United States Consumers Research Articles

A comparative study on perceived experiential value and behavioral intentions in robot-enhanced restaurants: examining cultural and gender differences

Purpose This study aimed to (a) investigate the effects of robot service efficiency, enthusiastic curiosity, escapist experience and sense of security on perceived experience value (PEV) and identify which dimension is the strongest determinant of PEV; (b) examine PEV’s effect on behavioral intention to dine in a robot-enhanced restaurant (RER); (c) examine cultural differences (Kazakh vs. United States consumers) on these dynamics; and (d) examine gender’s moderating effect between PEV and behavioral intention to dine in an RER. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through a self-administered online survey based on a convenience nonprobability sampling technique with participants in Kazakhstan and the US Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships between the constructs. Findings The findings indicated that PEV was influenced positively and significantly by robot service efficiency, enthusiastic curiosity, escapist experience and sense of security. Gender moderated the relationship between PEV and behavioral intention. Also, multigroup analyses found notable behavioral differences between Kazakh and US participants. Originality/value Grounded in Expectancy-value Theory, the present study demonstrated the effects of experiential (escapist experience), psycho-emotional (enthusiastic curiosity) and quality conditions (service efficiency and sense of security) on PEV and consumers’ behavioral intentions, with variations observed across genders and cultures.

Upcoming multi-visceral robotic surgery systems: a SAGES review

BackgroundRobotic surgical procedures continue to increase both in the United States (US) and worldwide. Several novel robotic surgical platforms are under development or undergoing regulatory approval. This review explores robotic platforms that are expected to reach US consumers within the next 2–3 years.MethodsThe SAGES Robotic Platforms Working Group identified robotic surgery platforms in various stages of development and selected multi-visceral systems nearing or completing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process. We outline key system components including architecture, unique features, development status, regulatory approval, and expected markets.ResultsWe identified twenty robotic platforms that met our selection criteria. Ten companies were based in North America, and ten were based in Europe or Asia. Each system is described in detail and key features are summarized in table form for easy comparison.ConclusionThe emergence of novel robotic surgical platforms represents an important evolution in the growth of minimally invasive surgery. Increased competition has the potential to bring value to surgical patients by stimulating innovation and driving down cost. The impact of these platforms remains to be determined, but the continued growth of robotic surgery seems to be all but assured.

Consumer Privacy Expectations and the Impact on Buying Intentions

Based on past research and attitudinal theories, this study intends to investigate the effect of attitudes about data privacy protection and disclosure and the perception of corporate data privacy performance on future purchase intention. Additionally, it seeks to understand the relationship between purchase behavior intensity, personal data privacy concerns and privacy expectations (attitude). A total of 271 usable surveys were gathered from United States consumers and analyzed by two multiple linear regression models and correlation analysis. The results show that attitude (data privacy protection and disclosure responsibility) and perceptions about corporate data privacy performance predict purchase intention. Furthermore, past purchase behavior intensity and personal data privacy concerns influence corporate data privacy responsibility attitudes. This study extends the current data privacy literature by understanding how data privacy expectations (attitude) and data privacy performance perceptions impact purchase intent and are influenced by personal data privacy concerns and purchase behavior.

Perceptions and preferences for environmentally sustainable food and associated factors: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative survey of United States consumers

BackgroundConsumers are increasingly interested in environmentally sustainable dietary patterns. However, specific signals (e.g., language, labels, logos, or packaging) American consumers use to identify environmentally sustainable products are yet to be explored. ObjectivesTo determine perception and preferences for environmentally sustainable food and associated health and demographic factors associated with consumers’ use of signals for environmentally sustainable food products in a nationally representative survey of United States consumers. MethodsRepeated cross-sectional data were collected for the 2019 and 2020 annual online Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council. Three questions were analyzed: 1) the stated importance of environmentally sustainable food products, 2) signals consumers use to identify environmentally sustainable food/beverage products, and 3) the impact of environmental sustainability on food/beverage purchase decisions. Questions 2 and 3 were asked only from participants who stated environmental sustainability is important in question 1. Options provided for signals for environmentally sustainable products were recyclable packaging, minimal packaging, labeled organic, labeled locally grown, labeled sustainably sourced, and labeled non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs)/not bioengineered. Poisson regression and logistic regressions were performed to assess associations. ResultsOf 1905 completers, 1059 (55.6%) answered that it was somewhat or very important that food products purchased/consumed were environmentally sustainable. Of those, 94% used ≥1 of the 6 signals to determine environmental sustainability when shopping. Some signals were selected despite little association with environmental sustainability (e.g., locally grown and non-GMO/not bioengineered). The number of signals consumers used was associated with education, race/ethnicity, health status, and the level of impact they reported that sustainability plays in their decisions. Associations between consumer characteristics and the use of different signals for environmental sustainability were heterogeneous. ConclusionsEven among consumers who value environmental sustainability in food products, specific signals used by different respondents varied across demographics and health characteristics.

Comparison of United States Consumers’ Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Environmental Practices in the Retail Floral Industry Based on Geographical Regions

With an increase in social awareness of environmental degradation and the need to conserve resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental standards of the industries from which they purchase products. This has motivated industries to restructure their business model to one that is more environmentally sustainable. Research of consumers’ floral purchasing habits based on geographic regions found that these habits varied depending on the region where they lived. The main purpose of this study was to investigate US consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ environmentally sustainable practices based on the geographical region where the consumer lives within the United States. The results indicated differences in the way respondents answered questions based on the geographical region where they live. However, regardless of the US region where the respondents live, from the list of sustainable attributes covered in this study, respondents indicated the use of locally sourced flowers and composting of floral waste as the two sustainable attributes with the most perceived value to consumers. The findings of this study indicate that floral providers that have incorporated any type of sustainable attribute into their businesses should be promoting this to the public. Floral providers located in the West and Northeast regions of the United States should especially consider emphasizing sustainable attributes within their business because consumers in these regions indicated that they were most willing to pay premiums for sustainable practices. Additionally, floral providers in the West should consider sourcing and promoting the use of fair-trade materials to their customers.

Content Analysis of Food Safety Information in Apple-Drying Recipes from YouTube, Blogs, Cookbooks, and Extension Materials.

Recurrent foodborne outbreaks associated with low-moisture foods prompted this study to evaluate apple-handling practices presented in apple-drying recipes available to United States consumers, and to explore the food safety implications of the recipes. Because little research is available on the safety of home fruit-drying, we conducted a systematic search of English-language apple-drying recipes from YouTube videos, blog articles, cookbooks, and university extension sources. Our evaluation found that most recipes excluded handwashing instructions, and potential cross-contamination practices were evident in 12% of the videos. Bruised or damaged apples were selected for drying in 16% of the videos, two blogs, and five cookbook recipes. Although more than half the blogs and videos demonstrated pre-treatment procedures, they did so predominantly to minimize browning with almost no mention of antimicrobial benefits. Drying temperature information was missing in 41% of the videos and 35% of the cookbooks that we evaluated. Even when temperatures were mentioned, most were insufficient for pathogen reduction according to the recommendations of previous studies. These videos, blogs, and cookbooks commonly advocated subjective indicators instead of unit measurements when slicing apples and checking for doneness. Our findings reveal the need for drastic improvements in food safety information dissemination to home apple-dryers and recipe developers.

United States Consumers’ Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Environmental Practices in a Retail Floral Provider’s Business Model

Research suggests consumers are willing to pay a premium for goods from industries that design products using environmentally sound practices and that these practices lead to customer loyalty. Using environmentally friendly practices can differentiate a business from competitors through branding, which has been known to help increase profit margins and stimulate demand in a saturated market. The main purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of consumer perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. A total of 2172 people responded to an online survey. The sample used in this study was a random selection of individuals 18 years and older living in the United States. Survey responses were collected from 21 Dec 2022 to 27 Jan 2023. Respondents indicated the use of locally sourced flowers followed by the recycling of flower waste through composting as the two sustainable attributes that would increase their willingness to make purchases the most. Respondents indicated the strongest willingness to pay 10% or more for locally sourced flowers (61.7%), followed by flower providers composting their floral waste (59.5%). In addition, 50% or more of all respondents indicated a willingness to pay 10% or more for all the sustainable attributes for which they were asked. The methods in which retail floral providers source floral material, create floral designs, and market and brand their company are important considerations when promoting their services toward environmentally conscious consumers and in creating a valuable repeat customer base.

Demographic Differences in United States Consumers’ Perceptions and Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Environmental Practices in the Floral Industry

Consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental standards of industries from which they purchase products. Because consumers’ environmental concerns are increasingly becoming part of their purchasing decisions, industries have begun to restructure their business model to one that is more environmentally sustainable. Studies have indicated consumers’ actions and motivations for purchasing sustainable products vary based on consumer demographics. The main purpose of this study was to compare the differences in consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ sustainable and environmentally sound practices based on demographic traits. A total of 2172 people responded to an online survey. The sample used in this study was a random selection of individuals 18 years of age or older living in the United States. Survey responses were collected from 21 Dec 2022 to 27 Jan 2023. Data were analyzed using analyses of variance and post hoc tests as well as descriptive and frequency statistics. Results indicated there was a difference in the way respondents answered the survey questions based on demographics. Respondents 34 years of age or younger with college experience indicated the most willingness to make purchases and pay premiums from floral providers that incorporate sustainable attributes into their business model. Males indicated a stronger willingness to shop at a floral provider based on several of the environmental statements when compared with other genders. The results provide evidence of the value of the integration of sustainability practices into the business model of floral providers to make it more competitive.

Cell-Based Seafood Marketability: What Influences United States Consumers’ Preferences and Willingness-To-Pay?

Cell-Based Seafood Marketability: What Influences United States Consumers’ Preferences and Willingness-To-Pay?

Examining differences in menstrual and intimate care product use by race/ethnicity and education among menstruating individuals.

United States consumers spend over two billion dollars a year on intimate care products. These products, along with scented menstrual products, are marketed for odor control, perceived "freshness," and vaginal/vulvar cleanliness. However, these scent-altering products may increase exposure to carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Prior research has not adequately characterized demographic differences in product use. The objective of our study is to examine racial/ethnic and educational differences in menstrual and intimate care product use among people who menstruate. We pooled data from two US-based cross sectional studies to examine demographic characteristics and product use in 661 participants aged 18-54 years. Participants reported use of scented and unscented menstrual products (tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups) and intimate care products (vaginal douches, sprays, wipes, and powders). We examined differences by race/ethnicity and education using log-binomial regression and latent class analysis (LCA), which can identify groups based on product use patterns. Our sample was 33.4% Black, 30.9% Latina, 18.2% White, and 16.2% another identity. Approximately half the population had a bachelor's degree or more; 1.4% identified as transgender and 1.8% as non-binary. In adjusted models, scent-altering products (i.e., scented menstrual and intimate care products) were more likely to be used by those with less formal education (p < 0.05). Unscented menstrual products were more likely to be used by those with more formal education. Compared to Black participants, White participants were more likely to use unscented tampons and menstrual cups and less likely to use douches and wipes (p < 0.05). Using LCA we identified two groups: one more likely to use scent-altering products, and a second more likely to use unscented menstrual products. Less education and older age, but not race/ethnicity, was significantly associated with membership in the group more likely to use scent-altering products. While sex/gender composition did not statistically vary across groups, all non-binary participants fell in the unscented menstrual product group. Lower educational attainment was consistently associated with greater use of scent-altering menstrual and intimate care products. Future research should examine associations between body odor stigma, product use, and health risks at intersections of race, class, and gender.

Effect of information and innovator reputation on consumers’ willingness to pay for genome-edited foods

This study used discrete choice experiment data from a national survey of 1,573 United States consumers to examine the effect of information and innovation reputation on consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for genome-edited soybean oil and apples relative to soybean oil and apples produced using genetically modified technology and conventional breeding. The study used a split design survey with control and information treatments. The information treatments included information on genetically modified, genome-editing, and traditional breeding technologies and technologies' health and environmental benefits. In contrast, the control treatment did not include any information on technology or benefits. The study shows that consumers have higher WTP for genome-edited soybean oil with information on technology and health and environmental benefits. However, the information did not affect consumers’ WTP for genetically modified soybean oil. Unlike soybean oil, the information treatments did not affect WTP for genome-edited apples. Findings from the study show that consumers prefer domestic startup firms and universities to multinational firms as developers of genetically modified and genome-editing technologies, irrespective of food types. Results from the study provide insights for genome-edited technology developers in product and trait selection and marketers in communication and outreach efforts to increase consumer acceptance of it.

Molecular identification of critically endangered European eels (Anguilla anguilla) in US retail outlets.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) has declined by over 90% since the early 1980s and has been listed as critically endangered. Yet, despite strict export bans from the European Union, the European eel is still sold illegally in many countries. Efforts to monitor the trade of European eels have been primarily concentrated in Asian markets where concerningly high rates of European eel have been reported. Comparably fewer studies have assessed the identities of eel samples from the United States (US), despite the obvious implications for eel conservation. To address this knowledge gap, we purchased 137 eel products (134 freshwater eels and three saltwater eels) from grocers, sushi bars, and restaurants in nine states across the US from 2019 to 2021. Seven samples (5.2%) labeled as freshwater eels (or "unagi") were identified as European eels using a combination of mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear (18S rRNA) restriction digestion assays, a fast and inexpensive molecular tool for seafood identification that can identify hybrids between European eels (A. anguilla) and American eels (A. rostrata). No hybrids between European and American eels were found and all seven samples identified with restriction digestion as European eels were confirmed by sequencing of cytochrome b and 18S rRNA. Frequency of European eels in US markets did not significantly correlate with state or retail type. Although illegal eel exports are likely reaching US consumers, the frequency of European eel samples in this study of the US market is much lower than found in other non-European countries.

Determinants of consumer acceptance of gene‐edited foods and its implications for innovators and policymakers

AbstractGene‐editing is a breakthrough technology for crop improvement that addresses many concerns associated with its predecessor and distinctly different technology, genetically modified crops. The commercial success of gene‐editing technology depends on the public's acceptance of its foods. This study used data from a national survey of United States consumers to identify the determinants of consumer acceptance of gene‐edited foods and compared them with those of genetically modified foods. Our study shows that consumer awareness and knowledge of gene‐edited foods are almost half those of genetically modified foods. In the study, we classified survey respondents in three clusters based on their attitudes toward food technologies and corporate distrust: technology‐loving, neutral, and technology‐averse. The technology‐averse cluster has the greatest share of individuals who indicated being aware of and knowledgeable about gene‐edited foods, and the largest share of respondents who stated having negative views toward agricultural biotechnology. Technology‐loving individuals have more positive perceptions about agricultural biotechnology and are more likely to consume genetically modified and gene‐edited foods in the future than neutral and technology‐averse individuals. Findings indicate that providing information on the technology and its health and environmental benefits did not affect consumers' willingness to consume genetically modified and gene‐edited foods. Prior perceptions of agricultural biotechnology, beliefs about safety, benefits, labeling, and the type of technology developer are important determinants of anticipated future consumption of genetically modified and gene‐edited foods. [EconLit Citations: Q13, Q16].

United States Consumers’ Landscaping Expenditures: A Case of Garden and Lawn Care Services and Equipment

The economic downturns of 2007–09 and the COVID-19 pandemic affected most industries in the United States, including landscape services and equipment sales, and provoked both short-term disruptions and long-term changes. To understand how the landscaping industry has responded, we investigated patterns of consumer expenditures on landscape services and equipment from 2009 through 2021 using a representative sample of 76,895 US households. We categorized US households as detached single-family residents and townhouse residents to more fully articulate the factors that turned potential consumers into purchasers and the factors that affected purchasers’ expenditures. We used a double-hurdle model to identify key factors that drive consumer demand for landscape services and equipment over time, including social-demographics, geographic characteristics, housing conditions, year and seasonal trends, and the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that during the studied period, the demand for landscape services declined in terms of both the percentage of consumers purchasing the services and the purchasers’ average expenditures, while the demand for do-it-yourself (DIY) equipment remained relatively unchanged. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of consumers who purchased landscape services increased, while the expenditures on landscape services decreased in 2020 and then began to rebound in 2021, but not enough to reverse the overall downward trend. In contrast, purchases of DIY equipment were relatively stable in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and mainly relied on current consumers.

Why Are They Buying It?: United States Consumers’ Intentions When Purchasing Meat, Eggs, and Dairy With Welfare-related Labels

There is widespread and growing concern among U.S. consumers about the treatment of farmed animals, and consumers are consequently paying attention to food product labels that indicate humane production practices. However, labels vary in their standards for animal welfare, and prior research suggests that consumers are confused by welfare-related labels: many shoppers cannot differentiate between labels that indicate changes in the way animals are raised and those that do not. We administered a survey to 1,000 American grocery shoppers to better understand the extent to which consumers purchase and pay more for food with certain labels based on an assumption of welfare improvement. Results showed that 86% of shoppers reported purchasing at least one product with the following labels in the last year: “cage or crate-free”, “free-range”, “pasture-raised”, “natural”, “organic”, “no hormone”, “no antibiotic”, “no rBST”, “humane”, “vegetarian-fed”, “grass-fed”, “farm-raised”. Of those who purchased one of the aforementioned labels, 89% did so because they thought the label indicated higher-welfare production practices, and 79% consciously paid more for the product with the label because they thought that the label indicated better-than-standard animal welfare. However, many of these labels lack uniform standards for the production practices they represent, and some labels represent production practices that do not influence animal welfare, thus the degree of the animal welfare impact of a given label is highly variable. These results indicate that labels need to clearly and accurately specify their animal welfare benefits to improve the consumers’ ability to purchase products that align with their expectations.

Consumer preferences for visually sub-optimal food: Role of information framing and personal goals

This study investigates how framing in relation to environmental consequences directs consumers to prioritize among gain, hedonic, and normative goals when accepting suboptimal food to reduce food waste. A random sample of 1,704 United States consumers completed a three-wave survey instrument, including repeated discrete choice experiments. Goals related to gains deteriorated substantially over time. Goals for reducing environmental impact by purchasing sub-optimal food were stronger and more time-invariant. There was no increase in goal strength for reduce environmental impact due to the type information provided. Furthermore, there was no support for a lower decrease across time in normative goal strength due to exposure to positive framing. There were combined effects of information and time, respectively. Five latent groups were identified. These results are relevant for actions to increase the acceptance of suboptimal food, finding that differences in consumer preferences are attributable to goal type and goal strength.

QTL Mapping of Seed Quality Traits Including Cooking Time, Flavor, and Texture in a Yellow Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Population.

Manteca yellow dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have many quality traits that appeal to consumers, including fast cooking times, creamy texture, and sweet, buttery flavor. They are native to Chile and consumed in regions of South America and Africa but are largely unfamiliar to United States consumers. While cooking time, flavor, and texture have not been prioritized in United States dry bean breeding programs, genetic variability exists such that these traits could be addressed through breeding. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a cross between Ervilha (Manteca) and PI527538 (Njano), yellow dry beans with contrasting cooking time and sensory attributes. The population and parents were grown for 2 years in Michigan and evaluated for cooking time and sensory attribute intensities, including total flavor, beany, vegetative, earthy, starchy, sweet, bitter, seed-coat perception, and cotyledon texture. Cooking time ranged 19–34 min and exhibited high broad-sense heritability (0.68). Sensory attribute intensities also exhibited variation among RILs, although broad-sense heritability was low, with beany and total flavor exhibiting the highest (0.33 and 0.27). A linkage map of 870 single nucleotide polymorphisms markers across 11 chromosomes was developed for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, which revealed QTL for water uptake (3), cooking time (6), sensory attribute intensities (28), color (13), seed-coat postharvest non-darkening (1), seed weight (5), and seed yield (2) identified from data across 2 years. Co-localization was identified for starchy, sweet, and seed-coat perception on Pv01; for total flavor, beany, earthy, starchy, sweet, bitter, seed-coat perception, cotyledon texture, and color on Pv03; water uptake and color on Pv04; total flavor, vegetative, sweet, and cotyledon texture on Pv07; cooking time, starchy, sweet, and color on Pv08; and water uptake, cooking time, total flavor, beany, starchy, bitter, seed-coat perception, cotyledon texture, color, and seed-coat postharvest non-darkening on Pv10. The QTL identified in this work, in particular CT8.2 and CT10.2, can be used to develop molecular markers to improve seed quality traits in future dry bean varieties. Considering yellow dry beans already excel in quality and convenience, they might be an ideal market class to signal a new focus on consumer-valued traits in the United States.

Organic Food: Nutritional and Environmental Considerations.

1. Sumathyuthee Kamalakannan, MD* 2. Irene P. Mathieu, MD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA The demand for organic foods has grown substantially during the past several decades. Due to the widespread perception that organic food is healthier, parents may feel compelled to buy organic instead of conventional products to provide the most nutritious option available despite the cost of organic foods being on average 10% to 40% more expensive than conventionally produced foods. Furthermore, families may be concerned about the environmental impact of conventionally produced foods. Currently there is limited evidence for the nutritional superiority of organic foods. In this article we summarize the available evidence on the differences between organic and conventional food products and describe the limitations of the evidence currently available. In general, organic foods are defined as those that are grown or produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, hormones, antibiotic agents, genetic engineering, and irradiation. In the United States consumers may find product labeling at the grocery store misleading. For instance, processed products that contain mostly but not exclusively organic ingredients can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients.” Products can also be marked “natural” if no artificial ingredient or color has been added. These labels can lead consumers to incorrectly believe that such products meet the definition of organic. This heterogeneity, and the fact that few people eat an exclusively organic diet, complicate studies to assess the health impact of organic foods. For many people, the decision to buy organic produce is rooted in its perceived health benefits. Compared with conventionally grown produce, organic fruits and vegetables have been noted to contain more minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and plant metabolites such as phenols and flavonoids. These metabolites function as defense agents for plants and may also have a role in preventing human disease. However, there is wide variation in the nutrient content of produce …

US economic and trade sanctions against China: A loss-loss confrontation

The economic and trade sanctions implemented by the United States (US) against China have lasted for a few decades and the structural imbalance of the US–China trade relationship has ultimately been escalated to a trade war recently. We examine the economic impacts of US sanctions against China on both sponsor and target countries during the last 20 years. We find that such impacts have significantly changed over time. On one hand, US economic sanctions have gradually extended from China’s labour-intensive to high value-added products and they have largely slowed down China’s trade growth for the last decade. On the other hand, US consumers and businesses have faced higher prices and production costs for Chinese imports (or import substitutes) in the wake of the increasing US trade sanctions, leading to great deadweight losses to the sponsor country. In addition, US economic and trade sanctions against China have largely impacted other economies involved in US–China trade as well. The intermediary status of the Hong Kong SAR has been greatly challenged. Overall, US economic and trade sanctions have caused pain on both China and the US, but their impact on China (the target country) has been largely weakened.

Political Attitudes and Inflation Expectations: Evidence and Implications

AbstractWe show that for the United States and Australia consumers expect significantly lower inflation when the political party they support holds executive office. This finding cannot be explained by previously documented sources of heterogeneity in consumer inflation expectations. It is consistent with stereotypical thinking (Bordalo et al. 2016), pointing to the use of heuristics in the formation of macro‐economic beliefs. Our findings have implications for consumers' understanding of central bank independence and its connection with inflation stabilization.