Examine Consumer Attitudes Research Articles

Edible innovations: Testing the WOW impact of 3D printed chocolate packaging

3D food printing is an emerging processing technology with a profound impact on both the food industry and consumer experiences. It currently makes it possible to process a wide range of food materials into custom-designed and safe-to-consume 3D printed foods. One notable application lies in the creation of customized, fully edible packaging using ingredients that are safe for human consumption. The study presented in this paper examined consumer attitudes and emotions to 3D printed edible packaging in gastronomic experiences, comparing a milk chocolate snack served in a fully 3D printed edible chocolate packaging to one served in a traditional ceramic packaging. The results show that compared to the ceramic packaging, the edible packaging elicits higher levels of surprise, fascination, and desire, thereby increasing the overall positive consumer experience by more than 10 %. Part of this work aims to familiarize consumers with this innovative type of 3D food, demonstrating its relevance and potential to the food industry. The findings contribute to understanding consumer attitudes towards 3D printed foods and suggest a new potential field of research establishing a path to strengthen its common application in gastronomy.

Изследване на потребителските нагласи по отношение на инфлуенсърите и тяхното сътрудничество с брандове в България

The research aims to examine consumer attitudes towards influencers and their collaborations with brands in Bulgaria. It was conducted online during the period December 2020 – January 2021. A total of 304 respondents completed a questionnaire with 18 closed and open-ended questions. The primary objective is to determine whether there is a presence of pseudo-influence in Bulgaria, driven purely by profitability, or if there is an evolving influencer culture. Additionally, the study seeks to answer whether Bulgaria genuinely has influencers or if it follows a Western model of product and service consumption behavior.

AN ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER ATTITUDES TOWARDS FMCG PRODUCTS: A CASE STUDY OF DHULE DISTRICT

The primary objective of this study was to examine consumer attitudes toward FMCG products with a focus on Dhule district, particularly in terms of potential gender-based differences. The study tested the hypothesis (H0) that there is no significant difference between male and female consumers' attitudes toward FMCG products, against the alternative hypothesis (H1) that a difference exists. Primary data was collected from 144 consumers using a structured questionnaire based on a 7-point Likert scale, assessing six key attitude variables. An independent samples t-test was conducted to analyze the data. The results revealed no statistically significant gender-based differences in consumer preferences, product quality importance, advertisement influence, brand switching, trust in brand safety, or brand loyalty. Both male and female consumers demonstrated similar behaviors and attitudes toward FMCG products. Thus, the null hypothesis (H0) was not rejected, confirming that gender does not significantly influence consumer attitudes toward FMCG products in Dhule district.

ANALYSIS OF PURCHASE INTENTION WITH ATTITUDE TOWARD HALAL PRODUCTS AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE IN THE INDONESIAN ICE CREAM INDUSTRY

The COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed most industries, especially the food and beverage sector, where if companies are not careful, they can face mass layoffs and even bankruptcy and company closure due to the pandemic. One affected food and beverage industry is dairy food, namely the ice cream industry. The ice cream industry has been devastated by COVID-19 as industry experts believe that in addition to lockdown restrictions, sales of ice cream are affected by fears or misconceptions that ice cream makes a person vulnerable to COVID-19. To increase consumer buying interest, the Indonesian government created a program to help entrepreneurs get halal certificates more quickly and for free. Numerous research studies have examined consumer attitudes toward halal products because they positively influence their intention to purchase a product to determine whether these halal certifiers can boost purchase intention and attitudes toward them. After all, they positively influence their product buying to determine whether these halal certifiers can encourage purchase intention. The method used in this research is a quantitative approach, using a survey as the data collection method. The respondents of this study are 200. In this study it was successful in stating that the attitude toward halal products can influence purchase intention. In addition, attitude toward the halal product is significantly influenced by halal knowledge and brand trust, not by religiosity factors

A Greener Protein Option: Examining the Viability of Plant-Based Meat with Green Lentils

Plant-based meat alternatives have been developed and are becoming more and more popular as a result of the desire for environmentally friendly and sustainable protein sources. The feasibility of using green lentils as the main ingredient in plant-based meat alternatives is investigated in this study. A viable possibility for plant-based meat production, green lentils provide a plentiful supply of protein, fibre, and other minerals. The study assesses the nutritional makeup of green lentils, including their protein concentration, amino acid profile, and micronutrient content, and compares it to conventional meat sources. Green lentils (Lens culinaris), which are a great alternative to meat since they are high in protein, fibre, and other vital elements. The edible seeds of green lentils, formally known as Lens culinaris, a species of legume, are a major reason for their widespread cultivation. They are a great source of protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are vital elements. Given their flavor-friendly taste, texture, and capacity to absorb flavours, green lentils present an appealing choice for creating plant-based meat substitutes. They’re a distinct flavour and texture that can replicate the sensation and flavour of conventional meat products. The research also looks into the useful qualities of green lentils, such as their resemblance to the texture, appearance, and flavour of regular meat. It examines various methods of processing, such as extrusion and texturization, to improve the sensory qualities and general acceptability of items derived from green lentils that resemble meat. This study also investigates the environmental impact of using green lentils as a protein source. When compared to the production of traditional meat, lentil farming uses less land, water, and energy. According to the study, green lentils have the potential to be a more environmentally friendly source of protein than sources based on animals by evaluating the carbon and water footprints they leave behind during every stage of production. The study also looks into how green lentil-based plant-based meat products are perceived by consumers and how they are accepted by the market. In order to determine consumer acceptance and potential adoption hurdles, surveys and sensory evaluations are used to examine consumer attitudes towards sustainability, health, and flavour preferences. Overall, this study sheds light on the potential of green lentils as a more environmentally friendly source of protein for plant-based meat. It draws attention to their nutrient profiles, practical qualities, effects on the environment, and market possibilities. The findings support continuing initiatives to create environmentally friendly protein sources and advance a more sustainable food system.

The Effects of Consumer Innovation, Price Sensitivity, Conformity, and Consumer Values on Consumer Attitudes and Intentions to Participate in the Crowdfunding of Fashion Products

This study examined consumer attitudes and intentions to participate in reward-based crowdfunding projects for fashion products. We focused on consumer innovation, price sensitivity, conformity, and consumer values as factors that might influence such attitudes and intentions. A survey was conducted with 228 individuals aged 18 years and older who are aware of or have had experience using crowdfunding. Respondents were asked to answer questions based on the example of actual fashion crowdfunding projects. To analyze the data, reliability tests, the generation of descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and multiple regression were performed using SPSS 25.0. The results revealed that consumer innovativeness, non-conforming tendency, and emotional, quality, social, and ethnical consumer values had a significant influence on attitudes, which in turn affected intentions to participate in crowdfunding. Consumer innovativeness, price sensitivity, emotional value, and social value also had a direct influence on intentions to participate. In addition to its academic contribution, this study has important marketing implications for project initiators striving to identify and understand consumers who are willing to participate in reward-based crowdfunding for fashion products.

The Scoop on SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast): Exploring Consumer Behaviours towards a Novel Ice Cream.

With the growing demand for sustainable practises, the food industry is increasingly adopting circular economy approaches. One example is recycling the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) used in kombucha fermentation to create value-added products. However, consumer acceptance of such novel products remains unclear. To address this, the present study examined consumer attitudes towards ice cream made with SCOBY as an ingredient and how this affected their intention to consume it. Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and additional constructs such as emotions and food neophobia, an online survey was conducted with New Zealand consumers (N = 170). Results showed that the TPB constructs significantly predicted the intention to consume SCOBY ice cream. Moreover, by adding emotions to the constructs, the model's explanatory power was enhanced. Attitudes, subjective norms, and emotions were the main predictors of intention, which in turn was found to be the main predictor of behaviour. Participants' beliefs about the safety and taste of SCOBY ice cream were significantly correlated with their intention and behaviour, as were the opinions of nutritionists/dietitians, friends, and family. The model accounted for 21.7% of the variance in behaviour and 57.4% of the variance in intention. These findings can be used to plan marketing strategies related to waste-to-value-added products such as SCOBY ice cream.

Let virtual creatures stay virtual: tactics to increase trust in virtual influencers

PurposeAdvances in technology and the popularity of social media influencers have sparked a rise of “virtual influencers (VIs).” This study examines consumer attitudes toward VIs in social networking services and explores factors that enhance or dampen these attitudes. In three experiments, it was explored how contextual factors (background and companion) interact with human (HIs) and VIs, influencing attitudes through trustworthiness.Design/methodology/approachThree experiments were conducted using an online panel (N = 894). All experiments were based on the comparison between HIs and VI with mediating role of trustworthiness. In Studies 2 and 3, moderated mediation analyses were conducted to test hypotheses.FindingsThe results revealed that human-like VI was less trusted than animi-like VI or HIs. However, the perceived trustworthiness toward VI was enhanced when the VI was in a virtual (vs. real) environment (Study 2) or accompanied by a virtual (vs. human) companion (Study 3), leading to positive attitudes.Originality/valueThis research not only enriches relevant literature (avatars and SMIs) but also provides actionable insight for practitioners who design and utilize VIs. This paper proposes novel and handy tactics to enhance consumers' trustworthiness in and attitudes toward VIs.

‘The persuasion effects of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) video advertisements: A conceptual review’

Using the social psychology theory of elaboration likelihood model (ELM), we present a conceptual model of persuading consumer attitudes through virtual and augmented reality advertisements. We begin this paper with a systematic literature review that assesses a number of theoretical and empirical papers that utilize ELM for virtual reality and augmented reality advertisements. The second section presents research prepositions that facilitate the investigation of consumer attitude persuasion through virtual reality and augmented reality advertisements. The authors identified six research prepositions that facilitate the investigation of consumer attitude persuasion through these advertisements based on the literature.Presented in the third section of this paper is a detailed future research agenda organized by two main research paths: central and peripheral. Moreover, advertisement quality, demographic differences, and the technological context of virtual and augmented reality advertisements helped to facilitate central route persuasion. Variables such as source credibility, social presence, and message content in virtual reality and augmented reality advertisements were found as the persuasion factors under the peripheral route. Therefore, this study provides a method to examine consumer attitudes through virtual reality and augmented reality advertisements using the social psychology theory of elaboration likelihood modelling (ELM).

Danish milk consumers are critical of advanced breeding methods in dairy production, but only 1 in 5 is unwilling to drink milk from dairy cows bred with semen derived from such methods

Assisted reproductive technologies and genetic technologies can accelerate progress in breeding programs in dairy farming, but it is unclear how consumers will react to the use of these technologies. Using representative questionnaire data on Danish citizens (n = 2,036) this cross-sectional study examined consumer attitudes to the application of advanced technologies in dairy cattle breeding. Attitudes were examined in 2 ways. First, we prompted about general attitudes to assisted reproductive technologies and genetic technologies in dairy cow breeding. Here we found that most of the participants were critical of cow impregnation involving hormone therapy and the insertion of cloned fetuses. Second, we used a vignette experiment to study whether acceptance of and willingness to drink milk varies with the type of technique that farmers use for their breeding work, as well as the traits being bred for. We included 5 breeding methods with differing degrees of technological complexity. Participants were randomly assigned to receive tailored information about 1 of the 5 breeding methods. The information specified that dairy farmers' own use of advanced technologies is limited to using semen in artificial insemination on the farm. The potentially concerning technologies are here not applied at farm level but are represented in the semen used in artificial insemination because they were used by breeders on earlier generations of cows and bulls to develop semen with higher genetic merit. There was much less concern about this indirect use of the technologies. Only 1 in 5 participants thought the most advanced method we prompted about (use of semen from breeding methods involving genetic engineering and cloning) was unacceptable. Unwillingness to drink milk from cows produced through such a breeding method was also modest (18%) and not much higher than the unwillingness to drink milk from a cow produced by natural fertilization (10%). A likely reason for the unexpectedly low level of unwillingness to drink milk is that people regard the genetic engineering as distant from the final product. We also found that high-frequency organic milk consumers were more critical of advanced breeding methods. Thus, 28% within this group were unwilling to drink milk from cows impregnated with semen derived from earlier generations of cows and bulls bred using gene editing and cloning. Further, this share rose if the high-frequency organic consumers were very averse to the manipulation of nature. The organic sector may need to cater to this subgroup (e.g., by ensuring the traceability of the semen that organic farmers use to artificially inseminate their cows).

Factors Affecting the Behavioural Intentions of Indian Millennials

Previous studies have examined consumer attitudes toward online services, while few studies have explored factors affecting the behavioural intention of online food delivery services. The purpose of this study is to explore factors that affect the adoption of online food delivery services of Indian millennials by examining the structural relationship between hedonic motivation, utilitarian motivation, price-saving orientation, time-saving orientation, attitude, and behavioural intentions using the theory of planned behaviour. Data from 328 Indian millennials were collected for the study by a self-administered and structured questionnaire. The proposed model was investigated empirically using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for the validation of scale and then using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structured equation modeling (SEM). The study's results showed that only the relationship of time-saving orientation with the attitude towards was proven insignificant, while others were significant.

"I don't think education is the answer": A corpus-assisted ecolinguistic analysis of plastics discourses in the UK.

Ecosystems around the world are becoming engulfed in single-use plastics, the majority of which come from plastic packaging. Reusable plastic packaging systems have been proposed in response to this plastic waste crisis, but uptake of such systems in the UK is still very low. This article draws on a thematic corpus of 5.6 million words of UK English around plastics, packaging, reuse, and recycling to examine consumer attitudes towards plastic (re)use. Utilizing methods and insights from ecolinguistics, corpus linguistics, and cognitive linguistics, this article assesses to what degree consumer language differs from that of public-facing bodies such as supermarkets and government entities. A predefined ecosophy, prioritizing protection, rights, systems thinking, and fairness, is used to not only critically evaluate narratives in plastics discourse but also to recommend strategies for more effective and ecologically beneficial communications around plastics and reuse. This article recommends the adoption of ecosophy in multidisciplinary project teams, and argues that ecosophies are conducive to transparent and reproducible discourse analysis. The analysis also suggests that in order to make meaningful change in packaging reuse behaviors, it is highly likely that deeply ingrained cultural stories around power, rights, and responsibilities will need to be directly challenged.

Barriers and facilitators of purchasing from short food supply chains in europe: insights from a stakeholder perspective

Thirty-two expert stakeholder (e.g., consumer advice center, state parliament at regional level, European Network for Rural Development, university and research center, chamber of tourism, rural development association, and social cooperative enterprise) interviews were conducted to examine consumer attitudes, values and preferences in relation to short food supply chains. These stakeholders have expertise in policy, consumer behaviour, the tourism sector and regulation. The interviewees represented the views of consumers, producers, and other actors who work with or within short food supply in seven European countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland). Consumers were generally perceived to be aware of the environmental impact of food production. In terms of preferences, consumers would like to shop for local food the way they shop at the supermarket: having variety of products, accessibility, and availability. The relative lack of convenience and high prices associated with short food supply chains products were seen as the major barriers to their purchase. Consumers were thought to buy the products because of health and environmental benefits, a desire to support their local community, and a preference for tradition. However, relatively few consumers purchase products regularly from SFSC. The main segments are people who believe in short food supply chains values, middle class families with young children and elderly people. More can be done to educate and engage consumers regarding these chains, and market research is needed to inform which strategy is likely to be most effective in specific contexts such as the regional level.

Distinctions in environmental attitudes between soccer and American football fans

PurposeIn this study, the authors examine consumer attitudes toward a professional soccer club’s proenvironmental initiatives and evaluate whether key themes are consistent with those found in previous research of fans in different sporting contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyzed empirical material provided by 147 highly identified supporters of a Major League Soccer team. Using template analysis, the authors compared codes, categories and themes with those previously identified in a reference group of National Football League (NFL) fans.FindingsTwenty-three preliminary codes, nine categories and four themes were established by the researchers. Three themes – Considering Environmental Action, Business Insights and Impacting the Fan Experience – were all consistent with the NFL reference group. A fourth theme, Public Visibility, focused on the possibility that the club’s proenvironmental initiatives could provide a competitive advantage over rival cities and positively influence local programming and behaviors.Originality/valueThe results of this study support the notion that fan characteristics may differ across various demographic and structural contexts and fans’ recognition that a club could leverage its community standing to promote proenvironmental action.

Using the Dirichlet model to predict how fashion brands compete and grow on eBay

AbstractE‐fashion brand competition has historically been studied from an attitudinal lens, through surveys and theory‐based approaches. These studies generally examine consumer attitudes, satisfaction and loyalty; highlighting that trust, satisfaction and reputation are key e‐commerce success elements. However, the empirical consumer behaviour literature rebuts the use of attitudes to explain brand performance, criticising their subjectivity and the overall ineffectiveness of loyalty as a brand growth tool. The article presents Gerald Goodhardt and colleagues' Dirichlet model as an alternative approach to understanding e‐fashion buyer behaviour. The Dirichlet model is a robust, stochastic model that has reliably predicted well‐established law‐like patterns of buyer behaviour and brand competition. We apply Dirichlet modelling to a new, non‐fast moving consumer goods category to extend consumer behaviour research in the online environment. The study uses consumer panel data from the United Kingdom, across two consecutive years. We conclude that the Dirichlet model has an excellent fit within the eBay fashion brand market. The study also identifies that the well‐known double jeopardy pattern exists within this market, demonstrating that e‐fashion brands grow through acquisition rather than retention of customers. This provides a different viewpoint than most e‐fashion brand growth literature. In addition to this, we examine the predictive capability of the Dirichlet model. We use a holdout sample to show that the model can predict future brand performance metrics, which is an exciting new development in consumer behaviour research.

Consumer Attitudes Towards New Circular Models in the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry ranks among the most resource-intensive and environment-polluting industries. Circularity has been discussed as a solution to these problems. However, the transition towards a circular economy (CE) requires fundamental changes in the behavior and actions of all market entities. Consumer interest in sustainability and circularity can stimulate businesses to become more responsible and to offer circular solutions, and thus create a significant competitive advantage for these firms in a globalized market. This paper examines consumer attitudes towards the new circular models in the fashion industry (e.g. slow fashion, swapping, clothes rent, etc.). Consumer knowledge of these models, consumer willingness to support them as well as a correlation to selected demographic characteristics will be described along with consumer attitudes towards textile products made of waste and recycled material. Results will be introduced from a questionnaire survey carried out in October and November 2019 using the sample of 468 respondents in Slovakia. The obtained data were evaluated using statistical methods (Pearson Chi-Square, Wilcoxon test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient). While generally a low awareness of Slovak consumers of new models in the fashion industry was confirmed, the willingness of consumers to engage and support circular solutions was shown, especially among the younger generations. These results show that businesses that react to consumer expectations regarding circularity by offering products and services with environmental benefits may increase their competitiveness.

Examining consumer attitudes toward CSR and CSA messages

This study conducts a 2 (message type: CSR vs. CSA) x 2 (source: company vs. nonprofit organization) factorial online experiment to examine impacts on individuals’ attitude changes and WOM intention regarding a company. Values-driven attributions and perceptions of company-cause fit were measured as mediating variables. Results indicate that individuals inferred more values-driven motives from CSR messages than CSA messages, which ultimately led to more positive attitude changes toward the company. Theoretical implications for both CSR and CSA scholarship are discussed. Several implications for companies and strategic communicators are offered.

Product Involvement and Consumer Knowledge – A study with Special Reference to Branded Jewellery Consumers in Trivandrum District

Today, the jewellery market has become a broad industry that consists of branded, non–branded, and online retailers. Branded jewellery can be considered a luxury and specialty good because a special purchasing effort is required. This paper examines consumer attitudes on the importance of knowledgeable purchase and the significance of product involvement in purchasing jewellery from branded retailers. To answer the questions of this research, a total of 100 consumers of Joy alukkas and Bhima Jewellers were selected using the quota sampling method. Descriptive statistics and Man-Whitney u test were used for this study. Consumer attitude was studied using consumer knowledge, and involvement was studied using product involvement. The research results demonstrate that the product involvement level among the consumers is very high. The consumers pay high importance towards knowledgeable purchasing so that they go through detailed information processing before purchasing. The study suggests that product attributes and precise information processing significantly influence consumers’ purchasing process.

Consumer Attitudes toward Consumption of Meat Products Containing Offal and Offal Extracts

The development of food products containing offal and offal extracts could be part of the solution to the upcoming demand for animal protein. This study aimed to determine Spanish consumers’ attitudes toward offal and the development of meat products containing offal extracts. Consumers’ perceptions were evaluated by means of focus group discussions and a survey (N = 400) to validate the focus group results in various Spanish provinces. The theory of planned behavior was used to examine consumer attitudes. Results indicated that nutritional properties, environmental sustainability, and affordability were the main drivers, while sensory attributes, low frequency consumption, and perceived higher content of undesirable compounds were the main barriers. Three segments were identified according to their beliefs: those in favor of these products, those that were health and environmentally conscious, and those who were reluctant about them. The identification of these segments and their profiles demonstrated the necessity to focus efforts on providing reliable information on sensory and health-related issues to improve acceptability. Attitude was the most important predictor of behavioral intention regarding the global model, while the social component (subjective norm) was significant for two of the identified segments, emphasizing the relevance of the social component for acceptability.

‘What goes where’? Characterizing Edmonton’s municipal clothing waste stream and consumer clothing disposal

Increasing clothing waste has prompted the need for alternative disposal methods to landfilling. While previous studies have examined consumer attitudes toward clothing consumption and use, research on clothing disposal options and behaviours in Canada is limited. A greater understanding of consumer clothing disposal practices and the context in which these practices take place is needed to better connect clothing waste streams and opportunities to reduce clothing sent to landfill. Edmonton provides a unique Canadian contextual opportunity to examine behaviour related to clothing disposal given its advanced set of systems available to reduce clothing sent to landfill. After describing the context, this paper focuses on an online survey of 318 residents in Edmonton, Alberta to explore the motivations and behaviour related to clothing disposal. Results of the study provide insights into the dynamics between textile waste and the systems that support re-use and recycling of textile waste in Edmonton and explore alternatives that could be implemented to reduce textile waste. Findings demonstrate opportunities for Edmonton’s waste management to extend the life of clothing or generate value-added products from unwanted clothing via existing infrastructure as well as consumer willingness to take part in sustainable clothing disposal practices.