Search

The current interdisciplinary research studies the antimicrobial activity of selected polyfloral kinds of honey (n = 30) against three microorganisms (gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis, gram-negative bacteria Salmonella enterica, and one yeast Candida krusei) as well as investigates consumer behavior and awareness towards honey healing properties. Consumer research involved 617 honey consumers living in urban areas. T-test for Equality of means, non-parametric tests, and descriptive statistics were applied. Results showed that antimicrobial activity was found in all honey samples with a concentration of 50%. Nevertheless, better activity was obtained in honey samples from urban beekeepers compared to samples from retail stores. Results of consumer research showed that honey is mostly used as food (sweetener in beverages, ingredient in the recipe, or direct consumption) and as medicine mainly during the winter period. The consumer awareness towards honey healing effects was very high (97%), however, 1/3 of respondents were not able to list any specific examples, and only 11 % mentioned antibacterial activity. Furthermore, more than 70% of respondents did not know to explain the term “medical honey” and more than 50% of respondents are not aware of the maximum temperature used for heating honey without decreasing its biologically active compounds.

Since the 1990s of the 20th century, the Slovak dairy industry has undergone many significant changes which have been related to the reduction of the herds of cattle and milk cows, the decrease of quantity of milked milk, low purchase prices of milk, the decline of a great number of milk producers and processors. The consumption of cow´s milk and dairy products in Slovakia is very low in comparison with the countries of the European Union (about 320 kg), Europe (293 kg), the Czech Republic (280 kg), and the rest of the world. It varies around 170 kg per capita per year, which is also considerably lower consumption than the dose of 220 – 240 kg per capita per year recommended by doctors. Since 1990 the production and consumption of dairy products and cheeses have decreased significantly. In Slovakia, the consumption is twice even three times less than in the developed countries of Europe. The reason for this situation is the behavior of a consumer and the factors having an impact on the consumption of cow`s milk and dairy products. The objective of the paper is to indicate the impact of the personal consumers` characteristics on the purchasing decisions on the market of the products of cow`s milk origin, based on the processed answers of the respondents participating in the questionnaire survey. The primary data were obtained via the questionnaire survey, which was conducted with 786 respondents. The questionnaire consisted of four parts – Eysenck`s personality test, the questions targeted at the detection of factors influencing the consumers` purchasing behavior and decision making, the questions related to expressing opinions about cow`s milk and dairy products, and the classification questions providing the information about the respondents. The data were processed by the methods of quantitative and qualitative statistics – Chi-square statistic χ2 test of square contingency, Chi-square χ2 goodness of fit test, two proportion test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the test of hypotheses of relative proportion.

When observing consumer behaviour, we find that the consumer carries out the process of purchasing decisions under the influence of several factors. These factors come from the external environment, from its individual characteristics, and also from the specific purchasing situation. The above facts show that consumer preferences and understanding of the behaviour is a very demanding process. This is mainly because consumers may behave differently, i.e. they may have different consumer behaviours that depend on their needs and desires. Therefore, it is necessary to know the factors that influence consumer behavior or the purchasing decision for certain market commodities. The presented research document is focused on the issue of consumer behavior and decision-making in sheep's milk and its products. Sheep's milk has a long tradition and is one of the basic building elements of human food. Consumer behaviour is constantly evolving, their needs and desires are changing as well as factors that influence their shopping behaviour. The main goal of the research is to draw attention to the personality of the consumer, to selected personality characteristics and social factors, and, subsequently, to evaluate their impact on purchasing behaviour and making purchasing decisions on the market of sheep's milk products. Primary data were obtained from a survey conducted on a sample of 796 respondents. Most of the respondents were classified in the sanguine group based on temperament - an emotionally stable extrovert. When buying sheep's milk and its products, they make emotional decisions (57.17%). The most important factor in buying these products was their quality (47.16%). Assumptions were formulated for deeper analysis, which was subsequently verified by the means of a statistical test - Chi-square of the square contingency. The degree of dependence between the examined variables was determined by the means of the Cramer contingency coefficient.

The new trend of healthy lifestyle increases consumers´ attention towards superfoods or functional food. Due to this fact, honey enriched with various healthy foods such as cocoa, cinnamon, ginger or dried fruits has started to appear on the European market. The aim of this research paper was to investigate consumer´s perception and preferences for cocoa-enriched honey. Consumer research was based on questionnaire survey extended by product testing. This survey was conducted in 2018 (February and March) and in total 257 young Slovak consumers between 18 - 30 years participated. Each respondent tested and evaluated sensory attributes of the product (taste, aroma, colour and texture) using a 5-point scale. Statistical analyses included Friedman test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's Exact Test, Pearson Chi-square test and Cramer'V coefficient. Results showed that the cocoa-enriched honey was evaluated as tasty, aromatic, gently, delicious, special, with ideal sweetness and amount of cocoa. All sensory attributes were evaluated positively (2 - good). Females were more interested in the purchase of this product. Moreover, the product would be purchased mostly by respondents who consider it a healthier alternative to commercial chocolate spreads or by those who consider their eating habits healthy. Laboratory tests revealed that the antioxidant activity of the product was higher in comparison to normal honey. In conclusion, the obtained information could be used in product positioning, promotion and designing appropriate marketing strategy.

The growing popularity of honey among consumers has caused many frauds and cases when honey of high quality is adulterated by cheap imported honey of very low quality. The aim of this research paper was to study consumer perception of honey quality based on sensory attributes such as taste, aroma, colour and consistency. The primary research comprised the sensory blind test conducted as a part of questionnaire survey at selected shopping mall and at university. Research sample reached 400 respondents living in the Nitra region between 18 and 70 years. Respondents tested sensory attributes of two samples. Sample A represented Slovak honey from a local beekeeper and sample B was honey purchased from selected supermarket with country of origin „blend of EU and non - EU honeys" and represented imported honey. Besides descriptive statistics, the following statistical tests were applied: Fisher's Exact Test, Chi-Square Test of Independence, Cramer´V coefficient and Mann-Whitney U test. Results showed significant differences in perception of honey quality across age cohorts. Respondents older than 40 years (Generation X and Babyboomers) evaluated better the local honey from a beekeeper (sample A) than younger generations (Generation Y and Generation Z). Imported honey from selected supermarket (sample B) obtained the best evaluation in case of colour in both age cohorts while sample A obtained it in terms of aroma. The majority of respondents in both age cohorts mostly decided their preference according to taste, however there exist some differences. While Generation X and Baby boomers took into consideration also aroma, the generations Y and Z considered consistency. More interesting observation appealed in case of aroma where more than 90% of respondents, who decided according to aroma, preferred sample A - local Slovak honey. According to physico-chemical analysis, both samples fulfilled standard of EU legislation, however better parameters were reached in sample A. All in all, better perception of honey quality through sensory attributes in older age cohorts could be caused by the deeper experience in honey consumption as well as due to the fact that younger cohorts consume more semiproducts and industrial food products characterised by intensive, sweet taste which could confuse their assessments.

Consumers' buying behavior and preferences are affected by many factors such as the product quality, price, labeling and country of origin. The objective of this paper was to examine the opinions of the Slovak consumers about the purchase and consumption of eggs and identify their preferences at egg purchase. The input data were obtained using a questionnaire survey. The method of descriptive statistics and selected methods of measuring dependence or associations were used. The existence of statistically significant relationships was verified by the Pearson chi-square test or by the Fisher's exact test. The statistical proof of relationships was evaluated based on the significance of the test characteristic (p-value). The existence of dependence between the most important factor affecting purchasing of eggs - a price of eggs, and the age of the respondent - was confirmed. Further, the relationship between the preferred place of buying eggs and the classification criterion was also proved, i.e. whether a respondent is a breeder of the egg type of hens or not. The relationship between the preferred place of buying eggs and the gender of a respondent was confirmed as well. There was determined the dependence on the gender of a respondent in the question related to eggs consumption.

Business success in the current highly competitive environment determines primarily the ability to understand the customer and his needs and identify the factors that influence consumer behavior. Therefore, the examination of consumer behavior and obtaining feedback on the development and state of the market as well as identifying current trends is an essential part of any successful business. Producers and traders are increasingly forced to adapt to the rapid development and changes in the market. This is especially important with food products, given the wide range of assortment, substitutability of particular groceries and strengthening competitive pressure of manufacturers and retailers. In general, consumer decision-making related to food is influenced by a number of different factors that are changing under the influence of new trends (greater emphasis on quality, country of origin etc.). Even more specific category is the wine market, which is subject to specific criteria of consumer choice, since from a consumer perspective, it is not a product of daily consumption. The world wine market is increasing; new producers as well as new groups of customers are emerging on the market. The distribution channels are becoming more diversified and wine is offered in both specialty stores and self-service outlets; hypermarkets, supermarkets and discount stores. Due to this trend the investigation of in-store consumer behavior becomes crucial. The aim of the paper is to discuss the usefulness of eye tracking based research for examining perceptions of people shelf displays. The research integrates measurements with a mobile eye camera (Eye tracker glasses) in real conditions of a wine shop in order to reveal the impact of merchandising (display of domestic and foreign wines) on the visual attention of the consumer. The results of qualitative research carried out in March 2015 will be presented.

The current situation on the food market is influenced by various diet trends including eating healthy products. The honey consumption has an increasing tendency because more and more consumers consider honey as a healthy alternative to a refined sugar. The aim of this research paper was to identify consumption patterns regarding honey in terms of annual consumption, its frequency, volume of honey per purchase, consumption structure by family members and factors affecting consumers at honey purchase. The primary data was obtained from a questionnaire survey, which was conducted in Slovakia on the sample of 316 respondents as well as in Russia on the sample of 309 respondents. For a deeper analyses several assumptions were formulated where dependencies between demographic factors (age, education and income,) and annual consumption by using Chi-Square Test of Independence and Cramer´V coefficient, as well as, differences in factors affecting consumers at honey purchase by using Friedman test have been statistically tested. Based on the results it was found out that, the majority of Slovak consumers make honey reserves and prefer to buy 1 kg per purchase while the majority of Russian consumers purchase honey if necessary and prefer to buy 0.5 or 2 - 5 kg per purchase. Honey is generally consumed by all family members in both countries. The mostimportant factors for Slovak consumers was the country of origin (2.59) followed by taste (3.51), type (3.97) and price (4.18), while the least important factors were the size of packaging (6.70) and the design of packaging (6.80). For Russian consumers the most important factors werethe type (2.97), design of packaging (3.13), price (3.28) and taste (3.61) while the least important factors were the size of packaging (6.98), brand (6.50) and the country of origin (6.50). The majority of consumers in both countries consume from 2 to 5 kg annually and the only significant dependence was confirmed in case of respondents´ age. The annual consumption of young generation is lower in comparison to older generations.

Over the last few years, topics of displaying, presentation, lighting, energy saving and issues related to the environment while selling the fresh food (fruits, vegetable, bakery products, meat) are becoming an important matter among traders. However, just bigger companies with transnational capital have devoted their attention to this issue yet. Generally, the energy costs make up 70% of operating costs in retail stores where the cooling system and lighting are the most energy consuming. Accent lighting in modern retails is largely involved in the overall design and atmosphere in shops and plays a crucial role in presenting the goods as well. Using of accent lighting can draw the customer's attention to a specific part of the sales area and achieve the overall harmonization in the store. With the rational using of combination of energy saving and effective accent lighting retailers can achieve not only attractive presentation of displayed products but also appreciable savings in the operation of their stores. It is the only factor that can be exactly measured and controlled. Using a Colour and Lux Meters we found out the intensity and color temperature of accent lighting used in domestic and foreign retail chains for the different kinds of fresh food products. Based on the obtained values we have compiled graphs, which are showing visual comfort. We also identified different types of accent lighting, which we assigned to their impact on emotional involvement of consumers. The starting points were the tests we conducted in simulated laboratory conditions. While searching of a compromise between effective and energy efficient accent lighting we take into consideration consumers' emotional response as well as the annual electricity consumption of different types of light sources. At the end we recommend options for energy-efficient, effective and spectacular lighting while using the optimal number of light sources and their logical organization, automatic control as well as using energy-saving LED lights or practical skylights. Improvements in energy efficiency of technical equipments could reduce the operating costs for retailers as well as enhance the attractiveness of displayed goods and customer satisfaction and thereby increase their sales.