Examines Consumer Preferences Research Articles

Elements of Style in Floral Arrangements: How Discerning Are Consumers Toward Floristry Design Principles and How Much Are They Willing to Pay?

Florists use design theory to create arrangements that they assume will be pleasing to consumers, thus increasing purchase rates and spending. However, certain elements of design theory and their relationship with consumer acceptance and spending have not been empirically tested. Using mixed logit models and eye-tracking technology, we investigated whether consumer preferences support three key elements of existing floral design theory: line, color, and form. We also examined consumer preferences for floral species, which, although not a traditional element of design theory, may influence consumer purchasing decisions. Our findings challenge existing design theory because consumers did not uniformly favor it. Instead, they valued symmetrical form, arrangements with similar (but not identical) colors, and, surprisingly, the presence of roses in an arrangement was the most crucial factor in capturing consumer attention and increasing the willingness to pay.

EV Markets: A Comparative Analysis between India & Nigeria

This study conducts a thorough comparative analysis of the Electric Vehicle (EV) markets in India and Nigeria, two emerging economies with distinct socio-economic and infrastructural profiles. The primary objective is to comprehensively understand the factors influencing EV adoption for the consumers in these nations. We meticulously examine consumer preferences, purchasing barriers, and government role, highlighting the unique challenges in each context. We delve into the economic and policy-driven influences on the EV landscape, emphasizing Economic Factors and Economic reforms for EV in both nations. We evaluate policy frameworks in the context of national development goals and environmental objectives, encompassing Government plans and financial perks. This study also emphasizing domestic economic growth potentials. The study employs a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 respondents, resulting in 60 valid responses. This questionnaire includes 19 items for the study which are taken under to analyze or examine on the basis of Electric Vehicle (EV) Market of India and Nigeria.

Consumers' Preferences for Purchasing mHealth Apps: Discrete Choice Experiment.

There is growing interest in mobile health apps; however, not all of them have been successful. The most common issue has been users' nonadoption or abandonment of health apps because the app designs do not meet their preferences. Therefore, to facilitate design-preference fit, understanding consumers' preferences for health apps is necessary, which can be accomplished by using a discrete choice experiment. This study aims to examine consumer preferences for health apps and how these preferences differ across individuals with different sociodemographic characteristics and health app usage and purchase experiences. A cross-sectional discrete choice experiment questionnaire survey was conducted with 593 adults living in Hong Kong. A total of 7 health app attributes that might affect consumers' preferences for health apps were examined, including usefulness, ease of use, security and privacy, health care professionals' attitudes, smartphone storage consumption, mobile data consumption, and cost. Mixed-effect logit regressions were used to examine how these attributes affected consumer preferences for health apps. Fixed effects (coefficient β) of the attributes and random effects of individual differences were modeled. Subgroup analyses of consumer preferences by sex, age, household income, education level, and health app usage and purchase experiences were conducted. Cost was the attribute that had the greatest effect on consumers' choice of health apps (compared to HK $10 [US $1.27]-HK $50 [US $6.37]: β=-1.064; P<.001; HK $100 [US $12.75]: β=-2.053; P<.001), followed by security and privacy (compared to no security insurance-some security policies: β=.782; P<.001; complete security system: β=1.164; P<.001) and usefulness (compared to slightly useful-moderately useful: β=.234; P<.001; very useful: β=.979; P=.007), mobile data consumption (compared to data-consuming-a bit data-consuming: β=.647; P<.001; data-saving: β=.815; P<.001), smartphone storage consumption (compared to >100 MB-around 38 MB: β=.334; P<.001; <10 MB: β=.511; P<.001), and attitudes of health care professionals (compared to neutral-moderately supportive: β=.301; P<.001; very supportive: β=.324; P<.001). In terms of ease of use, consumers preferred health apps that were moderately easy to use (compared to not easy to use-moderately easy to use: β=.761; P<.001; very easy to use: β=.690; P<.001). Our results also showed that consumers with different sociodemographic characteristics and different usage and purchase experiences with health apps differed in their preferences for health apps. It is recommended that future health apps keep their mobile data and phone storage consumption low, include a complete security system to protect personal health information, provide useful content and features, adopt user-friendly interfaces, and involve health care professionals. In addition, health app developers should identify the characteristics of their intended users and design and develop health apps to fit the preferences of the intended users.

Consumer willingness to pay for shelf life of high-temperature, short-time-pasteurized fluid milk: Implications for smart labeling and food waste reduction

Food waste in the United States was valued at $285 billion in 2019, representing 70% of all food surplus; dairy and eggs alone represented 15.90% of food surplus. Milk is the fifth most consumed beverage in the United States, and therefore its contribution to food waste has significant economic and environmental ramifications. Smart labels that provide precise spoilage information for fluid milk may help reduce food waste in fluid milk, but it is unclear if consumers will accept or pay for this novel technology. This paper examines consumer preferences for high temperature, short time pasteurized fluid milk shelf life and smart date labels and tests how information about the environmental impact of fluid milk food waste affects consumers' acceptance and willingness to pay. We used a choice-based conjoint study administered in an online survey, along with a between-subject experiment to measure preferences under different information treatments about the environmental impact of food waste. Our results suggest that consumers' valuations of extended shelf life and an ecolabel is positive; however, using the smart label creates disutility for consumers, thereby hindering acceptance of new labeling technology that may facilitate food waste reduction in the milk industry. These findings imply that retailers should find alternative means to enhance the communication of precise shelf life information and its role in reducing food waste.

The roles of geographic indication and ethnocentrism in the preferences of Central European spirit consumers: The case of pálinka

The purpose of this study is to examine consumer preferences towards a Central European alcoholic beverage possessing a Geographical Indication (GI), paying special attention to the role of ethnocentrism in decision-making. Pálinka is one of the best-known products in Hungary, and the regulation and perception of the product have undergone significant changes in recent years. A total of 1,000 Hungarian consumers, taken to be representative of the Hungarian alcohol consumer population, participated in the study using an online survey. A discrete choice model was applied, including a latent variable (ethnocentrism). Willingness to pay (WTP) calculations were also carried out for the product attributes examined. The presence of the most important identified product attributes (brand, GI, production method) indicated on the bottle all have a positive effect on consumer preferences; moreover, higher WTP also applies. As the level of ethnocentrism increases, the level of utility ascribed to the GI-labelled product also increases. The level of ethnocentrism is significantly higher among respondents over 60 and lower among those with higher education and who are urban. In previous literature, very little attention has been given to discrete choice experiments (DCEs) on alcoholic products, even in the case of pálinka's direct competitors (mainly whisky and vodka). Our study, however, clearly indicates that it is possible to segment the market based on different product attributes and ethnocentrism.

Balancing Consumer Self-Benefits and Altruism in Online Shopping: Examining Consumer Preferences for Customized and Personalized Cause-Related Marketing Campaigns Versus Price Discounts

Recently, the well-established marketing concepts of personalization and customization have also been applied to cause-related marketing (CRM) to empower consumers and overcome issues of such campaigns with a specific, pre-determined cause. This study examines the effectiveness of customized and personalized CRM for apparel products compared to price discounts. The results of a representative choice based conjoint experiment among German consumers (n = 388) show that consumers prefer customized CRM to other types of CRM campaigns and price discounts. While personalized CRM is also perceived as more effective than price discounts, CRM campaigns with a baseline cause are outperformed by price discounts. The study also found that psychographic consumer characteristics, i.e., consumers’ personality structures and cultural orientations can be used to explain consumers’ heterogeneous preferences for different marketing appeals. Finally, three consumer segments were identified – pro-social consumers, pricesensitive consumers, and Amazon Captives – that retailers can target with tailored marketing strategies.

Cocoa Shell as an Innovative Ingredient in Chocolate with a Strong Alcoholic Filling

he chocolate industry is constantly developing new products with different fillings, toppings, flavours, etc. Chocolates with alcoholic filling are popular, especially with young adults. In chocolates with alcoholic filling different kinds of thickeners can be used to increase the viscosity of the filling and make production easier. In this study, we examined cocoa shells, a by-product of the chocolate industry, as a new ingredient and thickener of an alcoholic filling. Chocolates with bitter herbal liqueur were produced in a ball mill with four different fillers. A comparison of guar gum and cocoa shell as thickeners was conducted. The influence of the filling ingredients on the stability of the filled chocolate was determined by measuring colour and gloss over 30 days of accelerated fat bloom. The results showed that chocolates for which the cocoa shell was used were more stable than chocolates where guar gum was used. Evaluation of sensory properties of chocolates with bitter herbal liqueur and different thickeners was conducted by the trained sensory panel. The highest-rated, after sensory assessment, were dark chocolates that contained cocoa shells in the filling. Also, an online questionnaire was conducted to examine consumer preference for a new product. According to the results, it can be concluded that the production of this chocolate would be desirable.

Examining Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Organic Vegetable Attributes: Using a Discrete Choice Experiment

This research aims to identify consumer attitudes toward organic green vegetables by estimating the degree of Willingness To Pay (WTP) for various attributes to evaluate the position of these organic vegetables and determine preferences for organic green vegetables based on income. This study used an online survey with 191 respondents on Java Island. The Discrete Choice Experiment was used to investigate product selection, WTP, and the relationship between the four characteristics of vegetables and income. The findings showed that consumers prefer organic and pesticide-free vegetables that are good for health, have low chemical emissions and a lower environmental impact, and are less expensive than non-organic vegetables. This is a challenge for producers and marketers to develop responsible input management strategies to produce high-quality vegetables at a low cost and with minimal environmental impact.

Preserving farm freshness: Consumer preferences for local value-added products at urban farmers markets

Farmers markets (FMs) are known for fresh fruits and vegetables, but many also feature shelf-stable, value-added products (VAPs) like sauces, jams, and fermented produce. Despite the potential impor­tance of locally sourced VAPs to FMs, farmers, and food-insecure communities, few if any studies have examined consumer preferences related to small-batch VAPs of the kind often prepared for sale at FMs. To address this gap in knowledge, this study presents the results of a collaboration between farmers, researchers, and a not-for-profit community kitchen in New Jersey. First, using the Food Choice Process Model as a framework, we conducted focus groups (four focus groups: 6-10 participants per group; 33 participants total) to gain insight into what would make locally sourced VAPs appealing to residents of food-insecure areas. Major themes that emerged were cost, quality, and health; less common themes included culture, food safety, and ethical values. Second, drawing on focus group data, we developed new VAPs—including tomato sauce, applesauce, hot pepper relish and pickled jalapeños—using ingredients from local farms. Third, we conducted controlled sensory evaluations to assess FM customer satis­faction with project-specific VAPs. Urban consum­ers (N=49) ranked a store-bought tomato sauce significantly higher on taste, sweetness, saltiness, and thickness, compared to the VAP version. However, VAP and store-bought applesauces were comparable across most attributes, and reactions to the hot pepper relish and pickled jalapeños were broadly positive. Overall, findings suggest that locally sourced VAPs tailored to the preferences of particular markets may constitute a valuable addi­tion to the local food landscape in food-insecure areas.

Marketing research on the study of consumer preferences for sweet dishes

The article presents the analysis research results of the confectionery mass market of production and consumption. A comparative characteristic of the confectionery products consumption by residents of Russia and Europe is carried out, the reasons for the differences in consumption are clarified. An analysis of the confectionery market in Russia in 2015–2019, coronavirus impact assessment on it, and a forecast for 2020–2024, according to “Businesstat” data, is presented. Based on the Russian State Policy goals in the field of healthy nutrition, the production priorities of the raw materials food main types that meet modern quality and safety requirements are determined, the introduction development vector of additional regional raw materials is determined, taking into account the of the region population traditions: berry raw materials, algae (kelp). When conducting marketing research, the methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis were used in this work. Marketing research was conducted using the questionnaire method, the sample size was 100 random respondents. The object of the study was consumer preferences when choosing sweet dishes. The survey examined consumer preferences in the category of sweet dishes: whether consumers of Murmansk region buy sweet dishes, where they buy them, what kind of sweet dishes they prefer, what possible additives would be acceptable and preferable for the consumer, what Murmansk-city and the region residents rely on when choosing and buying a sweet dish. Based on marketing research, the sweet dish producing feasibility that meets the potential consumers requirements and preferences was revealed. The consumers interest in this product type enriched with berries of the Kola Peninsula is established.

Tell Me What I Need To Know: Consumers’ Desire for Information Transparency in Self-Driving Vehicles

Fully autonomous or “self-driving” vehicles are an emerging mobility technology with a host of potential benefits over conventional motor vehicles. Proponents argue that widespread adoption of self-driving vehicles may save countless lives and millions of dollars annually by minimizing the likelihood of deadly vehicle crashes. However, for such benefits to be realized, widespread consumer adoption of self-driving technologies is a prerequisite. Prior research suggests that while consumers are broadly optimistic about the potential of vehicle automation, there are significant concerns that may undermine consumer adoption, such as the transparency of vehicle operation. There is insufficient research into consumers’ desire to understand a self-driving vehicle’s intent and decision-making process and its impact on their willingness to adopt. We conducted a study using a 63-question internet-based survey distributed in the United States to licensed drivers 18 years of age and older (n= 996) to examine consumer preferences of the information transparency of self-driving vehicles. Our findings suggest that middle-aged and older consumers of high household income were generally optimistic about the information sharing behavior and transparency of self-driving vehicles upon availability.

Chinese consumer preference for processed food quality attributes and the impact of trust in information sources

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine important attributes of processed food, consumers’ trust in different information resources, and the impact of trust, demographic and behavior variables on the preference of processed food attributes among Chinese consumers.Design/methodology/approachData of 1,267 participants were collected from four cities in China. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure consumer preference for 12 juice attributes. Consumer trust in nine sources of information on product quality was measured. Cluster analysis was used to segment consumers into groups based on their preference for juice attributes and trust in information sources, respectively. A multinomial logistic model was used to determine the impact of trust, demographic and behavior variables on the preference of juice attributes.FindingsConsumers rate manufacture date, taste and food safety labels as the most important attributes of fruit juice products. Among different information sources, consumers place more trust in private information sources and traditional media. The low trust in different information sources impedes consumer preference for processed food quality attributes.Originality/valueThis research is among the few that examine consumer preference for processed food, such as juice. It identifies four distinct preference groups and trust groups, respectively, based on consumer preference for juice attributes and trust in different information sources. This paper provides important information for processed food companies and policymakers to effectively enact marketing strategies in China.

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

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

Consumer willingness to pay for locally produced hard cider in the USA

PurposeThis study aims to determine whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced hard apple cider and examine the factors influencing this premium. This study examines the influence of hard apple cider attributes and consumer characteristics on consumer preferences for local hard apple cider.Design/methodology/approachData from a 2019 survey of 875 Tennessee consumers regarding their preferences for a local hard apple cider were obtained. Probit estimates were used to calculate the premium consumers were willing to pay for a locally made hard apple cider and factors influencing this premium. A multivariate probit was used to ascertain factors influencing the importance of attributes (e.g. heirloom apples, sweetness/dryness, sparking/still and no preservatives added) on local hard apple cider preference.FindingsConsumers would pay a $3.22 premium for local hard apple cider compared with a $6.99 reference product. Local foods preferences, urbanization, weekly purchases of other alcoholic beverages and shopping venues influenced premium amounts. Other important attributes were sweetness/dryness and no preservatives. Influence of consumer demographics suggests targeted marketing of local ciders could be successful.Originality/valueFew studies examine consumer preferences for hard apple ciders. This study represents a cross-sectional analysis of the premium consumers would pay for local hard apple ciders and the importance of other hard apple cider attributes.

Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Nutraceuticals: A Discrete Choice Experiment

ObjectivesGlobally, nutraceuticals have been increasingly used. Nevertheless, the consumer preferences for nutraceuticals have not been quantitatively investigated. This study used discrete choice experiment (DCE) to examine consumer preferences and willingness to pay for nutraceuticals. MethodsFour attributes (ie, the scientific proof of effectiveness, the scientific proof of safety, the source of recommendation, and cost) were identified from a systematic review and focus group interviews. They were used to develop a DCE questionnaire. Consumers at community pharmacies in Malaysia were asked to respond to 8 DCE choice sets. A conditional logit model was employed to obtain the relative importance of each attribute and to estimate respondents’ WTP for nutraceuticals. ResultsA total of 111 valid responses were analyzed. A negative constant term in the developed model indicated that generally the respondents preferred not to use nutraceuticals before they considered the study attributes. The respondents preferred nutraceuticals with no side effect, clear evidence of effectiveness, and recommendation of a healthcare professional. The respondents were willing to pay $252/month more for nutraceuticals proven with no side effect than for those without proof of safety, and $102/month more for nutraceuticals proven with clear effectiveness than for those without proof of effectiveness. ConclusionsConsumers weighed relatively high on the availability of safety and effectiveness proofs when they chose nutraceuticals. The study highlights on the crucial need to inform consumers using clinical evidences of nutraceuticals as the information is highly preferred by consumers.

Formulation and Sensory Reception of Steamed Brownies with Avocado (Persea americana) Seeds as Additive

Avocado (Persea americana) is a fruit part of the Lauraceae family, which can be widely found in tropical and subtropical regions. With an annual harvest of more than 300,000 tons in Indonesia and only flesh as edible part, avocado has large byproducts such as skin and seed. The later contains 23% of starch and fat, which can be utilized as an alternative source of starch. This study aimed to examine consumer preference for steamed brownies with avocado seed as additive. Preference was measured using a hedonic test on 55 untrained panelists at a measurable scale of 1-7. Results showed that brownies made by 90 g shredded avocado seed and 80 g wheat flour had the highest hedonic score for color, appearance, texture, aroma, and flavor of 4.4, 4.2, 4.1, 3.75, and 3.7, respectively. These results indicated the possibility to develop a better formula to produce steamed brownies with avocado seed preferable by consumers.

Quality attributes of fufu in South-East Nigeria: guide for cassava breeders.

Fufu is a popular traditional fermented wet paste food product from cassava. We examined consumer preferences and quality attributes of fufu in Abia and Imo States of South-East Nigeria, with special attention to gender differences, for the purpose of providing guidance to breeders. Data were analysed by the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Participants for the interview were randomly selected from a list of farmers in the study area. Individual (II) interviews were conducted among eighty participants comprising twenty-six men (32.5%) and fifty-four women (67.5%). Preferences along the food chain from raw roots to final product were also obtained. Major traits influencing gender-specific consumer preferences are related to appearance, texture and smell. Smoothness, not sticky, easy to swallow and drawability of fufu appear to be major traits that drive acceptance by both men and women. Big roots and smooth skin are prioritised for raw material. Some quality characteristics are conditioned largely by variety traits, while others can be modified by adjusting the processing methods. The complexity of producing high-quality fufu makes it imperative to introduce a multidisciplinary approach into breeding programmes.

Are multiple labels on food products beneficial or simply ignored?

AbstractThis study examines consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic wheat products exhibiting single labels, as well as multiple labels, including organic. The additional labels considered are related to the organic label (non‐genetically modified organism [non‐GMO]) or perceived as health‐promoting (gluten‐free, low‐carb, sugar‐free). Study data were collected using a consumer survey conducted online in 2017 across 16 U.S. western states and analyzed using random parameter logit models. Findings show that organic‐labeled wheat products with additional claims were valued equally or less than the organic only version. Overall, consumer higher objective and subjective knowledge of organic standards, as well as preferences for gluten‐free products, increased their WTP for organic wheat products. Consumers unfamiliar with organic standards valued the non‐GMO label over the organic label. Additionally, consumer WTP for health‐related claims on hedonistic products was low or even negative. Hence, multiple labels on organic products generally provide no additional consumer benefit and are likely ignored. Study findings suggest that using the claim that most distinguishes the product, or is most salient, may improve product pricing. Also, non‐GMO certification rather than organic certification should be considered for some markets. Finally, consumers with preferences for gluten‐free products represent a potential market for organic wheat products.

Is Organic Certification Important to Farmers’ Market Shoppers or Is Eco-friendly Enough?

This study examines consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic and eco-friendly peaches, Prunus persica L., over conventional peaches in Utah. Data were collected at farmers’ markets across Utah, including actual peach purchases coupled with an in-person survey and analyzed using logit models. The results show that farmers’ market shoppers are willing to pay a premium for organic and eco-friendly peaches of $2.10 and $1.41 per pound, respectively. The importance of selected sustainability attributes positively impacted shopper preferences for eco-friendly peaches, while attitudes and lifestyle were associated with stronger shopper preferences for organic peaches. The distinct differences between shoppers who prefer organic and those who prefer eco-friendly, as well as the disparity in premiums, imply that growers should strongly consider their markets and cost of production differences when choosing organic certification over other less expensive differentiation schemes.

Consumer Preferences of Halal-Friendly Hotel Attributes

The rapid growth of halal tourism in indonesia has increased the need for tourist destinations to offer halal products as a service to the muslim market. This has an impact on the emergence of an awareness of business actors in indonesia, one of which is a halal-friendly hotel. This study aims to examine consumer preferences for the attributes provided when staying at a halal-friendly hotel. This analysis is confirmatory and uses quantitative methods. Quantitative data collection is done by the survey method through a questionnaire. Research respondents are 107 people with the criteria of those who have stayed at least once at a halal-friendly hotel in DKI Jakarta and Bandung. This analysis was processed using AMOS software version 23. The results of this study are the attributes that can affect consumer preferences in staying at halal-friendly hotels consisting of 4 attributes and 14 indicators namely; (1) halal-friendly service consists of 4 indicators, (2) halal food and beverage consists of 3 indicators, (3) halal-friendly facilities consist of 4 indicators, and (4) halal privacy consists of 3 indicators.