Premium Product Research Articles

Assessment of Factors Influencing Consumers’ Preference for African Print Fabrics in Southwest Nigeria

This study examines the factors influencing consumers' preferences for African print fabrics, also known as African prints or Ankara fabrics, which are machine printed wax print designs on textiles. These fabrics hold a significant economic value and are considered premium products in the African textile market. The research specifically focuses on Southwest Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, utilizing both open-ended and close-ended questionnaires. The study population comprised users of African print fabrics in Southwest Nigeria. To determine the sample size, online sample size calculator was used due to the infinite number of African print fabric users. A total of 384 users were sampled. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, and inferential analysis was conducted using independent sample t-test. The findings indicate that design plays a crucial role in influencing the purchasing decisions of African print fabric users. Based on the results, it is recommended that African print companies prioritize the quality of their designs and consider consumers' preferences, including colour choices and motifs, during the design process.

The standard operating procedure (SOP) for exporting frozen whole durian fruit to The Republic of China

Malaysia received permission to export frozen whole durian to China in August 2018. The cryogenic freezing method is proposed for use as it is one of the best techniques to supply and preserve the quality of durians all year round. Since this method is newly established and still needs to be validated during simulation and export trials, a standard operating procedure (SOP) needs to be developed to ensure the quality of whole fruit durian is preserved. A procedure comprised of sanitation treatment, cryogenic freezing, low-temperature handling, and methods for thawing frozen whole durian had been developed. The proposed disinfection treatment using sodium hypochlorite is recommended in the protocol to ensure it is free from any quarantine pests of concern to China. Furthermore, cryogenic freezing between -80 °C to -110 °C was introduced in the protocol as a treatment to prolong the storage life of Malaysian durian for exporting whole fruit form to China. An export trial was performed to validate the handling of the frozen durian in a cold chain (-18 °C) maintained until it reached the retail end. The thawing technique for frozen durian was studied in the lab and during the export trial to confirm the best eating quality. All these become a standard operating procedure to ensure Malaysian durian is safe to eat, handled in a controlled condition, and served at the best eating quality as a premium product of Malaysia.

Gravity separation of fine itabirite iron ore using the Reflux Classifier – Part I – Investigation of continuous steady state separations across a wide range of parameters

High grade iron ore resources are becoming depleted in Brazil, with relatively low-grade ores requiring more intensive concentration to achieve a premium product. Accordingly, a typical industrial itabirite concentration circuit includes desliming in hydrocyclones and concentration via reverse flotation, product thickening and filtration, with the slimes sent to tailings thickeners, and onto tailings storage facilities. This work examined the potential for applying a vastly simpler approach, a single stage of gravity separation using the Reflux Classifier. Here the classified feed, 90 % finer than 0.150 mm, is sent directly to the Reflux Classifier, leading immediately to a high-grade concentrate at high solids concentration.Part I describes the findings from a comprehensive series of experiments covering the effects of bed density set point, feed pulp density, throughput, fluidisation water rate and lamella channel spacing. The main program, based on an ore with 8 % goethite and 45 % hematite, achieved a feed upgrade from 37 % to 65.6+/−0.4 % iron and iron recovery of 72.9+/−0.4 % at 9 t/m2/h. A second feed with 1 % goethite and 57 % hematite was upgraded from 41 % to 66.3+/−0.4 % iron at an iron recovery of 84.7+/−0.5 % at 10 t/m2/h. (The grade of pure hematite is 69.9 % iron). It was essential to run the Reflux Classifier at a sufficient volumetric rate to achieve shear induced inertial lift of the coarse silica within the closely spaced inclined channels, to reject the gangue minerals from the high-grade product. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of applying the Reflux Classifier to upgrade itabirite feeds.

The impact of firm-level Covid rescue policies on productivity growth and reallocation

We evaluate the impact of Covid-19 rescue policies on both firm-level and aggregate productivity growth, exit, and creative destruction. Using administrative data on the universe of firms’ support mechanisms in Flanders over 2019–2021, we first estimate the causal impact of this support program on firm-level outcomes. Firms that received support saw a 4%–5% increase in productivity, compared to similar firms that applied for, but did not obtain support. The productivity premium effect is temporary however: by the last quarter of 2021, treated firms are indistinguishable from untreated firms. Support measures also drastically reduced firm failure. The propensity to exit the market was 45% lower for treated firms, and if no support would have been issued, aggregate firm exit would have increased by 9%. We decompose aggregate productivity growth, a share-weighted average of firms’ productivity growth rates, into several components. Within firms over time, both treated and untreated firms contribute positively to aggregate productivity growth. There are signs of insufficient creative destruction on both the extensive margin (firm entry and exit) and intensive margin (reallocation of market shares to more productive firms) during the crisis. However, insufficient reallocation was already present well before the crisis, and there is no evidence that this inefficiency is driven by the contribution of treated firms in particular. Firm-level support measures helped firms to avoid exit, and to temporarily increase productivity, while not altering the ongoing process of creative destruction in the aggregate.

Examining green purchasing. The role of environmental concerns, perceptions on climate change, preferences for EU integration, and media exposure

Factors impacting green consumption studied in the literature include 1) economic incentives and possibilities, 2) socio-dem1ographic segmentation, 3) values, emotions and personal responsibilities, 4) information including education and mass media, 5) factors related to the locality of the respondents and the lifestyles. While the effects of environmental concerns and perceptions of climate change or green purchasing are well established, the impacts of preferences for EU integration and media exposure are less clear. The article examines the effects of environmental concerns, perceptions of climate change, trust in EU policies, and media exposition on green purchasing employing a representative sample of 904 respondents (aged 15–95 years, M ± SD: 47.74 ± 17.66; 51.40% women, 19.40% with higher education) in the Czech Republic. Methodologically we rely on principal component analysis, correlations, and a set of ordinal regression analyses. The results suggest that 1) the public perceives the agendas of environment protection and climate change as two different agendas. 2) environment protection attitudes and climate concerns, the acceptance of EU integration positively predict green consumption. 3) the impact of the media exposition proved controversial: printed media and online discussion forums and blogs positively predicted green purchasing, while exposition to online social networks negatively impacted purchasing of organic food; 4) the frequency of watching TV negatively predicted purchasing of environmentally friendly products. We suggest that the advertisements emphasizing low prices may reduce willingness to pay a price premium for green products. It implies that more efforts need to be made on TV and social networks to increase public awareness of green consumption.

Consumer willingness to pay a premium for orange-fleshed sweet potato puree products: a gender-responsive evidence from Becker–DeGroot–Marschak experimental auction among low- and middle-income consumers in selected regions of Nairobi, Kenya

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem affecting people of all ages, particularly women of reproductive age and young children in the Global South. Nutrient-enriched (biofortified) orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) has promising potential as a sustainable food vehicle to combat VAD. Part of ongoing efforts to combat VAD, particularly among the urban poor populations, include the introduction of innovative OFSP puree, which is utilized as a functional and substitute ingredient in widely consumed baked and fried products. In Kenya, the OFSP puree is used to make commercial products that are affordable by low- and middle-income households. However, there is limited knowledge of consumer awareness, willingness to pay (WTP), and/or how gender plays a role in the uptake of these products. Following a multistage sampling technique, this study employs the Becker–DeGroot–Marschak (BDM) experimental auction method to assess if men and women consumers—from selected, highly populated low- and middle-income areas of Nairobi County in Kenya—are aware and if they would be willing to pay for OFSP puree products. Integrating gender considerations, we use three of the most widely consumed OFSP puree products, bread, buns, and chapati, and three treatment categories, naive, nutritional information, and OFSP puree substitute products' references prices to deduce the WTP for OFSP puree products among men and women. Results showed limited awareness of OFSP and OFSP puree products among men and women. However, both men and women were willing to pay a premium for the OFSP puree products. The intergender comparison showed that women were more willing to pay a premium for the OFSP puree products than men. Gender, age, education, knowledge of OFSP puree products, income category, availability of nutritional information, and reference pricing stand out as significant determinants of WTP.

Business groups’ internal labour markets and SME labour productivity

Labour market regulation constrains small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) ability to minimize redundant labour. However, it is often neglected that many SMEs might circumvent these constraints by accessing a business group’s internal labour market (ILM). In this study, we analyse whether SMEs with ILM access—i.e., with an increasing number of sister group companies in the same subnational region-industry—enjoy a labour productivity premium and whether this potential productivity premium depends on the bargaining power of labour. Because intra-group reallocation of redundant personnel often involves substantial changes in employment conditions, we argue that the value of ILM access might be reduced when the bargaining power of workers is high as they can oppose the reallocation or demand significant compensation. Using a panel of 119,801 European SMEs during 2011–2019 (639,675 firm-year observations), we find that SMEs with ILM access show relatively higher labour productivity. Further, our findings suggest that this productivity premium is higher in those contexts associated with lower labour bargaining power.

Joint foreign ownership and global value chains effects on productivity: a comparison of firms from Poland and Germany

PurposeThe study aims to examine the joint effects of foreign ownership (FO) and involvement in global value chains (GVCs) on the productivity performance of firms from a catching-up country (Poland) and a leader economy (Germany).Design/methodology/approachThe authors use micro-level data on firms combined with several sector-level GVC participation measures. The authors investigate whether the link between productivity and the overall sectoral degree of involvement in global production structures depends on a firm's ownership. The authors verify the robustness of the obtained results by using an instrumental variables approach and weighted regression.FindingsThe results show that domestically owned firms are less productive than foreign ones, which is particularly true at low GVC participation levels. However, as GVC involvement increases, the FO productivity premium decreases, leading to productivity catching up between foreign and domestically owned firms. This mechanism is similar in Poland and Germany. However, in the leader country (Germany), the productivity performance of domestically owned firms is more stable along the distribution of GVC involvement.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the foreign direct investment (FDI)–productivity literature by comparing the catching-up and developed countries' perspectives and incorporating the productivity–GVC relationship into the FDI analysis. The authors show that the FO premium is not confined to the developing context but is also present in a leader country. Moreover, the link between productivity and the overall sectoral degree of involvement in global production structures depends on a firm's ownership.

Different dimensions of conspicuous consumption in the emerging market of Bangladesh

Purpose: This study wishes to explore the level of understanding of how consumers in the market perceive conspicuous consumption. Research methodology: A qualitative research process was applied for collecting and evaluating the information, and the data is collected using the Ethnographic and Netnographic approaches to conduct this study. Results: Customers buy luxury things based on aesthetic value, originality, social standing, desired states, and money use. For social standing, people purchase premium products. The desire to consume luxury items and services also encourage their conspicuous purchase, according to the research. People use luxury things to maximize their fortune. Limitations: This research is conducted within Bangladesh. If it is broader research and there is available time, the study can be performed in different regions of the country. Core data can be obtained if observing each respondent for a long time is possible. Contribution: According to this study, Bangladeshi consumers redefine luxury through their product attitudes. This research has managerial and academic uses. This research teaches about conspicuous consumption. This study suggests luxury brand owners modify items to diverse countries so cultural differences don't affect conspicuous purchasing. As counterfeit items may be dangerous to health, particularly electronics, marketing managers can raise awareness by researching this research.

Opportunity of the future: hydrogen as fuel and feedstock

Low-emission hydrogen is emerging as an integral building block for the decarbonisation of the global economy, serving as a complementary emission reduction solution to direct electrification and the use of other low emission technologies such as bioenergy. Presently, hydrogen is a key global commodity used within the production of chemicals including ammonia and for refining activities. These existing uses offer an initial demand market for low-emission hydrogen as a replacement for the high-emitting alternative. Furthermore, new applications for low-emission hydrogen are emerging within hard-to-abate industries where other decarbonisation solutions are less technically or commercially viable or have constrained feedstocks. These applications include as an input for steel production and as a fuel for the transport industry, particularly for heavy-duty long-haul road transport as well as the use of hydrogen-derivatives within the maritime and aviation industries. However, for a low-emission hydrogen industry to develop, the disconnect between consumer and producer expectations, high production and end-use technology costs and regulatory challenges must be overcome. Important mechanisms to achieve this include the implementation of targets and mandates for low-emission hydrogen production and uptake, facilitation of product premiums by industry, targeted public funding and financing and revenue support mechanisms.

Design of Graphic Concept Model for Specialty Coffee Packaging Labels

There are still many micro-business actors who package their products with the appearance of less attractive packaging. However, it is not easy for micro-business actors to create product packaging ideas that is able to be accepted by the broad market. This study aimed to determine the attributes of packaging labels, determine the most influential graphic elements, and generate tone and manner for label specialty coffee packaging. Label attribute was analyzed with FAST and Pairwise Comparison methods. The graphic element was analyzed with the QFD method. The visual perception was analyzed with the Mind Mapping method quantified by the PCA method. It was concluded that experts expect more product information clarity and the impression of premium products on coffee packaging labels. In addition, experts also expect convenience in reading the information needed on packaging labels. Based on graphic element analysis, the priorities of the graphic element of packaging were 1) identity of the coffee product; 2) text hierarchy; 3) color labels; and 4) typical label style. The must-have tone and manner for specialty coffee packaging labels were familiar (friendly), premium, simple, and special.

Consumers' Preferences for Apple Production Attributes: Results of a Choice Experiment.

Various food safety and environmental problems in China have raised consumer awareness of food safety issues and negative environmental impacts in various supply chains. This research assessed consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for food safety and ecosystem delivery attributes associated with apples, demonstrated through the application of different traceability systems. Research participants were recruited in Beijing (N = 384) and Shanghai (N = 320). Choice experiment methodology was applied. The data were analyzed using conditional logit, random parameter logit, and latent class models; the results indicated significant consumer preferences for traceability information, including in relation to lower pesticide usage and application of organic fertilizer during primary production. The results also indicated that participants in this research had a significant willingness-to-pay premium for apple products that had production information traceability, had reduced pesticide use, and were grown with organic fertilizers. The models demonstrated heterogeneous preferences among participants such that consumers could be divided into three classes: non-price-sensitive (53.5%), pesticide-sensitive (21.7%), and price-sensitive (24.8%).

Livestock feed markets across agro-ecological zones of Burkina Faso: feed provenance, price and quality

Livestock form a major means of livelihood in Burkina Faso where almost 80% of the rural population keep sheep and goats. However, the major constraint to livestock productivity is seasonal feed scarcity. To bridge the increasing feed gap, particularly in the dry season, livestock keepers are increasingly turning to purchase of feeds from markets, which has led to emergence of feed markets in peri-urban towns and cities in the Sahel. To characterize the dynamics of these livestock feed markets, to inform and guide the development of efficient feeding systems in peri-urban livestock production, we conducted surveys in feed markets in four major towns and cities of Burkina Faso across all the agro-ecological zones. Results from this study showed that the feed types on sale included browse, bush hay, bran of maize, millet, sorghum, rice and wheat, legume residues, cereal straw and agro-industrial by-products such as cottonseed cake and concentrate feed for ruminants. The average number of feeds sold per vendor ranged from 1.5 ± 0.1 in early dry season to 3.5 ± 0.4 in late dry season. More than 80% of the feed sellers in each location reported that generation of additional income for the household was the principal reason for feed sale. The price of livestock feeds sold at different locations in Burkina Faso varied significantly with season, market location and feed type. Cottonseed cake had the highest crude protein content in all locations and across seasons ranging from an average of 16.3 to 31.9% while cereal straw (millet, maize and sorghum straw) had the lowest crude protein content of 3.5%. The results also showed a lack of a clear trend in terms of relationship between price and nutritional quality which confirms the absence of quality standardization for feeds on sale in our study sites. In developing feed industry in the region, the issue of quality standardization needs to be addressed to facilitate establishment of nutritive value-based pricing and to ensure that consumers pay a premium for quality products.

Consumer trust and willingness to pay for establishing a market-based animal welfare assurance scheme for broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to examine Finnish consumers' preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for measures to improve broiler chicken welfare and to examine how familiarity with animal production farms, trust in food system actors, and views concerning the responsibility for animal welfare were associated with the WTP. A survey instrument, including a choice experiment, to study consumer preferences for food quality attributes was developed. The survey data were analyzed using a latent class model and logistic regression analysis. The results suggested that Finnish consumers tend to have a positive WTP for improvements in farm animal welfare (FAW) in broiler production, although WTP varied by consumer segment. Five different consumer groups with different levels of WTP for specific welfare attributes were identified. The highest WTP was estimated for an additional space allowance for the birds and enhanced litter quality monitoring at the farm. In conclusion, there is demand for animal welfare labeled broiler chicken among Finnish consumers. However, consumer expectations are heterogeneous, and different strategies can appeal to different segments. While one consumer segment prioritizes FAW over price, another segment emphasizes low-priced products and considers mid-market products appealing. Moreover, public policies are an important tool for enhancing FAW for a large proportion of consumers, and public actions are therefore warranted. Finally, engaging with animal protection organizations (as mediators) and being open to consumers can be an effective strategy to build confidence in premium products.

Environmental life cycle assessment of premium and ultra hygiene tissue products in the United States

Under the controversial concern of using virgin fibers in hygiene tissue products, mostly Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft (BEK) and Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK), consumers are responding by purchasing self-labeled sustainable products. As of today, there are no established sustainability reported results to inform consumers about the carbon footprint of hygiene tissue. To fill this gap, this study used Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts across the supply chain (cradle to gate) to produce Premium and Ultra grades of bath tissue, including the production of feedstock, pulp production, and tissue production stages, with focus on Global Warming Potential (GWP). The results showed that one air-dried metric ton (ADmt) of BEK pulp had an associated GWP of 388 kgCO2eq, whereas one ADmt of NBSK pulp presented values ranging between 448 and 596 kgCO2eq, depending on the emissions allocation methodology used. It was estimated that the GWP of one finished metric ton of tissue weighted average could range from 1,392 to 3,075 kgCO2eq depending on mill location, electricity source, and machine technology. These results provide an understanding of the factors affecting the environmental impact of hygiene tissue products, which could guide manufacturers and consumers on decisions that impact their carbon footprint.

Product Quality Matching Strategy in a Dual-Channel Supply Chain: A Perspective From Mental Accounting Theory in Behavioral Finance

We extend the mental accounting perspective to build models on product quality matching strategy, which is effective in resolving the conflict between traditional and online channels. We consider that perceived values of high-quality and low-quality products belong to different mental accounts, and construct three product quality matching strategies for a dual-channel supply chain. Comparing the profit of each member, we find that (1) the strategy where the traditional channel distributes premium products, while the e-tailer sells low-quality products, is most conducive to the manufacturer; (2) the profit elasticity of the e-tailer is larger than that of the traditional retailer; (3) traditional retailers should sell more price elastic products, and e-tailers should sell the product with lower price elasticity; and (4) the manufacturer has more monopoly power if consumers have a higher degree of acceptance for the online channel that distributes premium products.

The Impact of Yeast Encapsulation in Wort Fermentation and Beer Flavor Profile.

The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, and consumers are increasingly searching for premium products that not only offer health benefits but a pleasant taste. A viable strategy to accomplish this is through the altering of sensory profiles through encapsulation of compounds with unique flavors. We used this approach here to examine how brewing in the presence of yeast cells encapsulated in alginate affected the sensory profile of beer wort. Initial tests were conducted for various combinations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride concentrations. Mechanical properties (i.e., breaking force and elasticity) and stability of the encapsulates were then considered to select the most reliable encapsulating formulation to conduct the corresponding alcoholic fermentations. Yeast cells were then encapsulated using 3% (w/v) alginate and 0.1 M calcium chloride as a reticulating agent. Fourteen-day fermentations with this encapsulating formulation involved a Pilsen malt-based wort and four S. cerevisiae strains, three commercially available and one locally isolated. The obtained beer was aged in an amber glass container for two weeks at 4 °C. The color, turbidity, taste, and flavor profile were measured and compared to similar commercially available products. Cell growth was monitored concurrently with fermentation, and the concentrations of ethanol, sugars, and organic acids in the samples were determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was observed that encapsulation caused significant differences in the sensory profile between strains, as evidenced by marked changes in the astringency, geraniol, and capric acid aroma production. Three repeated batch experiments under the same conditions revealed that cell viability and mechanical properties decreased substantially, which might limit the reusability of encapsulates. In terms of ethanol production and substrate consumption, it was also observed that encapsulation improved the performance of the locally isolated strain.

Italian consumers’ awareness, preferences and attitudes about Sicilian blood oranges (Arancia Rossa di Sicilia PGI)

The objective of the paper is describing the results of a survey on the consumer's awareness, preferences and attitudes of certified quality products such as fruit and vegetable, and in particular of Sicilian Blood Oranges (Arancia Rossa di Sicilia) which is PGI product. A total of 26 participants with heterogenous socio-demographic background took part in the study. The aim of the study was achieved using focus groups (FGs). Three sessions of FGs were held in September 2021 in three Italian cities chosen as a convenience sample to represent the entire Italian territory. The results show that fruit and vegetables have a particularly relevant role in the eating habits of the sample. For the interviewees, the quality label of food products is a guarantee of being Italian, of compliance with production norms and standards, of natural and genuine products and of a more intense and good taste and flavour. For the whole target, Arancia Rossa di Sicilia PGI is a premium product of reliable excellence and whose quality can be assured because it is certified, as long as the consumer recognizes the certification logo on the product.

Sustainable Business Model Design: A Multi-Case Approach Exploring Generic Strategies and Dynamic Capabilities on the Example of German Wine Estates

Business model design needs to encounter increasing and highly dynamic challenges due to counter-caesural environmental changes. Empirical research on strategic sustainability is expected to provide guidance for needed dynamic transformation and sustainability. The reported research builds on a multi-case research of four German wine estates. The cases each represent a specific generic strategic grouping and distinct business models and are thereby suited to analyse sustainability by leaning on the concept of dynamic capabilities. Sustainability was examined as a strategic vehicle for innovation in the wine industry and a nuanced view of dynamic capabilities. Premium strategist turned out to strongly engage and profile in sustainability with aligned dynamic capabilities as a building block to generate premium products. Quality leadership also leverages product quality with comprehensive dynamic capabilities aiming for sustainability by building on size and a professional structure but less on environmental profiling. The price–value strategy approaches sustainability primarily from a market-based and circular economy view. Niche strategist’s dynamic capabilities in the analysed population illustrated an entrepreneurial and effectuation-based approach with specific dynamic capabilities fine-tuned to exploit market opportunities. The multi-case analyses thereby allowed us to identify strategy-specific and business-model-suiting capabilities.

Are consumers willing to pay a premium for art-infused products?

PurposeArt-infusion has become a common practice among brands across the globe. This is because marketers leverage the uniqueness and prestige of arts to earn superior profits. Hence, this research aims to understand and measure consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for art-infused products.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed based on conjoint analysis and was responded to by 470 respondents from India. The estimation of preference functions in conjoint analysis was intended to use orthogonal arrays to measure WTP.FindingsThe study reveals consumers' utility and WTP for different art-infused products. The results indicated that consumers have the highest WTP for products that have artwork dominated by the visual elements of colour, shapes and space.Practical implicationsThe paper presents valuable findings for marketers to develop their product design and earn superior profits.Originality/valueThis is the first study in the domain of the art infusion phenomenon that measures WTP for non-luxury art-infused products. Also, this is the first study to measure WTP for different kinds of art forms.