Distinct Consumer Groups Research Articles

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.

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.

Meat fans' and meat reducers' attitudes towards meat consumption and hybrid meat products in the UK: a cluster analysis

SummaryMeat reduction, rather than total elimination, is emerging as a popular trend that fulfils most consumer demands. In this study, using survey results from 802 United Kingdom residents, we identified distinct groups of consumers based on their meat consumption habits and explored their attitudes towards meat reduction and their perception of hybrid meat products. Two distinct consumer segments were identified, named ‘fans’ and ‘reducers’. ‘Fans’ were unwilling to reduce their meat consumption, considering it a right that makes them feel good. They were more optimistic regarding environmental concerns and less enthusiastic about the idea of hybrid meat products. On the other hand, ‘reducers’, although they consumed meat, expressed feeling bad about it and reported high levels of environmental concerns. These differences were also reflected in their willingness to eat and buy hybrid meat products, as well as the desired type of meat and meat‐to‐plant‐based ratio in their chosen hybrid meat.

Consumer Segmentation and Decision: Explainable Machine Learning Insights

ABSTRACT The e-commerce market is experiencing a period of rapid growth, with online shopping becoming a prevalent consumer behavior. However, the challenge of identifying and segmenting high-value customer groups, and subsequently enhancing the conversion rate of purchases made on the shop’s platform, has remained a significant obstacle for merchants engaged in e-commerce. This study presents a novel approach that combines consumer involvement theory, quality signaling theory and consumer heterogeneity theory to develop a multi-algorithmic, interpretable machine learning model based on shapely additive explanations (SHAP). The results revealed the existence of four distinct consumer groups: the comprehensively involved, interactive, reading-oriented, and low-involvement groups. Comprehensively involved and interactive consumers have the highest purchase conversion rate and should be given priority attention. This study addresses the limitations of single theoretical perspective and “black box” problem of machine learning models for decision-making behavior, and can bring management insights for merchants to improve shop operation.

Dynamic demand response to electricity prices: Evidence from the Spanish retail market

The energy transition is driving a significant transformation in the electricity sector, with a focus on demand-side engagement. Using the VAR-VEC model methodology, we explore hourly consumer responsiveness to electricity prices for two distinct consumer groups differentiated by their pricing schemes within the Spanish retail market. The research reveals that consumers under real-time pricing adapt their consumption patterns in response to expected retail price fluctuations, particularly during peak hours. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers evaluating time-differentiated pricing policies. Additionally, retailers can benefit by incorporating these results into wholesale market bidding strategies and retail market planning.

Exploring the lack of liking for faba bean ingredients with different sensory profiles

Faba bean ingredients offer a key role as protein source for wide-ranging food applications, including alternatives to meat and dairy products. However, consumer acceptance is crucial for their integration into people’s diets. This study investigated consumer liking and willingness to use faba bean ingredients and identified the sensory properties that drive consumer preference. Our research involved 264 participants, each with diverse taste abilities, personal attitudes, food choice motives, dietary habits, and demographics. Participants evaluated four pastes made with faba bean ingredients and water in a sensory laboratory setting. Ratings for the liking of smell, taste, overall liking and willingness to use were collected. Additionally, participants evaluated various sensory attributes using Rate-All-That-Apply and Check-All-That-Apply methodologies. To explore the relationships between hedonics, sensory attributes, and participant characteristics, we performed L-PLS regression. Our study revealed that the liking of smell, taste, overall liking, and willingness to use were low for all ingredients, despite their distinct sensory properties. While L-PLS regression did not reveal a distinct pattern of liking, penalty-lift analysis indicated that bitterness was the primary driver of dislike. Moreover, our study identified distinct consumer groups with varying preferences for certain ingredient types. However, considering the overall low-liking scores, the practical relevance of consumer insights might be limited. Our study underscores the interplay between sensory attributes, consumer preferences, and attitudes towards faba bean ingredients. It suggests that addressing bitterness issues could be pivotal in enhancing the market prospects of faba bean ingredients and facilitating their broader acceptance as a protein source.

Subjective long-term emotional and social effects of recreational MDMA use: the role of setting and intentions

MDMA is a recreational drug commonly used to enhance euphoria, but it is also used in non-party settings with self-insight or social connection intentions. Yet, little is known about whether distinct consumer groups are formed based on consumption setting and intention. We aimed to characterize different types of recreational MDMA users based on consumption setting and intentions, and to examine their differences in perceptions of long-term social-emotional effects of MDMA use. We analyzed self-reports of 766 individuals (ages 18–61, mostly from Western countries), reporting on their MDMA consumption habits and perceived effects. We used a K-medoids clustering algorithm to identify distinct types of consumption settings and intentions. We identified three setting types – party settings with friends (N = 388), private home settings (N = 132), mixed settings (N = 246) – and three intention types – euphoria and energy (N = 302), self-insight (N = 219), mixed intentions (N = 245). Members of the self-insight and mixed intentions clusters reported considerably more long-term socio-emotional benefits than members of the euphoria and energy cluster. No differences were observed between the setting clusters. In this particular sample, more long-term benefits than harms were reported. Our findings suggest that the long-term social-emotional benefits of MDMA are associated with whether users seek self-insight or have mixed intentions.

US consumer preferences and attitudes toward seaweed and value‐added products

AbstractFood reformulation and the introduction of novel sources of nutrition are considered potential strategies to address poor nutrition and public health issues. Seaweed, a novel food in Western cuisine, is gaining popularity, and seaweed farming in the United States is an emerging and fast‐growing aquaculture segment. This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of US consumers' preferences and attitudes toward seaweed and value‐added seaweed products. Specifically, the study focuses on two distinct consumer groups: those who consume seaweed and those who do not. It includes separate analyses for each group to compare their attitudes and examine the characteristics and factors affecting their attitudes. This paper summarizes the different characteristics of seaweed consumers and nonconsumers. The results show that the seaweed consumers' knowledge of seaweed and perceptions of seaweed quality, price, and availability positively affect their intentions to try a new product flavored with seaweed. Nonconsumers have unique reasons for not consuming seaweed, several of which are associated with their intentions to try a new seaweed product [EconLit Citations: D12, Q13].

Factors influencing consumer motivations for protein choice.

This study evaluated the factors that motivate US consumers (18-65 years) to choose protein products derived from specific protein sources. An online survey was conducted. Participants who purchased protein products (n=673) were shown agree/disagree questions, along with maximum difference (MaxDiff), constant sum, and Kano questions on factors surrounding protein choice. Last, follow-up qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 survey participants to further investigate consumer motivations behind protein choice. Survey participants conceptually desired a protein product or protein-fortified food that was a good source of protein, tasted great, and was healthy. Three clusters of consumers with distinct motivations for protein purchases were identified. Cluster 1 (C1) consumers (n=176) desired plant-based, environmentally friendly products and valued sustainability label claims more than flavor/taste. Cluster 2 (C2) consumers (n=271) were nutritionally conscious and desired high-protein healthy products that were also high in vitamins/minerals. Cluster 3 (C3) consumers (n=226) showed the most loyalty to the products they currently purchased and were also most willing to try new products based on the recommendations. Cluster 1 consumers placed importance on protein sources, while C2 valued price most and C3 gave the highest value to flavor. In side-by-side protein comparisons, plant-based proteins were considered superior to dairy proteins in sustainability, health, ethics, and digestibility, while both protein types were at parity for naturalness, satiety, and taste across all consumers, but differences were documented among consumer clusters. Results from this study demonstrate that there are many different motivations for consumers to purchase protein products. These motivations can be applied to consumer education as well as the strategic positioning of protein products. Practical Application: This study investigated consumer perception of different protein types and the drivers of choice for protein types among distinct consumer groups. Further application of findings from this study may help guide the development and formulation of new products with a diverse range of protein sources.

Consumers' Segmentation Influences Acceptance and Preferences of Cheeses with Sanitary Inspection and Artisanal Seals.

Food labeling serves as a crucial medium for industries to communicate product qualities to consumers. Sanitary inspection and artisanal seals are significant markers for traditional cheeses, yet current information on this topic is limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of sanitary inspection and the ARTE seal on the acceptance of artisanal cheese. To achieve this objective, four hypothetical cheese labels featuring all combinations of sanitary inspection and ARTE seals were presented to 404 consumers. These consumers rated their acceptance of each label, a conjoint analysis was conducted, and the relative importance of each seal was calculated. Subsequently, consumers were segmented using hierarchical cluster analysis. Their socio-demographic profiles were statistically correlated to the clusters through a chi-squared method. The results revealed the existence of three distinct consumer groups: those who strongly prefer cheeses with a sanitary seal (assigning a relative importance of 80.2% to the seal), those who favor cheeses with an artisanal seal (assigning a relative importance of 52.5% to the seal), and those for whom the presence of either seal did not significantly affect acceptance. Consumers residing in metropolitan areas generally placed less value on both seals, whereas frequent purchasers of artisanal foods and residents of rural areas showed a preference for the artisanal seal. Other socio-demographic variables did not statistically correlate with cluster membership. In conclusion, consumer segmentation based on preferences for sanitary inspection and artisanal seals in food labeling is vital for developing effective marketing strategies and food safety education policies.

A segmentation of fish consumers based on quantity and type of fish: Insights from the Swedish market

The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to the observed differences in fish consumption patterns. To accomplish this, a segmentation analysis was conducted on a representative sample of 2207 individuals from Sweden based on the dual dimensions of both the volume and variety of fish ingested. By scrutinizing these facets, the aim is to gain deeper insights into the distinct consumer archetypes characterized by their diverse fish consumption habits, thus uncovering the catalysts and deterrents that influence these patterns.The outcome of the segmentation analysis (i.e., two-step analysis: hierarchical clustering followed by non-hierarchical clustering technique) reveals four distinct consumer segments, each possessing unique attributes concerning their preferences and behaviours regarding fish consumption. These segments are classified as the “Frequent,” “Avid,” “Occasional,” and “Infrequent” fish consumers. The profiling of these segments is built on factors encompassing consumers' decision-making styles, involvement in food, environmental consciousness, as well as pertinent socio-economic variables including income, geographical location, age, educational attainment, and gender.Evident from the findings is the clear demarcation of two segments characterized by robust fish consumption tendencies, specifically the “Frequent” and “Avid” segments. Subsequently, there exists a segment showcasing moderately pronounced fish consumption behaviours labelled as the “Occasional” consumer group, in contrast to a segment demonstrating a markedly diminished inclination for fish consumption, denoted as the “Infrequent” consumer.All segments score high on habitual and brand-loyal purchasing intentions which emphasize the routine nature of fish consumption behaviour. In a broader context, the study underscores the inherent utility of segmenting consumers based on fish consumption volume and type, as this approach yields distinct consumer groups that can be systematically addressed by stakeholders ranging from policy makers to producers and other seafood advocates.

Sparking curiosity or tipping the scales? Targeted advertising with consumer learning

This paper argues, in the context of targeted advertising, that receivers’ ability to independently acquire information has a non-trivial impact on the sender’s optimal disclosure strategy. In our model, a monopolist has an opportunity to launch an advertising campaign and chooses a targeting strategy – which consumers to send its advertisement to. The consumers are uncertain about and heterogeneous in their valuations of the product, and can engage in costly learning about their true valuations. We discover that the firm generally prefers to target consumers who are either indifferent between ignoring and investigating the product, or between investigating and buying it unconditionally. If the firm is uncertain about the consumer appeal of its product, it targets these two distinct groups of consumers simultaneously but may ignore all consumers in between.

Addressing Consumer Misconceptions on Antibiotic Use and Resistance in the Context of Sore Throat: Learnings from Social Media Listening

A misunderstanding of the mechanism of action and bacterial targets of antibiotics by consumers may drive inappropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Tackling AMR requires an in-depth understanding of consumer beliefs and misconceptions. We explored consumer conversations on a number of social media platforms on antibiotic use and AMR in the context of sore throat and how coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected online conversations between 1 January 2018 and 25 November 2021 across eight countries. Five distinct consumer groups were identified (antibiotic-preserving peer educators, antibiotic-cautious consumers, medication-resistant antibiotic opponents, believers in the strength of antibiotics, determined pro-antibiotic consumers) with a wide spectrum of beliefs around antibiotics in sore throat. Many opinions were based upon misconceptions, the most prominent of which was that antibiotics are strong medications that can treat all types of sore throat. COVID-19 had a multifaceted effect on the sore throat and AMR conversation. Sore throat triggered anxiety as consumers feared it may be a COVID-19 symptom while engagement in conversations around antibiotics for COVID-19 increased. Finally, consumers sought multiple routes to access antibiotics, such as directly from the pharmacy or by attempting to persuade physicians to prescribe. Knowledge obtained from this study could be used to develop focused approaches to dispel consumer misconceptions and mitigate AMR.

Degree and Direction of Product Standardization and Adaptation for MNCs in Emerging Market

This paper is about the most appropriate level and direction of product standardisation and product adaptation for MNCs in emerging markets. Alternative works in this area have discussed strategy selection between these two or one-sided analysis of how to proceed, but two separate discussions established on one-sided analysis are barely seen. Hence, the method of study is a detailed analysis of individual cases based on SWOT models and data collected from surveys targeting people living in Asia, which is a major part of the emerging markets. The immediate results from the study are that LVMH's choice of products to standardise on the international market is part of what will always be universally accepted, and that the products they choose to adapt while selling to different regions are based on cultural differences and local living patterns. And, to be along with specific to the luxury industry, more innovation in the design of products rather than being classical would also be a smart choice in the future, in order to face distinct groups of consumers. In conclusion, for MNCs, product standardisation and product adaptation are equally noteworthy to the company, the degree and direction of which is the key reason for success. Standardisation is for a better brand image, and adaptation is for better sales.

Alcohol consumption in the context of the covid-19 pandemic

n this study I aimed to conduct a qualitative research on the influence of alcohol on domestic violence using hybrid questionnaires (online and F2F) on three distinct groups of alcohol consumers in Bucharest (medium, high and low). I used the online scientific platform "SurveyMonkey" for the questionnaire application and data collection. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, AUDIT-C model was used to assess alcohol consumption in the 2 months (October, November 2021) according to three key consumption indicators: frequency of alcohol consumption, alcohol level, average amount consumed per drink and frequency of excessive alcohol consumption Change in consumption was recorded analogously to AUDIT-C variables (frequency of alcohol consumption, amount of alcohol consumption and excessive alcohol consumption), whereby consumption indicators are related to the degree of change. So, is there a link between degree of consumption, frequency and domestic violence? The results, together with a range of psychiatric, psychoanalytic and psychological theories, provide a variety of explanations for the violent behavior perpetuated in family relationships, denouncing their impact and harmful effects on personality upbringing, psychological profiling, and especially on the belonging and role of the dysfunctional family.

Does perceived risk influence the intention to purchase second-hand clothing? A multigroup analysis of SHC consumers versus non-SHC consumers

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of perceived risk, including financial, functional, aesthetic, sanitary, psychological and social risks, on the intention to purchase second-hand clothing (SHC) between SHC consumers and non-SHC consumers based on perceived risk theory.Design/methodology/approachA total of 290 responses were collected, with 110 from SHC consumers and 180 from non-SHC consumers. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to validate the hypotheses. Additionally, a permutation test and multigroup analysis (MGA) were performed.FindingsThe findings indicate that different types of risk have varying effects on both SHC and non-SHC consumers’ intention to purchase SHC. In particular, financial, aesthetic and social risks are found to be significant predictors of purchase intention for SHC consumers. By contrast, sanitary and psychological risks are significant predictors of purchase intention for non-SHC consumers. Furthermore, the MGA results indicate a significant difference between SHC consumers and non-SHC consumers in the relationship between financial risk, social risk and purchase intention.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of different types of risk on the intention to purchase SHC in both SHC and non-SHC consumers. The findings will provide practitioners with practical insights for developing more effective strategies to target these two distinct consumer groups.

What Do Customers Share About Eating-Out on Facebook?

Discussing the eating-out experience is long-lasting among people around the world, and with the advent of the internet, customers change the way of sharing dining experience online. This study aims to identify the dominant topics and emotional dimensions on Facebook status updates of large-scale individual accounts, as well as the topic variance by users’ age and gender. With an adaption of the myPersonality dataset on Facebook, topic modeling and emotion analysis are conducted. Findings indicate that five primary topics are composed of food, happy time, dining experience, coffee time, and people. Males and females demonstrate a significant difference in the theme of people. Positive emotional dimensions generally show stronger extents than the negative ones. This study is a pioneer of exploring Facebook individual accounts in the hospitality and tourism field and expands industry practitioners’ comprehension of dominant dining-out themes and emotional responses among distinct consumer groups.

Buy Three to Waste One? How Real-World Purchase Data Predict Groups of Food Wasters

Approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is either lost or wasted. Given the central position of retailers in the supply chain, they have the potential to effectively reduce consumer food waste by implementing targeted interventions. To do so, however, they should target distinct consumer groups. In this research, we use a unique data set comprising the grocery shopping data of customers who use loyalty cards, complemented with food waste reports, to derive three distinct target groups: traditionals, time-constrained, and convenience lovers. Based on the general behavioral change literature, we discuss diverse target group-specific interventions that retailers can implement to reduce consumer food waste. Overall, we pave a research path to examine how retailers and marketing can effectively shift consumer behavior toward more sustainable food and shopping practices and assume responsibility within the food supply chain.

Differentiating the Attitude-Behavior Gap: A Consumer Typology

While most studies in the field of consumer research acknowledge differences between consumption patterns of distinct consumer groups, research dealing with the attitude-behavior gap has hitherto not been sufficiently linked with these findings. As a result, attitude-behavior gap has been often conceptualized as a uniform phenomenon for all consumer groups leaving variances across distinct groups largely unexplored. Based on a representative survey (N=1000) among German consumers, this paper challenges this assumption and presents five consumer clusters with different attitude-behavior gaps related to distinct demographic and socio-psychological characteristics. This typology enables analyzing the determinants of the attitude-behavior gap across different social groups and allows for more differentiated empirical research and managerial analysis. The findings contribute to the ethical consumption literature in that they differentiate applied ethics across distinct consumer groups as well as to the broader consumer research by demonstrating the relationship between individual characteristics and distinct attitude-behavior gaps.

Sustainable Consumption Patterns of Young Adults in Mexico City

Due to a deeper understanding by consumers of the environmental challenge, during the last two decades there has been exponential growth in research on sustainable consumption (SC), especially in developed countries. Most of the studies related to this topic focused on exploring, profiling or modelling the phenomenon have primarily been performed in these regions. However, in emerging markets consumers are concerned about sustainability so research must include them in its scope. Therefore, this research focuses on the young adult population of Mexico City to explore SC behavior patterns and associated segmentation criteria. The study relies on cluster analysis using the K-means method, derived from a quantitative survey of 248 subjects aged 20 to 34 who live in Mexico City. Clusters help to identify five groups of SC patterns, based on four SC key factors: culture, public policies, socio-environmental concern, and sustainable marketing associated with five types of SC: purchase of sustainable products, preference for alternative channels, non-monetary sustainable practices, collaborative consumption and sustainable transportation. The value of this exploratory study involves the provision of new information on characteristics to establish distinct groups of consumers based on SC among young adults in Mexico City.