Increasing Consumer Awareness Research Articles

Fuzzy Arithmetics in the Evaluation of Quality Characteristics of High-Pressure Food Preservation Procedures

In recent decades increasing consumer awareness the innovations in the very different fields of technology and changes in societal norms have led to changes in food consumption patterns. The growing demand for minimally processed natural-textured, healthy, and microbiologically safe foods has shifted processing toward high-pressure preservation rather than traditional heat treatment processes. In recent years, fuzzy control has become important in the application of technology, which is able to meet the quality expectations of consumers by dealing with the blurred boundaries of various everyday product characteristics (taste, colour, texture, etc.). The applicability of fuzzy logic has been shown to be effective in a variety of process controls, including preservation procedures. The aim of this work is to summarize the basics of fuzzy arithmetic required in the fuzzy controls used in high-pressure preservation processes.

Exploring the fit between mobile application service and application privacy

PurposeWith the popularity of mobile applications and increasing consumer awareness of application privacy, this paper aims to introduce a new construct of service-privacy fit (i.e. the perceived degree of match between the service of a mobile application and a privacy permission request) to predict consumers’ mobile application adoption.Design/methodology/approachFour experiments were carried out to test the hypothesized relationships. The first study investigated the direct impact of service-privacy fit on application adoption and the mediators of benefit expectancy and privacy concerns. The second, third and fourth studies further applied the moderated mediation model to analyze the moderating roles of benefit message type, regulatory focus type and privacy assurance.FindingsThe results show that service-privacy fit influences application adoption not only directly but also indirectly via the mediators of benefit expectancy and privacy concerns. Furthermore, the findings confirm the moderators of benefit message type, regulatory focus type and privacy assurance.Originality/valueDrawn from the perspectives of task-technology fit and information boundary theory, this paper introduces a new construct of service-privacy fit as a determinant of application adoption. Grounded in privacy calculus theory, it further explains this relationship through mediating effects of benefit expectancy and privacy concerns. Furthermore, this paper proposes that benefit messages and privacy assurance are effective coping strategies to increase the benefit expectancy and reduce the privacy concerns of applications. Based on the perspective of regulatory fit theory, this study further shows that the effects of coping strategies rely on personal traits. The findings enrich the existing knowledge of mobile application adoption and application privacy, suggesting that practitioners should consider mobile consumers’ perception of service-privacy fit when developing applications.

Gelation and foaming properties of fatty acid mixtures in sunflower oil.

The development of lipid-lowering products has become the focus of the food industry due to increasing consumer awareness of the relationship between diet and health. Recently, edible oleofoams have drawn attention due to their enormous potential in reformulating food products with reduced fat content and unique mouth feel. We have developed an edible oleofoam system by whipping oleogel composed of fatty acid mixtures in sunflower oil. The crystal morphology, gelation properties, and foaming properties of these oleogels could be tailored by changing the ratio of stearic acid (SA) and myristic acid (MA). Specifically, SA/MA=2:8 (2S8M) was demonstrated to have superior foaming capability and foam stability, likely due to the densely packed and uniformly distributed crystals formed at this fatty acid ratio. Small lipid crystals in 2S8M absorbed to the air-oil interface more efficiently, and together with the strengthened network established in the bulk phase, helped stabilize the foam structure. As a result, the 2S8M oleofoam showed excellent foaming properties: strong plasticity, significantly increased overrun (up to 63.56 ± 2.58%), and significantly improved foam stability. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the diffraction pattern observed for 2S8M samples at d-spacing of 4.20 and 3.79 Å was related to the characteristic peak of β' type crystals, which were responsible for the enhanced foaming capability of 2S8M oleogels. Oleophobic property of 2S8M increased, as indicated by wettability in oil phase, which could possibly drive crystals to the air-oil interface. These results highlighted the importance of lipid crystal morphology in determining the whippability of oleogels. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

How environmental sustainability labels affect food choices: Assessing consumer preferences in southern Italy

This paper assesses consumer preferences and willingness to pay for three different environmental sustainability labels (EU Organic Farming, Rainforest Alliance, ‘Per il Clima-Legambiente’) and information cues about the origin displayed on a processed food product, namely tomato purée. Using a choice experiment and conditional logit models, the results show that: i) preferences for the environmental sustainability labelled product increase when consumers have proper knowledge about the meaning of the labels; ii) the information cue about the product's domestic origin is important for all consumers, regardless of their education, unlike environmental sustainability labels that are more appreciated by well-educated consumers; iii) consumers' willingness to pay is higher for labels with greater market penetration, regardless of certification by private or public organisations. Findings suggest that the adoption of environmental sustainability labels by food producers should be combined with effective information policies aimed at increasing consumer awareness.

Consumer perceptions of antimicrobial use in animal husbandry: A scoping review.

Antimicrobial use in animal agriculture is often perceived to play a role in the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance. Increased consumer awareness of this issue places pressure on animal husbandry to adopt policies to reduce or eliminate antimicrobial use. We use a scoping review methodology to assess research on consumer perceptions of antimicrobial drugs in meat products in the United States, Canada, or the European Union. Evaluating peer-reviewed and grey literature, we included studies for assessment if they met these topical and geographic requirements, involved primary data collection, and were originally published in English. Our screening process identified 124 relevant studies. Three reviewers jointly developed a data charting form and independently charted the contents of the studies. Of the 105 studies that measured consumer concern, 77.1% found that consumers were concerned about antimicrobial use in meat production. A minority of studies (29.8% of all studies) queried why consumers hold these views. These studies found human health and animal welfare were the main reasons for concern. Antimicrobial resistance rarely registered as an explicit reason for concern. A smaller group of studies (23.3%) measured the personal characteristics of consumers that expressed concern about antimicrobials. Among these studies, the most common and consistent features of these consumers were gender, age, income, and education. Regarding the methodology used, studies tended to be dominated by either willingness-to-pay studies or Likert scale questionnaires (73.64% of all studies). We recommend consideration of qualitative research into consumer views on this topic, which may provide new perspectives that explain consumer decision-making and mentality that are lacking in the literature. In addition, more research into the difference between what consumers claim is of concern and their ultimate purchasing decisions would be especially valuable.

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.

Neglected and underutilized crop species in Kabare and Walungu territories, Eastern D.R. Congo: Identification, uses and socio-economic importance

Neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS) are valuable sources of food and income for several rural households in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A thorough understanding of their diversity, uses, socio-economic roles, and factors for their neglect would be necessary for guiding promotion efforts. This study was conducted in two steps: (1) interviews with rural households involved in NUCS production and trade, and (2) greenhouse characterization of the two most popular NUCS′ morphotypes, African nightshade and amaranth, from Walungu and Kabare territories, eastern DRC. About 19% of farmers of the entire study area were involved in NUCS production. We identified 22 and 23 NUCS used in Kabare and Walungu territories, respectively. These species belonged to 19 botanical families, among which Solanaceae (∼24% in Walungu and ∼11 in Kabare) and Fabaceae (8% in Walungu and 11% in Kabare) were the most dominant families. They were of different ranges: grasses and herbs (62%), shrubs (20%), thorns (2%), and trees (16%). These species were used whether for nutritional (60%), medicinal (7%), or both nutritional and medicinal values (33%). NUCS' market value was low, and thus, discouraged further investment in their farming. The seed delivery system was informal, dominated by farmer-saved seed, seed from local markets, and farmer seed exchange. Characterization experiment for the most popular leafy NUCS showed differences among collected morphotypes for most traits, with some local genotypes outperforming exogenous commercial varieties. Supply of quality seed, training of farmers on the most appropriate cropping system, processing technologies, increased consumer awareness, linking research to policy, and increasing market opportunities for smallholder farmers are strategies for promoting wide use of these crops in eastern DRC. • NUCS are sources of nutrients, income, therapeutic properties, and possess potential in fighting hidden hunger. • 22 and 23 NUCS belonging to 19 botanical families are used in Kabare and Walungu territories, respectively. • 19% populations in these territories are directly involved in NUCS production or/and trade. • The NUCS market value is low, and thus, discourages further investment in their farming. • NUCS profitability could be increased by breeding and seed delivery of improved varieties.

A Survey of Polish Consumers’ Views on Health and Nutrition Claims Made on Food Packaging

Abstract Goal: To examine the impact of nutrition and health claims on Polish consumers’ buying attitudes and intentions. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with a group of 200 Polish consumers using the CAWI method, selected by means of purposive, “snowball” sampling. The survey form consisted of 4 parts: A — evaluation of photos of sample products with nutrition claims, health claims, both type of claims, or no claims (control group); B — answering questions about food labelling and the use of nutrition claims; C — opining on health and nutrition claims presented as separate, non-product-specific messages. Findings: The perception of the health and nutrition quality of products with health and nutrition claims was found to be strongly dependent on the consumer’s attitude towards a given type of food. The presence of claims seems to have a neutral effect on the perception of the taste of products connoted with healthy eating, but a negative influence in the case of products considered unhealthy. Despite the great interest in the information contained in the labels of food products and healthy eating, Polish consumers still display only a slight degree of knowledge about such claims. At the same time, they seem to be skeptical of the reliability of the health and nutritional- related information on the packaging of food products, which is not correlated with their level of knowledge on the subject. The presence of claims is not decisive for consumers in terms of making purchasing decisions, and claims are less important to them than the use-by-date or the price of the product. Also, claims do not mean the product is perceived by consumers as less caloric. Practical implications: In order to meet the expectations of modern consumers, food producers should consider placing both types of claims on labels, as well as undertaking other promotional activities that draw consumers’ attention to the health and nutrition benefits of their products. Due to the fact that a good knowledge of and interest in healthy eating does not translate into a better understanding of nutrition claims, it is necessary to increase consumer awareness of food law. Due to consumer skepticism about health and nutritional-related information, food producers should ensure that the information on their product labels is as consistent as possible. Originality and value: This is one of the few studies conducted among Polish food consumers that examine how the presence of health and nutrition claims on food labels affect perceptions and purchasing intentions regarding food products.

Improved Understanding Of Greenwashing And Green Consumer with Rasch Model Analysis

As extensive information comes so fast, increasing consumer awareness of greening the environment increases. Environmental damage caused by human waste, natural disasters, and non-renewable natural resources, and damage to natural ecosystems makes consumers careful in purchasing decisions. This study aims to know indicators in the greenwashing and green consumers which one the least liked or preferred based on the gender of generation Z. Method of analysis is using the Rasch model. A sample of 340 respondents generation Z. The result is green consumers (consumers throw garbage in their place, water-saving consumers, consumers like cleanliness). Consumers are willing to pay more to get the product labelled eco-product/ go green. This study is limited to explaining the response of generation Z regarding the items contained in the greenwashing and green consumer variables.

Food: Not Only Safety, but Also Sustainability. The Emerging Trend of New Social Consumers

Consumers’ purchasing choices are no longer based only on economic factors but also on ethical reasons related to environmental sustainability and food safety. However, nutritional information on food labels is underused by consumers. Often the lack or incompleteness of information available on the market obstructs the complex transition towards sustainable consumption patterns. This empirical study analysed a sample of 359 consumers from an area in Southern Italy (city of Naples) to identify homogeneous consumer clusters with respect to the assessment of the level of consumer attention to sustainable environmental, social behaviours in daily life, and also to safety attributes. The most important sources of information influencing the consumers’ choices, food safety knowledge, and future purchasing behaviour were analysed. The research sample was self-selected, and the questionnaire for the survey was administrated through a non-probability sample from a reasoned choice. The results indicate that the ideal solution is a five-cluster partition that confirms a good level of attention to intrinsic attributes, in particular food expiry, transparency of food information, food traceability, and seller confidence. In addition, the research could provide an opportunity to consider collaborative actions between policy makers and industries to increase consumer awareness of environmental attributes.

The circular economy and bioeconomy in the fashion sector: Emergence of a “sustainability bias”

While many people consider clothes shopping an enjoyable leisure activity, the constant supply of new fashion styles at very low prices has led to a significant increase in the volume of clothes produced and disposed (i.e., “fast fashion”). The present study aimed at assessing consumer attitudes towards the fashion sector, particularly with respect to the bioeconomy and the circular economy. To this end, an online survey was administered to a sample of 402 Italian consumers. The most meaningful result was an incorrect evaluation of sustainability resulting in a different consumers' attitude toward bio and circular economy. Indeed, respondents were willing to buy bio-based clothes as well as other bio-based products. However, in the second-hand market – representing a pillar of the circular economy – respondents were reluctant to purchase used clothes, even though they expressed no concern about buying other used items. This discrepancy in consumer attitudes was confirmed by an analysis of respondents' willingness to pay for a white t-shirt and by computing the circular premium: respondents were willing to pay a lower price for a second-hand t-shirt, resulting in a negative premium (−57%). Instead, it was positive for bio-based clothes (+23%). A possible explanation for this is that respondents’ environmental concerns were overshadowed by their perception of second-hand clothing as poor quality. Sustainable fashion requires increased consumer awareness of the real meaning of sustainability and, moreover, businesses that combine ethical with circular bioeconomy practices.

Supportive Business Environments to Develop Grass Bioeconomy in Europe

Grasslands cover almost half of the total European agricultural area and are the source of a wide range of public goods and services. Yet, their potential to produce innovative bio-based products, such as paper and plastic, remains widely untapped. We employ a multiple case study approach and implement the Business Environment Framework by Adamseged and Grundmann (2020) on eighteen alternative grass-based businesses to investigate the interdependencies between these successful business models and their business environments. The subsequent analysis reveals that the deployment of funds and policies to support alternative grass-based products remains low in most regions of Europe. Our findings highlight that aligned funding mechanisms that incorporate and promote the specific benefits generated by grass-producing and grass-processing businesses are key to overcoming the barriers related to the competition of bio-based products with the established fossil-fuels-based economic system. To make alternative grass-based markets more dynamic, increasing consumer awareness through adequate marketing is perceived as an important aspect. Capacity building and alignment efforts need to be strengthened and coordinated at local and higher levels to enable the replication and scale-up of novel grass-based businesses in Europe and beyond.

Emerging Sustainable Supply Chain Models for 3D Food Printing

3D printing technology is rapidly transforming supply chains across diverse manufacturing sectors, enabling personalisation of consumer goods ranging from car parts, medical devices, toys, houses, and even clothing. Food production is also included in the breadth of applications of this expanding technology. Increasing consumer awareness about sustainability, including the problem of food waste, as well as growing interest in customised nutrition have led to the emergence of food industry research focused on aspects, such as packaging, portion size, and healthy sustainable ingredients, to satisfy consumer demands. The growing market for personalised food options in particular, requires increased flexibility and agility to tailor ingredients to an individual’s specific requirements. Such specificity is not easily fulfilled using traditional mass production methods; however, the emerging technology of 3D food printing (3DFP) may be one solution. This paper evaluates the opportunities, risks, and challenges associated with 3DFP, with a focus on developing sustainable supply chains for future growth. Drawing on 12 semi-structured interviews with 3DFP industry managers and current literature in the domain, we propose three supply chain models for 3DFP services, as well as an overview of the key business drivers.

Prospects for the Development of Halal, Thoyib, and Hygienic Food Production During the New Normal Covid-19 Period as Supporting Pillars of National Food Security

The background of this research is that the government claims that the Covid-19 pandemic has actually increased consumer awareness on the consumption of halal products, ranging from food products, beverages, traveling, to cosmetics. The government also seeks to increase awareness of the development of halal and thoyib products. This is supported by the data the authors obtained from various literatures. The legal issues raised in this study are formulated into several problem formulations, namely whether regulations and supervision regarding the development of halal products in Indonesia can meet all sharia principles regarding halal, toyib, and hygienic considering that Indonesia is a muslim majority? How is the process of developing the ability of producers and SMEs in Indonesia in developing halal products? How is the category of halal certification for products in Indonesia as one of the important categories for food products to meet the principles of halal and thoyib? Based on this formulation, this study analyzes the regulation and supervision of halal product development, halal product development process, and categories of halal, thoyib, and hygienic food products that are in accordance with LPPOM MUI halal food standards so that these products can be certified as halal products. The purpose of this research is to be able to develop halal, thoyib, and hygienic food production during the Covid-19 period as a supporting pillar of national food security. The method used is the normative juridical research method. This research is descriptive research with the source of the data used in this study was obtained from library research. The results of this study, namely the data that the authors obtained indicate that there has been an increase in public awareness on the consumption of halal products, ranging from food products, beverages, traveling, to cosmetics during the Covid-19 period. In line with this, the government also continues to strive to increase awareness of the development of halal and thoyib products.

Increasing food labelling awareness through a massive open online course (MOOC)

AbstractTo choose a balanced diet, consumers need to understand what is in the food they buy. However, studies indicate that food labels may be misunderstood or not used. Understanding food labels, a massive open online course (MOOC), using concise, factual and engaging information, aimed to increase consumers' awareness around food labelling information. Course engagement and participation were assessed by the end of course feedback, learning metrics and course completion rates. A pre‐ and post‐course survey was integrated into the MOOC to assess changes in food label use frequency and understanding. Furthermore, use and understanding of nutrition labels were explored by text analysis of one of the discussion forums. The initial course run attracted 2046 Joiners, of whom 65% (1320/2046) became Learners, 44% (905/2046) became Active Learners (those who marked at least one step as complete in a course) and 31% (281/905) of Active Learners completed at least 90% of course steps. The number of learners who fully completed the course was 281 of 1320 (21%). Those who completed the MOOC reported reading food labels more frequently at food purchasing (p < 0.05), specifically reading the nutrition information more regularly (p < 0.05) and reading labels more frequently when preparing food at home than before the MOOC. In addition, after completing the course, learners reported that they found food labels easier to understand (p < 0.05) than before undertaking the course. Increasing consumer awareness, understanding and trust of food labelling could help consumers in their ability to make informed and healthier food choices.

The Future Trend Natural Preservatives in the Food System: Essential Oils

Essential oils mainly used in food industry for food preservation are a main source of many bioactive compounds, which have antioxidant property, antimicrobial activity and also flavoring agents. Natural preservatives used in food products are suitable to be used for food preservation in order to extend the shelf-life and maintain the quality of foods. In this preservative application, more alternative approaches is required in order to meet consumer demands, establish food quality and preserve food products from environmental factors and maintain safety of foods due to increasing consumer awareness for healthy food products. This study presents an overview of essential oils and use of essential oils in the preservation of food products and also the most recent researches on essential oils incorporate into the food system.

The Performance of Representative Asian Vegetables in Different Production Systems in Texas

Demand for Asian vegetables is rising rapidly due to changing demographics and increasing consumer awareness of their health benefits. However, growers are not familiar with growing these “foreign” crops due to insufficient technical information regarding suitable cultivars for different regions, production schedules, disease and pest susceptibility, and postharvest management. The objective of this study was to conduct trials in different production systems and climate regions to demonstrate the potential of growing Asian vegetables in Texas. We conducted preliminary trials of nine leafy greens in the open field, high tunnel, and greenhouse (container and hydroponic production) to explore the suitability and potential for year-round production. We also conducted field trials for warm season crops in the open field in different climate zones. Results indicated that for cool season leafy greens, open field production has a limited growing season, high tunnel has the potential to extend the growing season, while greenhouse may provide year-round production using soilless substrate container culture or hydroponic system. For warm season crops, early planting is recommended for high yield. Additional research is warranted in different regions to test more species and cultivars and optimize the production system of high-performing cultivars to maximize production and profitability.

Bottled water usage and willingness to pay among Indian tourists: visual nudges and the theory of planned behaviour

ABSTRACT Consumption of bottled water creates large amounts of non-biodegradable plastic waste that poses a serious threat to marine life. Single-use plastic bags have been banned in several states in India. However, bottled water usage is still widely prevalent. We use Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour to understand how beliefs, attitudes, social norms, perceived costs, and perceived benefits affect tourists’ intentions to reduce bottled water usage. We use visual cues to compare the effect of positive and negative framing on tourists’ behavioural intentions and their willingness to pay an environmental tax. Pro-environmental beliefs, attitudes, and social norms affect tourists’ intention to carry their own water. Perceived costs such as the inconvenience of carrying water and changing habits are the primary barriers to eco-friendly intentions. Negative visual cues that nudge the tourist to be aware of environmental costs increase the willingness to pay an environmental tax but do not affect behavioural intentions. Women are more environmentally friendly than men, both with respect to behavioural intentions and willingness to pay. This study is the first to provide insight into the pro-environmental behavioural intentions of Indian tourists. Increasing consumer awareness and providing alternatives for clean drinking water may reduce bottled water consumption.

Keeping Quality of Rabbit Meat Floss Prepared with Different Oils and Stored in Three Packaging Materials

Meat floss is a dehydrated ready-to-eat meat product most commonly produced from beef. Due to increasing consumer awareness about health, there is interest in healthier alternatives like rabbit meat. In this study, meat floss was produced from rabbit meat using three cooking oils: Refined Palm Oil (RPO), Soya Oil (SO) and Canola Oil (CO). The iodine number of each of the three oil types was determined before use. The resulting Rabbit Meat Floss (RMF) was packed in three materials: Aluminium Foil (AF), Ziploc (ZPL) and Polypropylene (PP). The RMF were stored at room temperature and analysed for sensory properties and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) on days 7, 14 and 21 of storage. The study was a 3 by 3 factorial experiment fitted into a completely randomised design and replicated three times. The refined RFO had the highest iodine number (81.05), and CO had the least (69.57). Following interactions among storage days, oil type and packaging material, TBARS was significantly highest (P<0.05) on day 7 for RMF from CO stored in ZPL (8.44mgMDA/Kg). The RMF from SO stored in AF had the lowest TBARS on Day 21 (2.57mgMDA/Kg). There were no significant differences in sensory properties throughout the experimental period.

Mersin İlinde Fonksiyonel Gıda Satın Alma İstekliliğini Etkileyen Faktörler

To have a healthy life and live long; to reduce health cost, risk of illness and to obtain health protection, sustainability and increasing consumer awareness have increased consumer demand for functional food in developing and developed countries. The objective of this study was to determine socio-economic factors and food consumption affecting consumers' willingness to consume functional foods in Mersin Province. For this purpose, a survey was conducted with 384 consumers in 2017 and obtained data was analyzed by using Binomial Probit model. Results show that there was a positive relationship between consumers' willingness to consume functional food and education, income, working in the health sector and paying attention to nutrition information on package. In fact, increasing the level of education and income of the consumers and having knowledge about functional foods increase the willing of consuming these products.