Spotlighting the Egyptian context, this article uses a mixed-methods, comparative case study approach to explore one of our global ancient cultures and examine how four modern-day Egyptian designers and brands are bridging the ancient and the modern by incorporating ancient Pharaonic motifs within their product design, visual merchandising and branding. Through document and artefact analysis, interviews with the selected brands and a consumer survey, this study examines how these brands’ incorporation of ancient motifs may impact consumers’ levels of brand engagement and perceptions of product beauty, while simultaneously connecting modern-day travellers and modern-day Egyptians to Egypt’s ancient past. The commodification of cultural motifs is explored from a consumer’s perspective, and best practices are identified for other brands interested in using cultural branding techniques within their own brand strategies.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in the local economy; however, many still face challenges regarding visual branding and product identity. MSMEs in Panjang Jiwo, Surabaya, represent business actors who lack a strong logo and visual identity, leading to suboptimal brand image and product competitiveness. This assistance activity aims to enhance the understanding and capability of MSME owners in designing logos as a core element of visual branding and product identity. The implementation method includes observing MSME needs, discussing brand concepts, providing basic logo design training, and assisting in the design process and its application to promotional media and product packaging. The results indicate that the partner MSMEs successfully developed logos that represent the character, values, and uniqueness of their products visually. Furthermore, MSME owners gained increased knowledge regarding the importance of visual identity consistency in marketing. This logo design assistance is expected to strengthen brand image, increase consumer trust, and support the sustainability and development of MSMEs in Panjang Jiwo, Surabaya, amidst an increasingly competitive market.

Branded food data are essential for assessing contemporary dietary behavior and the global food environment. However, processing such data is challenging due to its vast, rapidly changing nature, variable quality, and numerous sources. To address these limitations, we developed a fully automated, large language model (LLM)-powered pipeline for collecting, standardizing, and enriching branded food data, enabling ingredient-level analyses, and facilitating estimation of ingredient quantities and undeclared nutrient content. Evaluation of LLM performance demonstrated that a fine-tuned model outperformed the human experts in parsing and mapping product data. Non-fine-tuned LLMs showed insufficient performance, whereas even modest amounts of fine-tuning data substantially improved results. Overall, LLMs provide a scalable approach for processing branded food data and supporting more consistent and standardized data curation, with performance exceeding that of an individual human expert. These results highlight the potential of LLMs to transform the management and analysis of complex, large-scale food databases.

Advances in sensor arrays for ions: From discrimination to application.

Consumer trust and post-purchase dynamics in the refurbished electronics market: The role of product quality, service, and brand reputation.

This community service activity aims to increase the capacity of uhu-uhu cake entrepreneurs in Bira Village, Bulukumba Regency through product innovation and branding strengthening. The main problems faced by partners include limited product variety, unattractive and unhygienic packaging, and the lack of a strong brand identity. The implementation method uses a participatory approach through the stages of needs identification, socialization, mentoring, and evaluation. The results of the activity show an increase in product innovation through variations in flavors and shapes, improvements to more aesthetic and informative packaging, and strengthening branding through the use of brand names and logos that reflect local identity. In addition, partners have begun utilizing social media as a marketing tool to expand market reach. This activity has had a positive impact on improving product quality and business competitiveness. Thus, uhu-uhu cake has the potential to become a superior regional product that can support the economy of the Bira Village community in a sustainable manner.

This study examines the impact of brand image on customer purchase decisions of Hatsun Dairy Products Ltd, Chennai. The dairy industry in India is highly competitive, and brand image plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behaviour. Customer purchase decisions are significantly influenced by brand perception, product quality, packaging, advertising, and brand loyalty. The study aims to analyse the brand image of Hatsun Dairy Products and identify the key factors that influence customer purchase decisions. Primary data were collected from 100 customers through a structured questionnaire in Chennai. Percentage analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used for data interpretation. The findings reveal that brand reputation, product quality, price competitiveness, and packaging significantly influence customer purchase decisions. The study concludes that a strong brand image positively impacts customer loyalty and purchase intentions for Hatsun dairy products.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate factors influencing consumer engagement (CE) on social media platforms from the perspective of the firm. Affordance theory and information processing explain user response to brand posts on social media platforms; additionally, literature on brand origin and product type provide further theoretical underpinning. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents and tests a conceptual framework, which depicts the drivers of CE (i.e. likes, comments) on social media from the perspective of the firm. Specifically, this paper tests the effect of social media (low affordance [LASM; operationalized by Twitter] versus high affordance [HASM; operationalized by Instagram) and brand origin (local vs global) on CE. The moderating effect of product type (hedonic vs utilitarian) is also tested. Data (i.e. more than one million posts) on 85 brands that posted content on both Twitter and Instagram was used to test the conceptual model. Findings This paper uses zero inflated mixed-effects regression approach to test the conceptual model. The findings uncover that firms’ brand posts on HASM generate more consumer engagement than those on LASM. In addition, this effect is more pronounced for firms’ brand posts related to hedonic (vs utilitarian) products. In addition, this paper finds that firms’ brand posts for local (vs global) brands create higher CE, but for global brands, this effect is more significant in the context of utilitarian products (vs hedonic ones). Finally, there is a significant positive quadratic coefficient for comments (i.e. follower comments follow a U-shaped curve), but not for likes. Research limitations/implications The empirical results show that utilitarian products elicit low CE on rich and HASM (i.e. Instagram), and hedonic products receive increased CE, with an even larger effect on HASM (i.e. Instagram). The findings also show that global brands are inclined to receive lesser CE (for both Likes and Comments) when compared to local brands and that these negative effects are less pronounced for utilitarian products. Practical implications Results imply that overly frequent brand posting by firms is less likely to contribute to more consumers clicking the “like” button. Originality/value In recent years, firms have undergone significant shifts in their approach to managing social media platforms, transitioning from a passive stance, such as monitoring, to a more proactive approach, involving active interactions, in the context of consumer engagement (CE: likes and comments). There is little prior research on factors influencing CE on social media platforms from the perspective of the firm.

Currently, market demand indicates a trend towards the use of milk proteins in food products. Technological innovations in milk protein production have facilitated the development of new products that can be adapted to various food systems. Despite the growing use of milk protein concentrates (MPCs), much remains to be understood regarding how the interactions between these proteins can lead to a more cost-effective ratio and better utilization of their properties. Although a variety of MPCs are available in the market, the industry may face difficulties replacing one brand's product with another. This is because although the products have the same protein content, their production history can interfere with their technological properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was (a) to create a protocol for analyses that allows the segregation of MPCs based on their key characteristics and, using these results and statistical treatments, (b) to develop a diagram to guide the industry, research and development sectors, and/or procurement departments on the potential application of these products and even the possible substitution of one MPC for another. To this end, nine MPC brands were classified based on their rehydration capacity, browning potential, foaming ability and thermal stability. The results of each analysis were scored to generate a rating that classified the samples and enabled the creation of a technological application diagram.

ABSTRACT Online retail is growing rapidly, but fierce and global competition poses a challenge for retailers seeking to compete on values beyond price. Research in product and physical retail branding shows that building a relevant brand image can increase consumers’ willingness to pay a premium over competing brands with similar products. However, the academic literature lacks understanding of how branding can influence consumers to pay a price premium in the growing online retailing sector, which is frequently conceptualized as distinct from traditional product marketing and traditional retailing contexts. This study aims to address this gap by developing a conceptual framework of online store brand image on willingness to pay. Six brand image dimensions: Social prestige, Digital Fulfillment, Sustainability, Digital Inspiration, Price, and assortment are identified. In order to highlight the unique contribution of price premium as the outcome, rather than loyalty and willingness to buy, which have been discussed within online retailing, this study also examines how the six online retail images influence brand loyalty. Results show that Social Prestige and Sustainability Image of the retailer have the strongest impact on willingness to pay a premium, followed by Digital Fulfillment and Digital Inspiration, while Digital Fulfillment and Price Image influence brand loyalty the most. In groceries, Digital Fulfillment Image dominates both outcomes. Sustainability Image impacts price premium, especially in fashion and electronics, but less so regarding loyalty. Social Prestige image consistently predicts both outcomes across categories, and Digital Inspiration impacts hedonic products more than utilitarian ones.

Consumer purchasing decisions are processes influenced by various factors before consumers decide to buy a product or service. This study aims to analyze the effect of brand image (X1), store atmosphere (X2), promotion (X3), and product innovation (X4) on consumer purchasing decisions at Cafe Ribian in Payakumbuh City. The research employs a descriptive quantitative method, with data collected through questionnaires. The sample consists of 100 respondents who are customers of Cafe Ribian, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression with IBM SPSS version 26 to examine the partial and simultaneous effects of the variables on purchasing decisions. The results indicate that brand image, store atmosphere, promotion, and product innovation have positive and significant effects on purchasing decisions, both partially and simultaneously. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening brand image, creating a comfortable store atmosphere, implementing effective promotional strategies, and continuously innovating products to enhance consumer purchasing decisions in the cafe sector.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of platform competition on an incumbent platform’s private label (PL) strategy and its interplay with key members of the supply chain. We model a supply chain consisting of a national brand (NB) manufacturer, an entrant platform distributing the NB exclusively, and an incumbent platform with the capability to introduce a PL. Our analysis reveals a nuanced indication: the entrant platform tends to support the incumbent platform in introducing its PL to obtain lower wholesale prices for the NB from the manufacturer. Specifically, platform competition enhances the incumbent’s incentive to introduce a PL, leading to a heavy reliance on PL sales. Prior research has shown that without platform competition, the introduction of a PL can mitigate double marginalization. We find that even under platform competition, the introduction of the PL still alleviates double marginalization, and to a greater extent than in the situation without platform competition. It occurs due to a further reduction in retail markups rather than in wholesale prices. Finally, we also find that introducing the PL does not necessarily increase the overall supply chain profits.

Purpose – Aims to examines how visual elements in the packaging of geographical indication (GI) agricultural products impact of consumers’ emotional cognition, with a particular focus on the mediating role of cultural symbols in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on semiotic theory, in this study, packaging visual elements (such as colors and patterns) constitute the reproducibility; the cultural significance referred to by these elements (such as tradition and regional identity) constitutes the object, and the emotional cognition generated in consumer interpretation correspond to the semiotic interpretant. The samples are from adults over 18 years old who have purchased agricultural products in Shandong Province, China. Data from 254 valid questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability tests, correlation analysis, and PROCESS Model 4 mediation analysis with bootstrapping. Findings – All variables scored at moderately high levels (M = 5.52–5.68). Reliability was solid (Cronbach’s α 0.8 for all scales), and correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships among the variables (r = 0.759–0.810, p < 0.01). The indirect effect of packaging visual system design on affective cognition through cultural symbols is significant (indirect effect = 0.2506, 95% bias-corrected CI [0.1415, 0.3604]), accounting for 30.8% of the total effect, indicating partial mediation. Originality/value – This study extends semiotic theory to GI product branding by empirically validating a semiotic mediation model. It shifts the focus from macro-level brand strategies to micro-level visual communication, offering practical guidance for using packaging design as a strategic tool to enhance brand competitiveness and support rural industrial development.

This study investigated the effect of digital marketing on consumer trust, attitude and purchase intention of online beauty products. The research aimed to determine which digital strategies most effectively foster trust and drive purchasing behaviour. A quantitative research approach was applied, using a 5-point Likert-scale self-administered online questionnaire. Data was collected from 109 respondents and analysed using SPSS version 28. Statistical tests, including normality, correlation and ordinal regression analyses, were conducted to examine relationships among key variables derived from the Trust Theory (TT), the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) Model. Findings reveal that significance of trust, attitude and purchase intention exists, confirming that consumer trust significantly influences purchase intention. Social media and affiliate marketing emerged as the most influential channels on attitudes towards purchase intention, while e-mail marketing showed a weaker but still significant effect. Emotional engagement, authenticity and interactivity are central to digital trust formation and conversion in the current context. A beauty brand’s success in digital environments depends on its ability to integrate trust-based communication strategies across its digital platforms. Insights from this research contribute to both theoretical understanding and managerial practice. While future research avenues are provided.

This study aims to analyze the influence of product quality, brand image, and price perception on purchasing decisions for Viva Cosmetics products in Surabaya. The background of this study is based on the increasingly fierce competition in the cosmetics industry and fluctuations in the Viva Cosmetics Top Brand Index, necessitating appropriate strategies to improve consumer purchasing decisions. This study used a quantitative method with a causal associative approach. The population in this study were consumers residing in Surabaya who had purchased Viva Cosmetics products, with a sample of 30 respondents selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through a Likert-based questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS 23. The results showed that product quality, brand image, and price perception, both partially and simultaneously, had a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions. Partially, product quality had a significance value of 0.015, brand image 0.001, and price perception 0.004 (p < 0.05). Brand image was the variable with the most dominant influence on purchasing decisions. The coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.787 indicates that 78.7% of the variation in purchasing decisions can be explained by the three independent variables, while the remaining 21.3% is influenced by other variables outside the study. Therefore, improving product quality, strengthening a more modern brand image, and setting prices that align with consumer value perceptions can encourage increased purchasing decisions for Viva Cosmetics products in Surabaya.

The water pump industry plays a significant role in agriculture, irrigation, residential water supply, industrial operations, municipal water systems, wastewater management, and infrastructure development. With the increasing demand for efficient water management solutions and the presence of several competing brands, market competitiveness in the water pump industry is no longer determined only by product quality, price, or brand visibility. Customers and dealers increasingly evaluate pump brands based on after-sales service, spare parts availability, warranty support, technical responsiveness, service cost, and the reliability of manufacturer–dealer relationships. This paper presents a conceptual review of after-sales service and dealer support as strategic drivers of market competitiveness in the water pump industry. The study is based on secondary sources including peer-reviewed articles, systematic review literature, water pump market reports, and project-related conceptual themes. The review highlights that after-sales service is not merely a post-purchase activity but a strategic capability that influences customer satisfaction, dealer confidence, brand preference, and long-term competitiveness. The paper proposes a conceptual framework linking after-sales service quality, serviceability, dealer support, customer satisfaction, and market competitiveness. It concludes that water pump manufacturers can achieve sustainable competitive advantage by strengthening spare parts distribution, improving service responsiveness, investing in dealer training, simplifying warranty support, and integrating serviceability into product and marketing strategy. Keywords After-Sales Service; Dealer Support; Customer Satisfaction; Water Pump Industry

This study aims to analyze the effect of product quality, brand image, and price perception on the purchasing decisions of HP (Hewlett-Packard) laptop products among university students in Surabaya. This research employs a quantitative approach with a sample of 112 respondents selected using purposive sampling, with the criteria being students who have previously purchased and used HP laptops. The data analysis technique applied in this study is Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), which includes validity testing, reliability testing, and hypothesis testing. The results indicate that product quality does not have a significant effect on purchasing decisions. In contrast, brand image has a positive and significant influence on purchasing decisions, suggesting that a strong brand image can enhance consumer trust. Additionally, price perception also has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions, indicating that the alignment between price and perceived benefits is an important factor influencing consumers. This study concludes that brand image and price perception are the main factors affecting the purchasing decisions of HP laptops among university students in Surabaya.

This study aims to analyze the influence of product quality, brand image, halal certification, and price on Generation Z consumer satisfaction with Wardah skincare products in Jepara Regency. Generation Z is a consumer segment that is digitally savvy, critical, and considers both functional aspects and values when choosing skincare products. This study employs a quantitative approach using a survey method. Data collection was conducted via a questionnaire administered to 150 Generation Z respondents who use Wardah skincare products in Jepara, utilizing purposive sampling. Data analysis employed the Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method using the SmartPLS software. The results indicate that halal labeling, price, and brand image have a positive and significant influence on the satisfaction of Generation Z consumers who use Wardah skincare products in Jepara. Conversely, product quality does not significantly influence consumer satisfaction, as Generation Z consumers tend to perceive Wardah skincare quality as already meeting standard levels, thus no longer serving as a primary differentiating factor in shaping satisfaction. This study is expected to provide theoretical contributions to the development of research on Generation Z consumer behavior, as well as practical insights for Wardah in formulating marketing strategies and developing skincare products aligned with local consumer characteristics.

This study aims to determine the effect of simultaneously (simultaneously) or partially the variables of brand identity, brand communication, product quality and customer experience at Hotway's Chicken Solo. This research method uses a quantitative research design. The population in this study was 90 loyal customers of Hotway's Chicken Solo. The sampling technique used in this study is the survey approach technique with a sample of 90 respondents. Collecting data by using a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used was statistical analysis, namely multiple linear regression test, F test, t test, and the coefficient of determination. The results showed that brand identity, brand communication, product quality and customer experience simultaneously and significantly affected the customer loyalty at Hotway's Chicken Solo. Suggestions from this study are, for Hotway's Chicken Solo continues to improve Brand Identity, Brand Communication, Product Quality and Customer Experience so that it will make Customer Loyalty increase and be better than before.

The impact of national charitable donations on domestic product’s market competitiveness: evidence from the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake