Food Retail Sector Research Articles

Dietary salt consumption pattern as an antecedent risk factor for hypertension: Status, vision, and future recommendations.

Multiple salt reduction strategies have been devised from time to time, addressing the issues of hypertension without considering the other essential factors, like the variability of salt sensitivity from the person to person. In this paper, we discuss how high salt consumption is one modifiable risk factor associated with hypertension among Indians, and there needs to be updated cut-off values. A thorough literature search on salt consumption articles on well-known search engines like Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase electronic database revealed a paucity of data in this field for India. Several studies revealed that the mean salt intake among the Indian populations ranges between 5.22 and 42.30g/day. Moreover, among other risk factors analysed, salt intake (≥ 5gm/day) was significantly associated with the development of hypertension. Although the need to address reduced salt intake for primordial prevention of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in India is well acknowledged by the key stakeholders, social and cultural beliefs, unorganized food retail sector and lack of existing food policing are some of the potential barriers that affect the progress and employment of such effective strategies. Some multinational food companies have already research is warranted to evaluate the contextual barriers and facilitators and to adopt effective strategies to improve awareness among consumers, to encourage the endorsement of salt reduction by the food industry, and to facilitate the adoption of countrywide consumer-friendly food labelling. We concluded that salt consumption is high in India, although this assessment has been done primarily by subjective methods in India. People all across are recommended the same cut-off value of dietary salt consumption regardless of the diversity in dietary patterns and environmental conditions across the country. There is an urgent need to address these issues through evidence-based population research.

Consumer awareness of food waste, best before dates and food appreciation – a model project in the food retailing sector

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate what consumers think about food waste, best before date (BBD) and appreciation of food in the context of a model project in the food-retailing sector. The focus was on the following key questions: How is the issue of food waste itself perceived by consumers? What understanding of the BBD was present in the sample and what do consumers imagine under the term appreciation in the context of food? The study also included an evaluation of the acceptance of the model project by customers. In this project, food no longer suitable for sale was distributed free of charge to visitors of a supermarket via a freely accessible refrigerator.Design/methodology/approachThe research design was based on a mixed methods approach in an explorative sequential design. First a qualitative survey was conducted via interviews (n = 8) with customers, and the results were used for a subsequent quantitative survey (n = 88) in the supermarket.FindingsThe majority of those questioned were sensitized to the topics of food waste, BBD and appreciation of food. The results of the interviews and the questionnaires revealed a consistently positive opinion about the model project. These results indicate potential for reducing food losses among consumers and in food retailing and for improving appreciation.Originality/valueThis was the first study conducted as part of a model project in the retail sector in the context of food waste. The study also investigated within in the project what people think about the BBD, food losses and appreciation. At the same time, the acceptance of the project was assessed.

Preventing Food Waste in the Food Retail Sector in the Light of the Current Legislation in Poland

Abstract Food loss and waste are one of the main problems of global civilization that stir great emotions, especially among the inhabitants of affluent countries of the northern-hemisphere. All actors at the various stages of the food chain, from producers and processors to retailers and final consumers, influence this phenomenon. To combat this problem, many hours and energies are spent both by those involved in grassroots social initiatives and by national and international institutions. Any entity aware of the magnitude of the food waste problem (entrepreneur, citizen, NGO, etc.) entitled to take advantage of concessions, incentives and exemptions from public tributes is a more effective ally in the fight against this scourge of the 21st century than an economic participant constantly punished and sanctioned, and consequently expending most of its energy on tax optimization.

Carbon footprints and land-use systems

Carbon Footprint (CFP) refers to the emission of all greenhouse gases (GHGs) during a given period by any activity or entity. The standard unit for measuring it is the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq), such that the impact of each GHG is expressed in terms of the amount of CO2 that would create the same amount of warming. It is widely recognized that the 2020 global value for average per capita CFP (estimated as 4.47 Mg CO2eq) is not sustainable and that it must be reduced to < 2 Mg CO2eq if global warming is to be limited to 20C. Recent estimates show that 31% of human-caused GHG emissions originate from the world’s agri-food systems, the major sources being deforestation, livestock production (from enteric fermentation and manure), food waste disposal, and fossil fuel use (by farms and the food-retail sector). Land application of chemicals such as fertilizers, weedicides, and insecticides is the most significant factor in the AFOLU (agriculture, forestry, and other land-use) sector. Enhancement of the natural process of terrestrial C sequestration in soil and vegetation is a widely recognized approach to reducing the AFOLU sector CFP. The adoption of multispecies agroforestry systems with nitrogen-fixing trees is a promising strategy for accomplishing this goal. Another is integrated silvopastoral systems that combine animal production with deep-rooted grass and trees that could counteract the GHG emission through enteric fermentation in animals with enhanced soil C sequestration.

Carbon footprints and land-use systems

Carbon Footprint (CFP) refers to the emission of all greenhouse gases (GHGs) during a given period by any activity or entity. The standard unit for measuring it is the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq), such that the impact of each GHG is expressed in terms of the amount of CO2 that would create the same amount of warming. It is widely recognized that the 2020 global value for average per capita CFP (estimated as 4.47 Mg CO2eq) is not sustainable and that it must be reduced to < 2Mg CO2eq if global warming is to be limited to 20C. Recent estimates show that 31% of human-caused GHG emissions originate from the world’s agri-food systems, the major sources being deforestation, livestock production (from enteric fermentation and manure), food waste disposal, and fossil fuel use (by farms and the food-retail sector). Land application of chemicals such as fertilizers, weedicides, and insecticides is the most significant factor in the AFOLU (agriculture, forestry, and other land-use) sector. Enhancement of the natural process of terrestrial C sequestration in soil and vegetation is a widely recognized approach to reducing the AFOLU sector CFP. The adoption of multispecies agroforestry systems with nitrogen-fixing trees is a promising strategy for accomplishing this goal. Another is integrated silvopastoral systems that combine animal production with deep-rooted grass and trees that could counteract the GHG emission through enteric fermentation in animals with enhanced soil C sequestration.

Millennials’ Service Quality Preferences: Evidence from Large Retail Outlets in South Africa

Service quality and customer perception vary across business sectors. The youth plays a vital role in determining the quality of service in large food retail outlets in South Africa in general and most notably in the Cape Metropolis. This study investigated the most critical factors of service quality that are significant in the Millennials perception, used to measure quality in the large food retail sector. The quantitative method was adopted to measure the relationship amongst the variables of a retail service quality scale (RSQS), with the sample of 220 purposively drawn from second and third-year students at a university of technology. Findings indicate the coefficient of determination R2 of 88% and a Durbin-Watson (DW) coefficient of 0.25, as well as an F statistics (f-stat) of 63.92, this show that the physical aspect (ease of accessibility to products) will contribute positively to overall service quality of retail food outlets.

Improving Operational and Sustainability Performance in a Retail Fresh Food Market Using Lean: A Portuguese Case Study

This paper presents a real application of a lean–green improvement initiative conducted at a large Portuguese hypermarket store. It explores how lean tools and techniques may be used to not only improve the operational performance, but also sustainability. A case study was carried out in one store of a multinational retail enterprise, with the aim of enhancing both the operational and sustainability performance in the cold meat section, one of the most relevant areas of the fresh food markets. The Gemba Kaizen event approach, which comprises three main stages, was adopted. During the workshop stage, the structured problem-solving methodology was followed, and was recorded in an A3 format. As a consequence of this project, food waste in the cold meat market was reduced by half, whereas the out-of-stock index decreased by a third. In addition, the pilot store hit top performance within all stores of the company in Portugal, ranking first in all key indicators for the cold meat market. The lean–green scope and performance improvement procedures developed and implemented in the pilot store were later deployed to other stores of the company. This is one of the first publications regarding the application of lean management in the food retail sector for improving both the operational and sustainability performance.

The economic impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the Taiwanese food industry: Empirical evidence using business transaction data

AbstractA rapidly growing literature examines the impacts of COVID‐19 on consumer spending and business operations. However, little is yet known about its effects on the food industry. We contribute to this topic by quantifying the effects of COVID‐19 on the Taiwanese food industry, including food manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service sectors. Using administrative data on the business transactions of food industry firms in Taiwan with a difference‐in‐differences model, we find that COVID‐19 reduced the total sales value of the food industry by 24%. However, the negative effects are unequally distributed among different sectors of the food industry. The negative effect is more pronounced in the food manufacturing sector. We also find a substantial impact in urban areas, high‐income areas and areas with a larger proportion of elderly population. Compared to most of the countries that implemented mandatory lockdowns to cope with COVID‐19, Taiwan maintained good control over the pandemic in 2020. The mobility of Taiwanese residents is much higher than those of other countries with severe infection rates. However, we show that there are still significant economic impacts on the food industry in Taiwan.

Exploring Key Factors Determining US Consumer Preferences for Growing over Buying Fruit in Pre-Covidian and Covidian Times

This study provides insights for managers in the food retail sector, the horticultural industry, actors involved in community gardening and farmers’ markets. It proposes a model that investigates key factors determining US consumer preferences for growing fruit over buying it in pre-Covidian and Covidian times. For this purpose, an online survey with a sample of 383 US residents was conducted. Partial least squares structural equation modelling shows that subjective knowledge about fruit and the perceived impact of COVID-19 are the most important drivers of preferences for growing over buying in Covidian times. The impact of COVID-19 had no relevance for the pre-Covidian times. For both scenarios, only age and gender as socio-demographic factors were found to influence subjective knowledge and the perceived impact of COVID-19. Other sociodemographic factors were not found to have any impact.

A Review of Antecedents and Effects of Loyalty on Food Retailers toward Sustainability

With the increase in consumer awareness of sustainability and diversified retailer brands, the conceptualizations and dimensions of brand loyalty are changing. Existing research studies have focused on traditional constructs and measurements to explain new phenomena in the food retail sector but ignored the environmental and social effects on consumers’ attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. This study entails an extensive and structured review of definitions, taxonomy, dimensions, and measurements of loyalty within a food marketing context. With an additional emphasis on the notion of sustainability, it provides a perspective theory synthesis that integrates all testified antecedents of all types of loyalty to emphasize a trend of sustainability beyond brand scope, whereby sustainability values create loyalty. A systematic literature review and qualitative analysis methods were used to identify the relevant literature. The studies that qualified for inclusion were those that reported (1) research methods, (2) dimensions of brand loyalty, (3) knowledge of sustainability factors, and (4) organic marketing. This paper summarizes and compares the key constructs and measurements of loyalty to retailers. The results show inconsistencies in relation to two important attitudinal dimensions, namely, brand satisfaction and brand value. Although loyalty towards product brands, loyalty toward service organizations, store loyalty, and retailer loyalty have been studied in recent decades by marketing academics, little attention has been paid to clarifying their role in food retailing, especially regarding whether the established dimensions are relevant in conceptualizing consumer loyalty in sustainability based on organic food marketing. The theoretical implications are discussed in association with the research gap between loyalty dimensions and sustainability values, as well as multidimensional measurements development. The practical implications of this review are important for food retailers and organic food marketers that can meet the satisfaction and retain consumers’ loyalty by providing organic and sustainable products and improving related service quality involving environmental consequences and social well-being.

Internet of things for perishable inventory management systems: an application and managerial insights for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the food retailing sector encounter two main concerns with respect to their perishable inventory management system, i.e., the product’s shelf life and investment in warehouse monitoring systems. New technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), automated inventory control platforms, and automatic storage and retrieval systems offer effective solutions to these issues. However, MSMEs are reluctant to adopt these technologies due to their prior perception of higher implementation costs and the expected benefits. The present study aims to optimize IoT implementation in MSMEs’ inventory management systems and to provide tangible proof of its feasibility and usefulness. In so doing, we propose a mathematical model and analyze the impact of IoT through two case studies. The model provides a cost–benefit analysis of IoT investments that aim to increase products’ shelf life. We adopted the fractional program method, solved by particle swarm optimization on MATLAB software. The findings demonstrate the positive correlation between adopting IoT and reduced inventory costs supporting IoT deployment for improved perishability performance in MSMEs. The study offers several insights and practical guidelines in considering IoT deployment in MSMEs.

Platform ecosystems and digital innovation in food retailing: Exploring the rise of Hema in China

Although online retailing has expanded dramatically over the past decade, research on the topic by economic geographers remains sparse. One recent hitherto unstudied trend has seen online retailers establishing physical grocery store networks in the Chinese market. This paper utilizes a case study of Alibaba’s Hema grocery store chain to identify and analyze the distinctive and innovative methods that online retailers are adopting in the Chinese food retail market in the context of developing physical stores. Four aspects of innovation are examined, namely: format innovation involving the store as a local fulfillment centre providing efficient last-mile delivery; developing a more consumer-centric retail model; transforming domestic supply networks; and sourcing live seafood globally. These developments are all achieved and facilitated by the strong data-driven capabilities of Hema in the context of the wider Alibaba platform ecosystem. Overall, the paper demonstrates how the digital data capabilities of online retailers embedded in wider platform business groups are rapidly altering the competitive landscape of the food retail sector in China.

A STUDY ON RETAIL FOOD SECTOR AND ITS IMPACT ON CUSTOMERS

A STUDY ON RETAIL FOOD SECTOR AND ITS IMPACT ON CUSTOMERS

Auf dem Weg zur digitalen Nahversorgung? Determinanten des Einkaufsverhaltens im Multi- und Cross-Channel-Kontext am Fallbeispiel des Lebensmitteleinzelhandels

Multi- and cross-channel integration of German grocery retailing appears in terms of online-based delivery services and click-and-collect offers by established supermarkets. However, these trends raise the question whether digital services may complement established distribution channels, especially with respect to local supply. This paper describes the investigation of the main determinants of spatial shopping behaviour in the food retail sector. In particular, it was examined whether grocery stores can benefit from the clickand-collect option and which factors determine the choice of shopping location if both stationary and online providers are available. Individual store choices and the related expenditures at grocery retailers are investigated using a micro-econometric store choice model (hurdle model) based on a representative customer survey in two German regions (South Lower Saxony, Region Middle Upper Rhine). Pure grocery online retailing is found to have little relevance, whilst supermarkets gain little profit from offering the click-and-collect option. The likelihood of buying groceries online can be explained by psychographic characteristics of the consumers. In a situation where consumers may choose between offline and online retailers, channel-specific transaction costs (driving time, shipping charges) can be identified as important determinants of store choice.

The impact of COVID‐19 on food retail and food service in Canada: A second assessment

COVID‐19 continues to impose a series of unique challenges on the food retail and food service sectors in Canada. In May 2020, the expectation was that the public health crisis shutdowns of the restaurant sector would be temporary. Although we may still be in a much longer temporary than was originally envisaged, it is becoming clearer that permanent restructuring may also have happened. Grocery stores have solidified their changed realities through an increased focus on multiple channel retailing rather than a complete choice between either bricks and mortar or online. Increased costs, resulting from the pandemic, are continuing to filter through the food system and we have a growing problem with food security for some Canadians given that employment in January 2021 was found to be at its lowest level since August 2020. Unemployment moves directly with lockdowns that are varied across the country.

Local brand entry and incumbent variety response: evidence from the ice cream market

Abstract We investigate incumbent brands’ response to entry and increased competition in a large retail setting. We extend the nonprice competition and manufacturer stocking literatures by examining if incumbent brands increase quality, specifically increasing the number of varieties (product-line length), in response to entry of a new local brand in the ice cream market. We use the entry of a new, local, super-premium ice cream brand in a large supermarket chain as a quasi-natural experiment and empirically examine if incumbent ice cream brands increased the product-line length in stores carrying the new brand. Using Poisson difference-in-differences estimators, we find that incumbent brands increased the number of varieties offered by 0.9 (3 percent) after the new brand's entry, with most of the responses coming from super-premium ice cream, which increased the number of varieties offered by 2.9 (12 percent) product choices. These findings contribute new insights into quality changes, manufacturer stocking decisions, and nonprice competition associated with entry of a local brand into the food retail sector.

Perceptions of Food Retailers Regarding Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Objective – This paper sets out to assess perceptions of food retailers regarding climate change, greenhouse gas emission and sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay region of South Africa. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the food retailers’ greenhouse gas emissions strategies. Climate change catastrophic potential and the harmful effect that it has had on the community and businesses has led to it being given attention from social media and in literature. Methodology/Technique – This paper covered a literature review that provided the theoretical framework. The empirical study that was carried out included self-administered questionnaires which were distributed to 120 food retailers who were selected from the population using convenience sampling. Findings - The results revealed that most of the respondents were neutral towards the impact of operational factors regarding GHG emission in the food retail sector. Novelty - There is limited research that has been conducted among food retailers from the designated population. The study provided guidelines that will be of assistance to food retailers when dealing with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions impact in the food retail sector. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: L66, Q54, Q59. Keywords: Climate Change; Food Retailers; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Perceptions; Strategies; Sustainability Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Deliwe, A.P; Beck, S.B; Smith, E.E. (2021). Perceptions of Food Retailers Regarding Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Journal of Business and Economics Review, 5(4) 26–35. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2021.5.4(3)

The Importance of Supply Chain Management Practices in Increasing Customer Satisfaction and Customer Retention: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

This study sought to determine the effects of supply chain management practices on customer satisfaction and retention in major retails food companies located in Southern Region of Saudi Arabia. Data collection was done by survey using questionnaire. The number of samples is 208 employees, with the method of convenient sampling. The method of analysis in this study is the multiple linear regression analysis, with SSPS testing reliability and normality, correlation, hypothesis testing, simultaneous effect and the coefficient of determination. The results find a statistically significant and positive relationship between strategic supplier partnership (SSP), customer relationship (CR), Level of information sharing (LIS), level of information quality (LIQ) postponement practice (PP) and customer satisfaction (CS). However, the relationship between Customer Relationship (CR) and customer satisfaction (CS) is considered statistically non-significant and negative. Furthermore, customer satisfaction (CS) is a good predictors of customer retention (CRe). This finding can be used implementatively for management to improve the elements supporting the strengthening of supply chain management practices and increasing customer satisfaction and retention in the retail food companies. Nonetheless, the findings of the study help companies to improve the quality of their services, products, and treat customers as their first priority in order to be retained them. Therefore, theses guide customers to recommend the firms to others. The results identify the influence of supply chain management practices on the customer satisfaction and retention according to the food retail sector in Saudi Arabia.

Age-specific Differences in Food and Stimulant Consumption in Germany and Their Marketing Implications

Elder food consumers have been a growing and attractive target group for the food industry for quite some time. Yet so far there have only been isolated, narrow comparisons of this target groups’ food consumption to that of younger consumers. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of data gathered by the German Federal Statistical Office. It analyzes income and consumption sample data using multivariate analysis of variance to identify, in quantitative and monetary units, statistically significant differences in the food consumption of elder consumers compared to younger ones. At the same time, foods that are specifically consumed by these two age groups have been highlighted using discriminant analysis. Managerial implications have then been derived for food producers, marketers and retailers to reach the age groups under review more effectively and more efficiently. With Germany’s second-largest and third-oldest population in Europe, its largest food and drinks market in the European Union and the most competitive European food retail sector, the results will also be relevant to international researchers and managers and will encourage further research in related fields.

Sustainability Marketing Communications Based on Consumer Values and Principles

Consumers are willing to buy more from companies that share their values and principles. Increasingly and rapidly consumer values are shifting towards sustainable development. This rapid shift in values has created the need for marketing communications to become anchored in appropriate sustainable marketing principles. So, it follows that appropriate sustainability marketing creates higher and longer value-based relationships with consumers. The article analyses consumer values and principles related to sustainability and its linkage with integrated marketing communications. Even though the marketing of sustainability is a heavily covered topic by scholars, it is still perceived as an alternative or “niche” solution for certain consumer segments. Considering this information, the aim of this article is to uncover the mainstream consumer values and principles and identify how they are reflected in the mainstream brands’ marketing communications. The study is based on the analysis of general and special literature, scientific papers and periodicals published by Lithuanian and foreign scholars. The retail food sector was chosen for the study due to its significant contribution to the economy. Content analysis of the sector’s integrated marketing communications was conducted. Yet the analysis of food retailers operating in Lithuania shows that consumer values and principles are only partially reflected. The biggest gap is that no brand appears to position itself as a market leader in sustainability or focuses on sustainability development within the organization. This gap shows opportunities as well as lack of commitment from the industry.