Germany. Methods: The consumption of DS was assessed using an online questionnaire including information about physical activity, gym membership and the consumption and intake doses of DS. Completed questionnaires were returned by 244 participants (m=153, f=91; 30.7±10.4 years SD). The answer options were valued, and subjects were categorized in low, average and high consumers (indicating overdosing). A configural frequency analysis was performed using the independent variables gender, gym membership, consumption. The configurations were tested with an exact binomial test and the p-value was corrected according to Bonferroni (0.05/12=0.0042). Results: Three significant configurations were found (p≤0.0042). The configuration, ‘male-gym member-average consumption’ as well as ‘male-gym member-high consumption’ were significantly overrepresented. Male gym members with low consumption behaviour were significantly underrepresented. Conclusion: This analysis suggests that male gym users in the German population have a higher risk of excessive DS consumption than other subgroups. Awareness campaigns regarding the risk of intake and overconsumption of DS can be targeted to high-risk groups. Due to the small sample size and the different types of fitness gyms, further studies are needed to make clearer statements and identify more precise risk groups.

Combretum micranthum G. Don (Combretaceae): Its physiological effects on hydro-electrolyte metabolism, renal tubular function and blood pressure

BackgroundHydro-electrolyte balance is necessary to maintain body homeostasis and blood pressure values within narrow limits. This is accomplished, in part, by renal responses. We conducted this study to determine the effects of Combretum micranthum on hydro-electrolyte metabolism, renal function and arterial blood pressure. Subjects and methodsWe conducted a pilot study including 40 subjects: 10 control subjects, 10 subjects under Combretum micranthum G. Don (400 mg/day), 10 subjects under furosemide (120 mg/day), and 10 subjects under spironolactone (50 mg/day).Anthropobiometric, cardiovascular parameters and the body composition were collected from each subject. Blood and 24-hour urine samples were collected for biological tests. ResultsAt baseline, clinical and biological parameters were comparable for all groups. Consumers of combretum micranthum had a significant decrease in global body fat percentage (−1.63 %; p = 0.045). In the group of combretum micranthum consumers, the body water mass (BWM) is significantly evolved in the direction of an increase (4.37; p = 0.023) and similar to what was observed in the group of subjects treated with spironolactone (0.67; p = 0.042). Consumption of combretum micranthum showed a marked reduction in hypertension indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate) identical to that induced by consumption of furosemide or spironolactone. The consumption of combretum micranthum resulted in a significant reduction in kaliemia (−1.07; p < 0.0001) and without any notable effect on natremia (p = 0.119) and chloremia (p = 0.708). In contrast, furosemide and spironolactone caused a significant decrease in natremia (respectivly, −0.80; p = 0.022 and −0.50; p = 0.009). In the combretum micrathum group, the kaliuresis and the chloruresis were significantly increased (respectively, 373.9; p = 0.005 and 441.3; p = 0.028), interestingly, we found a remarkable decrease in natriuresis (−193.3; p = 0.074). In the group of furosemide consumers, the kaliuresis and the chloruresis were significantly increased (respectively, 380.24; p = 0.013 and 425.5; p = 0.013), but with a tendency to increase natriuresis. In the group of subjects taking spironolactone, the urinary concentrations of the three electrolytes studied (natriuresis, kaliuresis and chloruresis) was increased significantly (respectively, 357.5; p = 0.037 and 222.5; p = 0.005 and 563.4; p = 0.007). ConclusionCombretum micranthum would have constituents involved in the maintenance of hydro-electrolyte homeostasis and in the regulation of blood pressure through the involvement of several mechanisms, especially at the renal level. These actions would be attributable to its polyphenolic components. A broader study is needed to better understand the physiological mechanisms underlying these effects.

Algae-fungi symbioses and bacteria-fungi co-exclusion drive tree species-specific differences in canopy bark microbiomes.

With over 3 trillion trees, forest ecosystems comprise nearly one-third of the terrestrial surface of the Earth. Very little attention has been given to the exploration of the above-ground plant microbiome of trees, its complex trophic interactions, and variations among tree species. To address this knowledge gap, we applied a primer-independent shotgun metatranscriptomic approach to assess the entire living canopy bark microbiome comprising prokaryotic and eukaryotic primary producers, decomposers, and various groups of consumers. With almost 1500 genera, we found a high microbial diversity on three tree species with distinct bark textures: oak (Quercus robur), linden (Tilia cordata), both with rough bark, and maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) with smooth bark. Core co-occurrence network analysis revealed a rich food web dominated by algal primary producers, and bacterial and fungal decomposers, sustaining a diverse community of consumers, including protists, microscopic metazoans and predatory bacteria. Whereas maple accommodated a depauperate microbiome, oak and linden accommodated a richer microbiome mainly differing in their relative community composition: Bacteria exhibited an increased dominance on linden, whereas co-occurring algae and fungi dominated on oak, highlighting the importance of algal-fungal lichen symbioses even at the microscopic scale. Further, due to bacteria-fungi co-exclusion, bacteria on bark are not the main beneficiaries of algae-derived carbon compounds as it is known from aquatic systems.

Understanding consumer perception of a new product including apple pomace: The role of health, sustainability, and culinary engagement

The aim of the present study was to determine perception of a new product made with apple pomace including consumers from three different gastronomy cultures: Spain (Mediterranean), Poland (Central Europe), and Denmark (Nordic). The new product was mainly made from potato and apple pomace and had the typical texture of a savory snack (crisp-like), but it was characterized by its apple/sweet taste. Besides consumers from the aforementioned countries, a group of Foodies-consumers from 20 different nationalities participated in the study to determine potential differences on the product perception due to their high culinary knowledge/ingredients exposure. Over 600 consumers participated in the study. To segments consumers into different groups beyond nationality, the demographic questionnaire included the short version of the Food Choice Questionnaire, the Food Neophobia Scale, and questions on Dietary and Sustainability related habits. The hedonic response, as well as the intrinsic properties of the product (sweetness, sourness, saltiness, apple flavor, hardness, and crunchiness) were measured using Just-About-Right scales. Additional questions included assessment on the storytelling of the product, potential applications/consumption moments, and finally, the impact of adding a health (high in fiber) or a sustainable (made using by-products) claim. Analysis revealed variations in demographics across consumer groups, potentially influencing their perception of the new product. Including the question on applications/consumption moments of the new food, as well as gathering free words about the main aspects consumers valued about the food, were useful to better understand its potential in the market and design a proper communication strategy.

Segmenting the Chinese New Energy Compact SUV Market: A Latent Class Analysis of Consumer Preferences

The burgeoning new energy vehicle (NEV) sector in China, particularly the compact SUV market, presents a dynamic landscape for consumer preferences and behaviors. This study employs a latent class analysis (LCA) to segment the Chinese new energy compact SUV market, aiming to identify distinct consumer groups with homogeneous preferences and behaviors. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset of 6,720 consumer samples sourced from a reliable automotive statistics website, the study delineates two primary consumer segments: "Luxury Brand Preference Buyers" and "Normal Brand Rejection Buyers." The findings reveal that the former segment exhibits a marked preference for luxury brands, and tends to make fewer purchases, predominantly in the last quarter of the year 2023. In contrast, the latter segment shows a strong preference for another luxury brand and a balanced distribution of purchase quantities throughout the year, with a clear rejection of normal brands. These insights are instrumental for NEV enterprises to develop targeted marketing strategies that cater to the specific needs and preferences of these consumer segments, thereby enhancing market share, consumer satisfaction, and loyalty.

Design Issues and Solutions for Improving the Comfort of Neo-Ming Style Chair

This paper explores the design issues and solutions for improving the comfort of new Ming-style chairs. It first analyzes the historical origins, traditional aesthetics, and modern users' new demands for comfort in these chairs. Then, it highlights the comfort-related challenges in terms of chair form, materials, structure, and usage scenarios. The study proposes design principles from the perspectives of ergonomics, material innovation, structural optimization, and modern usage scenarios. Specific strategies to enhance comfort are provided, such as optimizing the angle between the chair back and chair surface, improving cushion materials, optimizing the chair's supporting structure, and incorporating intelligent design. This paper also discusses the challenges of integrating technology with traditional design, the application of eco-friendly materials, and the diverse demands of consumer groups. Finally, it summarizes the future trends and challenges in the comfort-focused design of Neo-Ming style chair.

РЫНОК КЕЙТЕРИНГОВЫХ УСЛУГ И ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЕГО УЧЕТА

This article explores the organization of accounting for catering services, which includes both catering and comprehensive service offerings for company employees at locations specified by clients. The demand for catering services is on the rise, fueled by heightened competition and significant socio-economic impacts stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. In Kazakhstan, corporate clients represent the primary consumer group for catering services, making up 70% of all orders. The article examines the current landscape and future potential of the catering sector in Kazakhstan, identifying key segments such as catering services, corporate offerings, and in-flight catering. It also addresses the legal regulations as well as the documentation, synthetic, and analytical accounting methods relevant to transactions in this field. The findings of this study are practically beneficial for catering businesses, particularly concerning specific documents and accounting entries. With the expansion of catering services in local enterprises and ongoing social contact restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a pressing need to enhance methods and types of catering service delivery, along with the accounting for related expenses.

Exploring the Differences in Types of Commodities and Delivery Methods among Online Shoppers during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary limitations to in-store shopping during the lockdown period generated a significant increase in online shopping. During that period, the total spending amount and the number of online purchases increased across the whole population, although with rather heterogeneous patterns among various groups of consumers. This research examines the factors that can help explain the differences between users and non-users of online shopping in the U.S.A. during April and May 2020 to help understand the barriers to home-based shopping accessibility. The study uses data collected in the first survey wave of a longitudinal mobility study to analyze individual commodities and delivery options chosen for goods purchased online. Binomial logistic regression and Poisson regression models reveal differences in adopting e-shopping across various delivery channels, the frequency of purchase, and shipping used across commodities. In addition, a latent class cluster analysis identifies three heterogeneous groups of shoppers whose members differ mainly in income, age, education, neighborhood type, and technology attitudes. The results also highlight several differences in usage across crowdshipping markets and novel delivery options, such as in-store or locker pickup. The results also show variation in home-based accessibility across numerous factors during the pandemic.

Preferences for processed tomato products’ attributes: an explorative analysis of Italian consumers using a large sample

IntroductionPrice competition in the tomato market may lead Italian processing companies to adopt product differentiation strategies to attract consumers and raise revenues. Exploring consumers’ preferences for processed tomato products’ attributes can support companies in implementing product differentiation strategies and succeed in the market.MethodsThis study used a convenience sample of 602 Italian consumers to identify consumers’ preferences for processed tomato products’ attributes selected through a literature review and tested by the Best Worst Scaling (BWS) method. Also, a two-step cluster analysis was used to identify and size consumer groups with common preferences for tested product’s attributes.ResultsOverall, our results showed that Italian consumers of processed tomato products strongly preferred attributes such as Country of origin, Organic, and Social and economic sustainability labels. In addition, the analysis shows the existence of three distinct consumer segments such as “traditional,” “price-sensitive,” and “sustainable” consumers. The largest one was price-sensitive consumers followed by sustainable and traditional ones.DiscussionOur findings have practical implications for producers and policymakers. Producers may use claims about the product’s origin jointly with an organic production logo and ethical label to differentiate their products and raise revenues. Likewise, policymakers should enhance monitoring and control measures to ensure with environmental, social, and economic sustainable standards compliance. This will support building consumer trust for those credence attributes. Overall, this study adds valuable insights to the existing literature on consumer preferences for processed tomato products, providing results with high external validity using a large convenience sample.

Exploratory mixed methods investigation of time commitment in youth sport and physical activity: families’ experiences and satisfaction during the pandemic, and intentions for post-pandemic engagement

ABSTRACT Purpose/rationale: The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed families’ time commitments for youth sport and physical activity (SPA). Guided by Social Ecology Theory, experiences and associated levels of satisfaction with these changes are explored, as well as intentions for post-pandemic engagement. Design/methodology/approach: Interviews with families (n = 14) informed the creation of a questionnaire that was distributed to 550 Ontarian families. Findings: Parents were satisfied with lower time commitment of youth SPA during the pandemic and would have liked to engage in less travel for youth SPA and fewer organized activities post-pandemic. However, families largely intended on increasing or reverting to their travel time for and diversity of activities post-pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic, suggesting that parents intend to support their children’s SPA preferences, regardless of their own. Practical implications: Given that parents intend to support their children’s SPA commitment preferences, tactics to ease the time demands on parents can be developed to provide greater value propositions for families. Research contribution: Two main consumer groups of youth SPA (i.e. parents and youth) can have differing preferences for their experiences. Originality/value: This study revealed conflicting experiences and preferences of two distinct consumer groups for youth SPA.

Against the Grain: Consumer’s Purchase Habits and Satisfaction with Gluten-Free Product Offerings in European Food Retail

Across the world and within Europe, a growing number of consumers are choosing to buy gluten-free products. Motivations for a gluten-free diet and the consequences of consuming gluten are varied, from a medical necessity for those diagnosed with celiac disease to a range of health complications and discomfort for those who are gluten-intolerant. In this research, 7296 gluten-free consumers across 13 European countries responded to an online survey on the 33 types of gluten-free products purchased, how frequently they purchased them, their satisfaction with gluten-free quality and availability, the problems they have experienced, and the strategies they have employed to cope with these problems. The investigation examines whether and how these consumer attitudes and behaviors differ between those diagnosed with celiac disease, those who are gluten-intolerant, and those who are caregivers for others with a gluten-free diet. The results show that significant differences existed for all these habits and issues across the three gluten-free consumer groups. Specifically, caregivers purchased most of the gluten-free product types more frequently than the other two groups, experienced more availability problems, and were more likely to shop at multiple stores or make their own gluten-free products. Celiac-diagnosed consumers tended to buy gluten-free products more frequently than those who are gluten-intolerant, and they tended to be the most satisfied with the quality and range of gluten-free offerings. Despite purchasing frequency differences between the groups, the results suggest a similar hierarchy of gluten-free products that could provide the foundation for a European gluten-free food basket.

Application of Business Intelligence Based on Big Data in E-commerce Data Evaluation

With the vigorous development of e-commerce, more and more goods are sold online. The electronic platform not only brings convenience to people's lives but also gives more people the opportunity of employment and entrepreneurship, which contributes to the promotion of economic value and the creation of wealth. With the gradual maturity of network technology represented by Big Data, it has also led to the further development of e-commerce. In the past, e-commerce mostly used business intelligence systems for data analysis. However, as the data becomes more and more complex, the innovation ability and data analysis ability of traditional business intelligence systems are relatively conservative, so it is of great significance to update and strengthen business intelligence to analyze its role in e-commerce data. Therefore, this paper proposed the application of business intelligence based on Big Data in e-commerce data analysis. By combining Big Data and a business intelligence system and taking the e-commerce data of a certain brand of beverage as the research object, the Days-Times-Money (DTM) model was established, and the data mining technology was used to classify the brand consumers. The data results showed that among the three consumption attributes, the highest consumption density of consumption days, consumption times, and consumption amount was 68.63%, 67.99%, and 69.72% respectively. These were not more than 70%, which indicated that the consumption of this brand of beverages had a high space for growth. According to the consumption density, the users of this brand of beverage were divided into four consumer groups. According to the classification results, it provided feasible marketing reference opinions for the brand beverage and could provide direction for brand value-added by mining the hidden data of the brand beverage. This paper hoped to use the brand beverage as a case to provide reference and reality for the development of e-commerce enterprises and provide a reference for the application and promotion of business intelligence based on Big Data in e-commerce data analysis.

Evaluating multimedia advertising campaign effectiveness

Companies increasingly combine multiple media outlets when launching advertising campaigns. This study employs causal forest to examine the effects of complex multimedia campaigns. The model effectively corrects for selection bias, automatically identifies informative consumer features, and performs automated data-driven consumer segmentation based on the consumer features identified. We analyze a large dataset involving around seven million consumers and four thousand covariates, and provide empirical evidence on the nonlinear effect of repeated ad exposures in the multimedia context, how such effect varies across consumer groups, and the contingent existence of multimedia synergy. We demonstrate that negligence of the selection bias and heterogeneity across segments results in suboptimal conversions and a waste of advertising resources. The analysis procedure that we propose can facilitate decision making for complex advertising campaigns to improve their effectiveness.

Plant the pot! Understanding consumer willingness to pay for sustainability in garden shop products

This study explores consumer preferences for various sustainability attributes in gardening pots using a discrete choice experiment. Data were collected from 499 respondents in garden shops across Milan and Monza, Italy. The study examines different aspects of sustainability, focusing on attributes that influence consumer purchasing decisions, such as the use of renewable energy, recycled material usage, ethical certification, and end-of-life options (recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable pots). The primary objectives are to determine consumers' preferences and the relative importance of these sustainability attributes in gardening pots and assess the impact of educational information on these preferences and willingness to pay. A mixed logit model is employed to capture the variations in preferences across the entire sample, providing a detailed analysis of the average willingness to pay for each sustainability attribute. A latent class model aimed to identify distinct segments within the sample, revealing specific groups of consumers with unique preference patterns and varying monetary evaluations for sustainable features. The results indicate strong preferences for reusable and recyclable pots, followed by biodegradable options and products made with recycled materials. Additionally, providing consumers with educational information about the environmental impacts of plastic pots significantly influenced their preferences and willingness to pay. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by offering detailed insights into consumer behaviour towards sustainable gardening products and their relative importance and providing actionable recommendations for policymakers and marketers to foster sustainable consumption practices.

Assessing foodborne outbreak risks in Chinese households: A national survey analysis of pork handling practices

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the risk of foodborne outbreaks associated with household food handling practices in China and identify the consumer groups that are at higher risk for foodborne outbreaks. MethodsA national survey of household pork handling practices was conducted in China. The risk of foodborne outbreaks stemming from consumers’ improper handling practices was assessed utilizing the Weighted Harmonic Outbreak Prevention Index (WHOPI). The index categorized these practices into three levels of good hygienic practice (GHP): low (WHOPI≤0.35), medium (WHOPI: 0.36–0.70), and high (WHOPI>0.7). Logistic regression analyses were used to identify groups at higher risk for foodborne outbreaks. ResultsA total of 2730 households from seven provinces in mainland China were analyzed. Based on WHOPI, only 0.4 % of households demonstrated a high level of GHP, while 55.4 % showed a low level of GHP. The primary non-conforming stage was separation practices, followed by cooking and purchasing practices. Nearly two-thirds of households (64.8 %) didn’t have a separate cutting board for raw meat, and 44.9 % of them claimed to use the same board to handle ready-to-eats afterward. Logistic regression indicated more attention is required for those living in southern and rural areas, working in non-public institutions, possessing lower levels of education, and being single or widowed. ConclusionThe household food handling practices of Chinese consumers involve serious food safety risks. Education programs and interventions concerning safe handling practices in households are urgently needed.

Pricing and Service Decisions of Products in a Dual-Channel Supply Chain Introducing Ship-to-Store

This study investigates the optimal pricing and service decisions when implementing ship-to-store (STS) in a dual-channel supply chain comprising one BM store and one manufacturer. Homogeneous products within the market are categorized into mainstream and niche products. The effects of consumer service sensitivity, channel preference, and degree of personalization on optimal decisions and profitability are analyzed, followed by numerical simulation and analysis. It is found that (1) the supply chain should charge high prices for mainstream products and low prices for niche products to maximize profits. (2) Implementing STS is conducive to expanding niche products in the market when facing highly service-sensitive consumer groups. (3) Based on highly service-sensitive consumer segments, supply chains are more profitable implementing STS strategies in a centralized decision-making model than in a traditional dual-channel one; however, under decentralized decision-making, it is only profitable to implement an STS strategy if consumers have a low level of personalization and have a particularly pronounced preference for online direct marketing channels.

The Australian Frailty Network: Development of a consumer-focussed national response to frailty.

Frailty is an important concept in the care of older adults. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in measuring frailty. While it is now well-recognised that frailty status is an important determinant of outcomes from medical illnesses or surgical interventions, frailty measurement is not currently routinely integrated into clinical practice. In the community setting, it is uncommon for general practitioners to deliver frailty-optimised care. In hospitals, there is substantial variability in how people living with frailty are managed. This variability is notable between and even within disciplines. Furthermore, gains from understanding frailty mechanisms and risk factors are not yet applied/implemented at scale to delay the progression of frailty in community-dwellers. The Australian Frailty Network (AFN) is a national collaborative group of researchers, clinicians, non-government organisations, consumers and policymakers, in which the engagement and active involvement of consumers has been embedded from the outset. The AFN aims to generate new knowledge to improve health outcomes, to ensure evidence-based management is translated into clinical practice and to build capacity in multidisciplinary and translational frailty research. Here, we describe the development of the AFN, highlighting important milestones: (i) securing funding for the network and flagship elements; (ii) an inaugural summit to establish the strategic vision, values and scope with end-users; (iii) sabbatical visits to learn from international examples; and (iv) developing the governance structure and an actionable plan encompassing consumer engagement, research, education and policy and practice to maximise impact.