Retail Level Research Articles

An Empirical Research on the Impact of Gasoline Taxes on Consumer-Level Retail Prices

This paper uses provincial-level gasoline retail price data in Canada to study the effect of tax reform on gasoline retail prices. It uses a dynamic difference-in-difference strategy to estimate the dynamic treatment effect of tax reform to see the dynamic changes of treatment effect in post-reform periods. We find that on average, the tax cut tends to be close to or around the full passthrough rate to the gasoline retail price. The treatment effect does not diminish over time and it is immediate after the tax reform. This means that the gasoline tax cut goes directly to consumers, it will work as a great macroeconomic tool in fighting the current inflation. The implications of effective gasoline taxation policy allow governments to adjust the gasoline taxation when needed to fight off inflation knowing that almost full taxation changes would pass down to the retail level. We conducted an additional robustness check to the robustness of our results.

Market structure and net determinants of turmeric marketing in Onitsha agricultural zone, Anambra state, Nigeria

A study was conducted to analyze the market structure and determinants of turmeric marketing in the Onitsha agricultural zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. The research aimed to understand the socioeconomic characteristics, market structure, factors influencing net marketing income, and constraints in turmeric marketing. The sample consisted of 160 intermediaries, including 80 wholesalers and 80 retailers, selected using multistage and random sampling methods. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient, multiple regression, and relative index techniques. The findings revealed a male dominance in the turmeric market, particularly among wholesalers, where 60.00% of marketers were men. This indicates gender sensitivity within the market at various levels. The market structure analysis showed Gini coefficients of 0.6866 and 0.7495 for wholesalers and retailers, respectively. These coefficients suggest a high level of income inequality in terms of sales margin and a concentration of sales among a small group of marketers, indicating the presence of imperfect competition in the market. Among the eleven independent variables included in the analysis, age, education, source of finance, and engagement in other business activities significantly influenced the net marketing income of wholesalers. At the retail level, household size, gender, engagement in other business activities, marketing experience, and product price were identified as factors influencing net marketing income. The constraints analysis revealed that online marketing, transportation costs, taxes, and local government charges were perceived as the main constraints at the wholesale level. On the retail level, the constraints were online marketing, irregular market days, and insufficient start-up capital. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government and relevant agencies reduce taxes and charges imposed on marketers to alleviate their burden. Additionally, addressing the poor condition of roads is necessary for proper marketing in the region.

Income analysis of turmeric marketing in Onitsha agricultural zone, Anambra state, Nigeria

The study examined income analysis of turmeric marketing in Onitsha agricultural zone, Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socioeconomic characteristics, profitability, economic efficiency, and constraints of turmeric marketing. Multistage and sample random sampling methods were used to select 160 intermediaries 80 wholesalers and 80 retailers for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, enterprise Budgeting, Shepherd-Futrell techniques, and relative index techniques. Findings from socioeconomic characteristics revealed that the turmeric market is dominated by males mostly at wholesale marketing than women (60.00%) showing signs of gender sensitivity at different levels in the study area. Findings from the profitability of turmeric marketing showed that for every 1 Naira invested in the business, wholesalers returned 24 kobo while retailers returned 1.61 kobo. The result of the analyses revealed that both the wholesalers and retailers did not attain efficiency of 100% in the marketing of turmeric implying the existence of good level of inefficiencies among the actors (wholesalers and retailers). The level of inefficiency was higher (80.29%) among the wholesalers than the retailers (38.3%) implying that the retailers were more efficient in the marketing of turmeric than the wholesalers. The findings on constraints showed that online marketing, transportation and taxes, and LGA charges were the most perceived constraints on the wholesale level while on the retail level were online marketing, irregularity of market days, and insufficient start-up capital. Marketers should be encouraged to learn the act of on-line marketing to avoid being left out in modern trading and soft loan and grants should be made available for genuine marketers for efficient marketing were recommended.

Hubungan Biaya Operasional, Waktu Kerja dan Lama Usaha Terhadap Income Pedagang Daging Babi di Pasar Tradisional

This study was conducted based on the formulation of the problem that is how much operational costs and profits received by pork retailers and whether there is an effect of operational costs, working hours and length of business on the income of pork retailers in Amurang traditional market. The objectives of the study were (1) to determine the amount of operational costs and revenues received by pork retailers in Amurang traditional market, and (2) to analyze the effect of operational costs, working hours, and length of business on the income of pork retailers in Amurang traditional market. Determination of samples in this study using Purposive Sampling method. Consideration of the determination of the sample in this study is, pork retailers in the city of Amurang who have long been selling pork trading time of at least 3 years and already have a permanent place of sale in the traditional market Amurang, so that the number of respondents sebanhyak 15 people. The results obtained that, the average level of income (profit) Rp. 2.570.500 per day or average income (profit) per month Rp. 83,245,000 with an average weight of 4,050 kilograms of pork per month. Based on the analysis of the correlation coefficient value (r) of 0.95 gives the meaning that, koefisen variables X1 (operating costs), X2 (working hours), and X3 (long business) has a strong relationship (correlation) to the income level of pork retailers by 0.95 the strong relationship with the income level of variables measured can be explained through the coefficient of determination (R) 0.90 means that the income of pork retailers is 90% influenced by variables X1 (operating costs), X2 (working hours) and X3 (long business), while 10% is explained by other variables that are not included in the analysis model. Based on the results of the study concluded that the level of income earned pork retailers in the traditional market Amurang is Rp. 83,245,000 per month with an average weight of the whole piece of pork as much as 4,050 kilograms per month. Operational costs, working hours and length of time simultaneously affect the income of pork retailers in Amurang traditional market. Partially operational costs and length of business affect the income while the variable working hours do not affect the income of pork retailers in Amurang traditional market.

Rapid RNase H-dependent PCR lateral flow assay for the detection of red snapper

Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus or Lutjanus purpureus) is one of the most commercially important and commonly mislabeled seafood species in the United States. Existing molecular methods for species identification are expensive and require being sent to an off-site laboratory, which takes multiple days to process. In this study, we have standardized a rapid rhPCR-coupled lateral flow assay for the identification of red snapper species. Our assay involved a simple heat-lysis DNA extraction procedure and a multiplex PCR reaction, consisting of a red snapper single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-specific rhPCR primer, thermotolerant RNase H2 enzyme, and an internal amplification control (IAC) for their onsite identification. Amplicons generated in the PCR reaction were detected using dual target lateral flow strips. The standardized assay was validated with 108 barcoded fish samples. Samples identified as Lutjanus campechanus or L. purpureus by DNA barcoding formed three distinct bands, while other fish species formed only two bands on the lateral flow strips. A minimum of 0.37 ng of crude DNA was detectable in the rhPCR reaction and generated a visible band on the lateral flow dipstick. The assay showed 100% specificity and took 90–120 min to complete. The assay generated results that can be used to authenticate red snapper at the wholesale and retail levels of seafood processing and commerce. Our results confirm the ability of rhPCR-lateral flow assays to be an alternative tool for onsite species authentication for the seafood industry.

An application of deep reinforcement learning and vendor-managed inventory in perishable supply chain management

This article delves into the challenging supply chain management domain, explicitly addressing the intricate issue of perishable inventory allocation within a two-echelon supply chain. The approach outlined here leverages deep reinforcement learning with a keen understanding of the inherent stochasticity arising from uncertain demands and variable supply conditions. The examined supply chain encompasses two retailers and a central distribution center operating under a vendor-managed inventory system. The primary goal of this research is to combat the prevalent problems of wastage and shortages frequently encountered at the retail level in such supply chains. The study employs the Advantage Actor-Critic (A2C) algorithm, tailored to handle the continuous action space inherent in inventory allocation. To rigorously evaluate this approach, empirical data from a real-world blood supply chain in Tabriz is used for numerical experiments. This practical case study involves a single distribution center and two hospitals. The outcomes of these experiments affirm the effectiveness of the A2C algorithm, showcasing its ability to address the complex inventory allocation problem successfully. Furthermore, the research highlights that the algorithm outperforms existing supply chain policies, underscoring the pivotal role of optimal allocation in enhancing efficiency and operational excellence in perishable supply chains.

Designing a European energy price regulation system: some basic principles

ABSTRACT The recent surge in energy prices in Europe and their high volatility, have a very large impact on its economy. Policymakers have sought to counteract the impacts of the unprecedented energy price shock with a plethora of measures albeit with limited success. This paper proposes a dynamic, flexible system of energy price regulation at the retail level. The mechanism is simple, automatic and has a number of parameters that can be adjusted to fine tune its execution. It is shown how the mechanism leads to toppling of energy prices and reduces their volatility. At the same time, it does not prevent energy prices to absorb long-run fundamental/ market-conform price trends.

Competition and Competitors: Evidence from the Retail Fuel Market

Policy makers and antitrust authorities are concerned about the lack of competition in the fuel retail market and its impact on consumer prices. The aim of this article is to empirically evaluate the role of the intensity of competition and competitors’ brand affiliation on retail fuel prices. To this end, we use a panel data set with detailed daily on nearly 8,500 gas stations and 2 million price observations; we estimate a reduced-form fuel price equation that accounts for supply (input costs and local competition) and demand shifters (income, traffic intensity, and location) as well as for brand and time fixed effects. We use an instrumental variable estimation strategy, to account for the endogeneity of the intensity of competition. Our results show that premium brands and low-cost brands affect the prices of rival firms in an opposite way. On the one hand, premium brands soften competition in the local markets where they operate and thereby allow their rivals to set higher prices. Besides, price setting by premium-brand stations react differently depending on whether the nearest rival sells the same brand (a friendly competitor) or some other brand. By contrast, low-cost brands contribute to reducing prices through their own prices (direct effect), thereby encouraging competitors to lower their prices (indirect effect). Our results suggest that regulation limiting the entry of premium operators whilst promoting the entry of low cost gas stations will enhance competition at the retail level.

To ignore or mitigate – Economic implications of an illegal artisanal trawl fishery in northern Peru

An artisanal shrimp trawl fishery operating illegally in northern Peru has high levels of bycatch and three main commercial species. Here we provide the first characterisation of the socio-economic contribution of this fishery. Estimates have been generated for the capital values, operational and maintenance costs, as well as net profits at point of landing and across the value chain. This fleet sector in northern Peru is estimated at 105 vessels, generating an annual gross income of U$D 4.8 million with 315 direct jobs. Vessel owners could potentially have a net income of over ∼$12,000 per year, and crew are likely to be earning 45 % above the living wage for similar land-based rural employment, including other fishing activities operating in the same areas. With an appropriate multiplier for the seafood supply chain, the gross economic value of the fishery from landings up to the retail level is estimated at U$D 35 million with 915 jobs. Recommendations for improving the sustainability of the fishery and possible mitigations are discussed to address the gulf between policy and regulatory intent and reality, where enforcement is lacking or absent.

Value Chain Analysis of Wheat in North Karnataka, India

The world desperately needs a change in the global food system that will result in more nutritious food for everyone and a significant reduction in the environmental impact of agriculture. The present study was conducted in selected districts of North Karnataka during 2022-23. To study the value chain mapping, primary data have been collected through the survey method by adopting a multistage random sampling technique. The value chain highlighted the involvement of diverse actors who participated directly or indirectly in the value chain. Different actors identified in the study area were input suppliers, farmers, traders and commission agents, wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately consumers. Three channels were placed in the value chain system of raw wheat grain in the study area. The results revealed that the degree of value addition on raw wheat grains at the retailer level was highest (11.14% and 11.34%) in channels I and II, respectively. Because the quantity sold through retailers was less, there was also less risk regarding spoilage of produce. With respect to the four primary processing product value addition results, processing units were substantially contributing more value addition as compared to the other two intermediaries in the value chain. Processing units require huge capital investment and plenty of resources.

How do underage youth access e-cigarettes in settings with minimum age sales restriction laws? A scoping review

BackgroundDespite measures to reduce young people’s access to electronic cigarettes (ECs), or “vapes”, many countries have recorded rising youth vaping prevalence. We summarised studies documenting how underage youth in countries with minimum age sales restrictions (or where sales are banned) report accessing ECs, and outline research and policy implications.MethodsWe undertook a focused literature search across multiple databases to identify relevant English-language studies reporting on primary research (quantitative and qualitative) and EC access sources among underage youth.ResultsSocial sourcing was the most prevalent EC access route, relative to commercial or other avenues; however, social sourcing dynamics (i.e., who is involved in supplying product and why) remain poorly understood, especially with regard to proxy purchasing. While less prevalent, in-person retail purchasing (mainly from vape shops) persists among this age group, and appears far more common than online purchasing.ConclusionsFurther research examining how social supply routes operate, including interaction and power dynamics, is crucial to reducing youth vaping. Given widespread access via schools and during social activities and events, exploring how supply routes operate and evolve in these settings should be prioritized. Inadequate compliance with existing sales regulations suggest greater national and local policy enforcement, including fines and licence confiscation for selling to minors, is required at the retailer level.

Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales of Shrimp and Salmon Available for Purchase by Consumers in Canada-A Risk Profile Using the Codex Framework.

The extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-EB) encompass several important human pathogens and are found on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They are a group of organisms which demonstrate resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (3GC) and their presence has been documented worldwide, including in aquaculture and the aquatic environment. This risk profile was developed following the Codex Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance with the objectives of describing the current state of knowledge of ESBL-EB in relation to retail shrimp and salmon available to consumers in Canada, the primary aquacultured species consumed in Canada. The risk profile found that Enterobacterales and ESBL-EB have been found in multiple aquatic environments, as well as multiple host species and production levels. Although the information available did not permit the conclusion as to whether there is a human health risk related to ESBLs in Enterobacterales in salmon and shrimp available for consumption by Canadians, ESBL-EB in imported seafood available at the retail level in Canada have been found. Surveillance activities to detect ESBL-EB in seafood are needed; salmon and shrimp could be used in initial surveillance activities, representing domestic and imported products.

Physical, chemical and microbial quality of peanuts collected from different sources of the marketing chain

Groundnut is a healthy food by the presence of calcium and magnesium, vitamin E, oleic acids, fibre, arginine, and phenolic compounds. Relates to human health, however, peanut is susceptible to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination. The study aims to evaluate the physical and chemical quality, aflatoxin B1 contamination, and phenolic content of peanuts collected from farmers, collectors, wholesalers, and retailers at Sinjai District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia during wet season. The results showed that intact seeds reduced from 82.8% in farmer’s level to 75.9% in retailers at traditional markets, as the increase of shrivelled and damage kernels. The average moisture content in marketing chain was 9.5%, which was higher than 8% as recommended. The infection of A. flavus was high in big traders and drastically reduced in retailer level. Aflatoxin B1 contamination went up from farmer to retailer beyond the permitted level of 15 µg kg−1. Total phenolic contents of peanuts collected from marketing chain ranged from 42.6 – 88.6 mg GAE/g that 60-80% lower than the ones contained by the newly harvested peanuts (81.9 – 116.6 mg GAE/g). Reasonable low physical quality and potentially high aflatoxin contamination of peanuts in retailer level suggest the essential of good handling practices to be introduced to peanut stakeholders.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Quail Meat at the Retail Level.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of 37 fresh quail meats. Mesophiles, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci counts were 5.25 ± 1.14, 3.92 ± 1.17, 3.09 ± 1.02, and 2.80 ± 0.64 log CFU/g, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in seven samples (18.92%). Campylobacter jejuni was detected in one sample (2.70%). Clostridium perfringens was not detected in any sample. The dominant bacteria were Pseudomonas spp. (30.46%), Micrococcaceae (19.87%), lactic acid bacteria (14.57%), and Enterobacteriaceae (11.92%). Brochotrix thermosphacta and enterococci were isolated to a lesser extent, 7.28% and 1.99%, respectively. The dominant Enterobacteriaceae found were Escherichia coli (42.53%). ESBL-producing E. coli was detected in one sample (2.70%), showing resistance to 16 antibiotics. Sixteen different Staphylococcus spp. and three Mammaliicoccus spp. were identified, the most common being S. cohnii (19.86%) and M. sciuri (17.02%). S. aureus and S. epidermidis were also found in one and four samples, respectively. Methicillin-resistant M. sciuri and S. warneri were found in 13.51% and 10.81% of quail samples, respectively. These bacteria showed an average of 6.20 and 18.50 resistances per strain, respectively. The high resistance observed in ESBL-producing E. coli and methicillin-resistant S. warneri is of special concern. Measures should be adopted to reduce the contamination of quail meat.

Covid-19 and the Goalkeeper of the Indian Economy


 The decision and the conviction to keep the capital markets functioning amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19 lockdown, proved to be a game changer for the Indian economy. The robust systems put in place over decades and reinforced with measures to strengthen systemic integrity during COVID, revived the inherent trust in the Indian markets, especially at the retail level. The buoyant numbers of new trading and demat accounts opened, new investors in Mutual Funds etc. are a reflection of this trust. At a structural level, apart from decreasing dependence on FPI investments, the retail segment has witnessed a secular shift from savings to investment. Additionally, within investments, there is a shift from fixed income to equities. This deepening of the investor base has moved the Indian capital market to a higher orbit igniting a structural shift in the economy. 

Microbiological quality and safety of fresh mushroom products at retail level in Korea.

Several investigations and recalls have demonstrated that Listeria monocytogenes can occur on mushrooms. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and safety of four types of edible mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, and Agaricus bisporus) available in the Korean market, and to evaluate the prevalence of Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes. Results revealed that out of 100 samples tested, 16% (32/200) were positive for Listeria spp. Of the Listeria-positive samples, five strains of Listeria innocua were detected. The total microbial counts ranged from 0.79 to 5.84 log CFU/g, with F. velutipes exhibiting the highest microbial load (mean 5.03 log CFU/g). These findings provide significant data for risk assessment and emphasize the need for continued monitoring of the microbiological safety of edible mushrooms.

Design of an Optimal Robust Possibilistic Model in the Distribution Chain Network of Agricultural Products with High Perishability under Uncertainty

In this article, the modeling of a distribution network problem of agricultural products with high perishability under uncertainty is discussed. The designed model has three levels of suppliers, distribution centers, and retailers, in which suppliers can directly or indirectly meet retailers’ demand. Due to agricultural product distribution network unpredictability, robust possibilistic optimization (RPO) has been applied. This model is innovative and takes uncertainty into account. The findings show that uncertainty increases network demand. Supply, distribution, maintenance, and order expenses have grown. By examining the rate of perishability of agricultural products, it has been revealed that, with the growth of this rate, the costs have increased according to the ordering and spoilage of the products. The genetic algorithm (GA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) have also been applied to analyze the model. The calculations on 10 sample problems in larger sizes show that the AOA has the best performance in achieving near-optimal solutions. Conversely, the WOA has the lowest computing time compared to other meta-heuristic algorithms. Additionally, the statistical test results show no significant difference between the average calculation time and the objective function among the applied algorithms.

Measuring network efficiency of the aquaculture value chain in Turkey

The objectives of this study were: (i) to analyze trout and sea bream/sea bass value chains in Turkey; (ii) to estimate the overall efficiency of trout and sea bream/sea bass value chains in Turkey by market type; (iii)to compare the profit margins and individual efficiency levels of producers, wholesalers, and retailers within each value chain. Research data sources were fish farms producing trout and sea bream/sea bass, as well as processors, wholesalers, exporters, and retailers along the value chain. Producer-level data were collected from 30 cultured fish farms in the Muğla province, using a simple random sampling method. Other actor-level data were identified using the snowball technique based on the response of the previous actor. Value chain analysis was conducted using the Porter model. A multi-stage network Data Envelopment Analysis model was used to estimate overall efficiency. Research results showed that in the domestic market, producers added the most value to both trout and sea bream/sea bass value chains while gaining the lowest total net profit. In the overseas market, sea bream/sea bass producers added the most value to the value chain, but gained a smaller total net profit than retailers. Trout producers added the second most value to the value chain but obtained a lower total net profit than retailers and processors. Research results also showed that retailers had the highest net profit margin in both value chains in the overseas market. In the domestic value chain, producers and wholesalers had the highest net profit margins in the sea bream/sea bass market, while producers had the highest net profit margin in the trout market. Based on the network efficiency analysis results for the domestic fresh fish market, the individual efficiency score of intermediaries increased as fish moved from producers toward the other links in the network. Producers had the lowest efficiency score in the overseas processed fish market. This study suggests carrying out holistic training and education, focused on creating fair value chains for fresh and processed fish with the cooperation of all parties. This would increase both the overall efficiency of value chain networks and the individual efficiency of intermediaries. Building a more collaborative culture among fish farmers, processors, exporters, and retailers along the fresh and processed fish value chains, and promoting communication between them, can also lead to increased efficiency of intermediaries.

Sustainable production of bio‐fuel derived from vegetable waste via pyrolysis technique

AbstractThe impact of growth in the overall population is imposed on the continuous degradation process for environmental wastes like agricultural, industrial, food products, farming waste, etc. The improper degradation may lead to pollution and toxicity for ecological living. Based on waste management concepts, environmental wastes are reduced, reused, and recycled against environmental pollution. Most environmental wastes are recycled and used as biofuel for various energy sectors like alternative fuels. Globally, vegetable loss or wastage increased by more than 35% due to the level of retailers and consumers. The present study attempts to produce a low‐cost, reliable, environmentally emission‐free biofuel using waste vegetable resources via pyrolysis reactor arrangements. The synthesized bio‐fuel energy implemented for compression ignition engine and its performance was evaluated by single cylinder four stroke diesel engine and found higher brake power and thermal efficiency of 6.89 kW and 50.29%. Finally, the emission characteristics are assessed by an exhaust gas emission tester. CO and HC emissions showed minimum amounts like 0.021% and 47 ppm.

Iodine concentration in edible salt from production to retail level in Bangladeshi territory: A comparative study following standard regulations

Iodine concentration in edible salt from production to retail level in Bangladeshi territory: A comparative study following standard regulations