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Purpose: As cannabis markets have expanded and nonalcoholic beer sales have grown, craft beverage manufacturers are increasingly interested in alternative beverage markets for product differentiation. This study evaluates consumer perceptions of nonalcoholic, cannabis-infused beverages to explore the market potential. Design/methodology/approach: The study used survey data from 1,094 US beer drinkers to identify consumer willingness to try and general perceptions of cannabis-infused beverages. First, we identified who is most likely to try cannabis-infused beverages using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Then, we identified perceptions of cannabis-infused beverages relative to conventional beer by asking respondents to rate the expected taste, nutrition, safety and price for one of three hypothetical product options: a traditional beer, a cannabidiol (CBD) beverage or a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) beverage. Comparisons across products were then drawn using standard statistical tests. Findings: Approximately 53–56% of beer drinkers in our sample stated they were willing to try cannabis-infused beverages, with age, product knowledge and past purchasing behaviors correlating with this response. Additionally, consumers expected cannabis-infused beverage scores to have similar safety and nutrition metrics to traditional beer but at higher prices. On average, consumers expected CBD- and THC-infused beverages to be $0.33 and $0.98 more expensive per six-pack than a conventional beer, respectively. Originality/value: With an evolving craft beverage and cannabis landscape, these results provide a glimpse into beer drinkers' attitudes toward CBD- and THC-infused beverages. The results offer novel insights into the target audience and market potential for cannabis-infused beverages that manufacturers and entrepreneurs can use in their business strategies. Additionally, the findings can be useful to policymakers and public health officials in monitoring this emerging market, informing policy design and designing public health messaging. Lastly, the study opens avenues for future research on consumer perceptions of cannabis versus alcoholic products across academic disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remanufacturing industry has become an important part of the circular economy and green manufacturing industry. However, information asymmetry and consumer preference are major obstacles to the development of remanufacturing. The emergence of blockchain technology(BCT) can alleviate these problems. Based on the idea, the strategic choice of new products(NPs) and remanufactured products(RPs) under the internal competition of the manufacturer is examined, and the influence of price competition, consumers’ low-carbon preference and the cost on the strategic choice is analyzed. Then we determine the conditions for this manufacturer to adopt BCT. The results show that adopting BCT is conducive to creating a green brand image for RPs and attracting environmentally conscious consumers. Cost is an important factor that affects decision-making. In addition, consumers may be more concerned about the manufacturer mixing counterfeit ingredients into NPs, which seriously affects consumers’ trust in the quality of NPs and the following manufacturer’s adoption strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat germ is a byproduct of the cereal industry that contains high levels of protein, fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and other functional microcomponents. However, so far, few applications have been found in the meat industry despite the growing interest in replacing meat with vegetable proteins. Therefore, the use of wheat germ for the production of low-fat frankfurters was considered. Five different formulations were prepared: control with pork meat and the following four to achieve 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% lean meat substitution by wheat germ. Proximal composition, color, texture, emulsion characterization, fatty acid profile, fat oxidation, and consumer acceptance were then analyzed. The results showed that the incorporation of wheat germ improved emulsion stability, decreasing significantly total expressible fluid and jelly/fat separation, although increasing the back extrusion force. In terms of the final product, the progressive substitution of meat by germ resulted in significant increases in carbohydrates, in special of fiber, and ash as well as significant decreases in moisture and total fat. Sausages made with germ were darker (L*), as well as harder, chewier, and gummier, but less cohesive and elastic. Similarly, wheat germ substitution improved the quality of the lipid profile showing higher levels of, but decreased acceptability for replacements > 25%. Substitution of meat was feasible up to 25%, a formulation for which there was hardly any significant difference with the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasion and spread of aquatic animal diseases from abroad reduces fisheries and aquaculture production and causes food security issues. If infection spreads to natural populations, it can also cause environmental issues. One measure to reduce such risks is the use of domestic seeds for aquaculture. This study aims to identify consumer preferences for domestic aquaculture seeds (juvenile shrimp) and how these preferences vary depending on what information is provided and on consumer sociodemographic characteristics. A discrete choice experiment was used in this study, and the results showed the following: (1) on average, environmental and food security information had no effect; (2) consumers responded more to the information the older they were, but this tended to weaken when they received both environmental and food security information; and (3) men and women responded contrastingly to food security information. Therefore, when providing consumers with information on aquatic animal diseases, it is necessary to consider the content and volume of the information depending on the gender and age of the target consumer group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated consumer preferences for hybrid blends consisting of 50% and 75% plant-based ingredients relative to burgers comprised of 100% beef or plant-based ingredients. Latent class models with four latent classes identified four consumer segments: "Meat Purist," "Meat-Forward Flexitarian," "Plant-Forward Flexitarian," and "Price Sensitive." 100% beef burgers were most preferred, while hybrid meat burgers, particularly 50% beef with 50% soy or pea blends, were preferred over the 100% plant-based burgers. The study findings provide insight into the potential of hybrid blends to bridge between 100% meat and plant-based options and provide information about promoting hybrid meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live streaming has been widely used by enterprises to motivate consumers in real-time interactions. However, live streamers' corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been overlooked in existing studies. This paper examines the CSR investment strategy for the brand owner and live streamer considering the effect of consumer preference and power structure within live-streaming supply chains (LSSCs). To achieve this objective, we develop different Stackelberg game models to examine CSR investment strategy in an LSSC by focusing on whether either firm can be the LSSC leader or invest in CSR. Additionally, the impact of CSR investment strategy on consumers and both firms of LSSC investing in CSR are analyzed. Our findings reveal that regardless of who the LSSC leader or CSR investor is, CSR investment benefits both LSSC firms, and the LSSC leader (brand owner or live streamer) always benefits more from investing in CSR. However, the LSSC follower investing in CSR benefits consumers. Moreover, either one of the LSSC firms prefers the other firm to invest in CSR when consumer sensitivity is low; otherwise, it prefers investing in CSR by itself. Finally, our research highlights that both firms investing in CSR can achieve win-win outcomes for LSSC members and consumers. These findings provide implications for LSSC firms in CSR investment strategies considering different consumer preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A discrete choice experiment in Kinshasa (DRC) investigated urban consumers' preferences between imports and local options for five staple foods – cassava, rice, maize, sugar and cooking oil – under a random utility model. We also examined how distance, packaging and price influenced consumer choice. To assess whether preferences could be manipulated, we introduced two treatment groups – local, import – and a control group. We did not find support for a preference for imports. Instead, there is a statistically significant preference for local products, with the exception of sugar. Respondents are willing to pay 28% more for local food, a premium quantified at 1540 CF (.93 USD) per kg for maize and 1091CF (.66 USD) per litre for oil. Packaging is an attribute of influence as the willingness to pay (WTP) in full remains positive when products interact with packaging and with price. There is demand for local products for which consumers are willing to pay a premium. Yet, DRC imports 1.5 billion dollars of food yearly with only 10% of its arable land exploited. The increased urban consumption of imports does not signify a bias against local products, but rather points to structural issues undermining local supply. DRC needs to develop local value chains linking rural farmers to urban markets through the transformation of local foods to meet urban needs and to convert the WTP into a producer surplus benefiting rural livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Indonesian Agribusiness / Jurnal Agribisnis Indonesia is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, we study the decision-making and coordination problem of a two-tier fresh food supply chain consisting of a supplier and a retailer. Considering the influencing factors of consumers' information preference, freshness, and misrepresentation, we construct a centralized decision-making model and a decentralized decision-making Stackelberg game model. We also analyze the changes in the equilibrium solution of the supply chain before and after the input of blockchain technology, identify the conditions for the investment in blockchain technology, and design a "cost-sharing + benefit-sharing" combination contract for the coordination of the blockchain. The results are as follows: Firstly, under decentralized decision-making, if the fresh supplier misreports the freshness of the product, it will mislead the retailer to increase the order quantity, and its own profit will rise. Therefore, the fresh supplier has the motivation to misreport freshness. However, the backlog of fresh products will eventually damage the retailer's profit, and the overall profit of the supply chain will also be damaged. Therefore, the increase in the profit of the fresh supplier is at the expense of the overall interests and stability of the supply chain. Second, when the investment cost of blockchain technology is within a certain threshold, it is feasible to invest in blockchain technology. Consumers' preference for traceable fresh products will encourage the fresh supply chain to improve the level of information traceability and increase investment in blockchain technology. Finally, there are double marginal effects in the fresh supply chain under decentralized decision-making. The combined contract of "cost-sharing + revenue-sharing" can coordinate the overall revenue of the supply chain to the level of centralized decision-making. When the contract parameters meet certain conditions, Pareto improvement in revenue can be achieved for all parties involved in the fresh supply chain. The willingness of retailers to invest in blockchain technology will change with the change in contract parameters. When the proportion of retailers' costs and the proportion of shared income are higher, the level of retailers' investment in blockchain technology will decrease. Therefore, the interests of supply chain members need to be balanced in the process of contract coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report evaluates the market prospects for medium- and heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) and battery-electric trucks (BETs) in comparison to diesel trucks in California from 2025 to 2040. It specifically examines the market feasibility challenges facing FCETs and provides updates on technological advancements in fuel cell systems, including projections for future developments. The report presents a comprehensive cost analysis of BETs and FCETs, covering the vehicles and the necessary infrastructure. This includes total cost of ownership (TCO) considerations as well as non-cost factors such as driving range, refueling/recharging times, and their influence on the projected demand for these trucks. In additional, it provides a detailed assessment of infrastructure expenses, comparing the costs of battery-charging facilities for electric trucks with those of hydrogen refueling stations for FCETs. Finally, the study forecasts market shares under various scenarios over the next two decades, accounting for the impact of government incentives, infrastructure availability, and model diversity. The vehicle cost model indicates that fuel cell systems represent a significant portion of the initial cost for FCETs, expected to decrease from 40% to 30% for medium-duty trucks and from 20% for heavy-duty trucks by 2040. Although neither FCETs nor BETs are projected to reach initial cost parity with internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, both are likely to achieve a lower total cost of ownership than diesel trucks due to savings on fuel and maintenance. FCETs are expected to be more competitive than BETs in heavy-duty applications due to faster refueling times, longer ranges, and lower upfront costs. Targeted incentives such as the federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit and the Hybrid and California Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project could help bridge the cost gap between FCETs and diesel trucks in the coming years, but the robust development of hydrogen infrastructure will be essential, particularly in the early stages. FCETs are positioned to lead the heavy-duty sector, and achieving the goals of the California Air Resources Board will require significant advancements in technology, infrastructure, and policy.

In the past few years, lifestyle-related diseases have been increasing, and meat intake has been linked to this increase. Therefore, in recent years, there have been attempts to use soybeans as a substitute for meat. Soybeans exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Therefore, processing foods using soybeans may preserve food quality because the main factors causing food deterioration are oxidation and microbial growth. To verify the quality-retention effect of soybeans, we conducted a sensory test on hamburgers, the quality of which readily deteriorates over time. We investigated the percentage of soybean meat that would be acceptable in a hamburger and quality retention with the addition of different amounts of soybean meat. We found that hamburgers with soybean meat were accepted by more than half of the participants when the soybean meat content was ≤50%. In terms of changes over time in quality-related factors, the L- and b-values (lightness/brightness and yellowness/blueness, respectively) were higher, avalue (redness/greenness) was lower, and pH was higher in hamburgers that contained soybean meat than in those without added soybean meat. Furthermore, an increase in the bacteria count and peroxide content was suppressed in hamburgers containing soybean meat. The results indicate that hamburgers containing soybean meat are of higher quality than those made with 100% animal meat. The use of soybeans as a meat substitute in hamburgers can help mitigate the rise of lifestyle-related diseases linked to high meat consumption.

The combination of meal and wine has always been one of people's pursuits for a better life. The academic community's interest in the study of meal and wine pairing is rapidly growing, but there is still a lack of scientific empirical evidence. For the first time, this study adopted a within-subjects design and used correlation analysis, ANOVA and other methods to explore consumer preferences for taste and Baijiu pairings. Results showed that four typical Baijiu (elegant-flavor Baijiu, chi-flavor Baijiu, strong-flavor Baijiu, and sauceflavor Baijiu) could significantly weaken sweet and sour taste. In addition, strong-flavor Baijiu could weaken bitter taste, while sauce-flavor Baijiu could weaken umami taste. Consumer preferences for different types of Baijiu and taste pairings were significantly different, and preferences were significantly related to taste intensity changes, purchase intention, and recommendation. Four types of Baijiu had the highest preference for pairing with a sour taste, but there were differences in other tastes suitable for different types of Baijiu. In addition to the sour taste, the combinations of chi-flavor Baijiu and elegant-flavor Baijiu with sweet and salty taste were more satisfactory, while strong-flavor Baijiu and sauce-flavor Baijiu were more suitable for sweet and umami taste. In this study, a taste solution was used to induce a basic taste experience and to explore the matching preference between it and different types of Baijiu, which laid the foundation for further research on meal and wine pairing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae presents an inducing potential as a primary raw material in crafting plant‐based seafood alternatives, revolutionizing the landscape of sustainable food production. These microscopic organisms display a rich nutritional profile, presenting an array of nutrients such as essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals comparable to those found in seafood. Their versatile nature allows for the replication of seafood flavors and textures, addressing the sensory aspects crucial to consumer acceptance of substitutes. Furthermore, microalgae cultivation requires minimal land and resources, making it an environmentally friendly and scalable option for meeting the increasing demand for sustainable protein sources. The biochemical diversity within microalgae species provides a wide spectrum of options for developing various seafood substitutes. Moreover, advancements in biotechnology and processing techniques continue to enhance the feasibility and palatability of these alternatives. Modern technologies, such as 3D printing, provide convenient and efficient technological options to reproduce the identical texture properties of seafood. As society gravitates toward eco‐conscious food choices, the exploration of microalgae as a core ingredient in plant‐based seafood alternatives aligns with the quest for ethical, environmentally sustainable, and nutritious food sources. This expanding field holds immense potential for reshaping the future of food by offering appealing, cruelty‐free alternatives while reducing dependence on traditional, unsustainable modes of seafood production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the growing environmental concerns and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) plays a pivotal role in transforming the automotive industry towards sustainability. In China, the promotion of EVs dates back to 2009, and EVs have lower consumer acceptance than conventional fuel vehicles. The large financial subsidies that are frequently employed to encourage the proliferation of EVs are not long-term viable. As a result, it suggests that research into the inherent qualities and features of EVs itself has to be refocused. This study examines consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for EVs' attributes using the choice experiment (CE) method in Shandong, China. The assessed attributes were driving range, seats, battery warranty period, charging time, and price. Finally, the data from 330 valid responses was examined using conditional logit (CL) and mixed logit models (MXL). The results reveal that the most preferred attribute was an extension of the battery warranty duration, which led to a WTP ranging from CNY626,352 to CNY1,141,580 (US$98,485 to US$170,385) among the different models. Furthermore, the outcomes indicate distinct consumer preferences based on gender, age, education, and income. These findings have significant implications for policymakers in developing the EV industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used a survey to investigate the effects of personality, motives, and socioeconomics for drinking hard cider among 3,373 Norwegian respondents in 2023. Wine interest, cultural interest, having a high score on conspicuous attitude, or being female increased the predicted consumption frequencies of hard cider. Scoring high on the taste index, being a conscientious respondent, being older, higher educated, or believing religion is important reduced the predicted frequencies. The estimated effects were compared with the corresponding effects for red, white, and sparkling wines. Cultural interest and wine interest are the main motives for hard cider and all categories of wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis regulatory reform has opened areas for product innovation and entrepreneurship. One dimension that has so far been understudied is the potential for cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) beverages. This study uses double-bounded contingent valuation techniques and parametric and nonparametric estimation procedures to assess consumer demand and willingness to pay (WTP) for various cannabis-infused beverages. By targeting a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, the study finds that roughly half of consumers are willing to try cannabis-infused beverages. Among these respondents, cannabis-infused juices and sweetened iced tea elicit the highest mean WTP, though the WTP for other beverage options varies across demographics and consumer preferences. On average, the mean WTP for THC-infused beverages is 12.5% higher per 12 oz can than its CBD-infused counterpart, and younger consumers are willing to pay more for each of these products. These results have important implications for entrepreneurial decision-making, product development, and marketing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Selçuk University Social Sciences Vocational School is the property of Journal of Selcuk University Social Sciences Vocational School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study conducted a systematic literature review integrating the TCM and ADO frameworks to analyze 46 studies published from 2014 to 2023 on the impact of aging on consumer behavior. The research adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses principles, using data from Scopus, WoS, and ScienceDirect. Results showed an increasing trend in publications focusing primarily on elderly consumers. Analysis revealed that the Theory of Planned Behavior and technology acceptance model are the most frequently used theories, with research concentrated in the United States and China. Common methods included questionnaires, structural equation modeling, and regression analysis. The ADO framework highlighted psychological and individual‐related antecedents as the most discussed. A relationship table categorizing 135 antecedents into five major categories showed a predominantly positive influence of antecedents on decisions and outcomes. Sixty aging‐related antecedents were identified, covering all but product‐related categories. The study identified critical research gaps and proposed future directions, offering insights for policymakers and practitioners to address aging society challenges and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers' perceptions of quality of food products increase their purchasing likelihood. This study provides a framework for exploring consumers' perceptions of food quality for food product development and food marketing strategies by providing vital information related to consumer behavior and food choice. It establishes a method for measuring food quality perceptions through a validated questionnaire. It was found that adult consumers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, perceive intrinsic food characteristics higher than of extrinsic food characteristics. Characteristics related to product safety, nutritional value, and sensory attributes were the most highly valued aspects. Sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status, education, occupation, income, and work/study in the food field were found to affect Saudi consumers' perceptions of food quality. Furthermore, marital status, education, occupation, and income were the major classification factors for perception trends. Food identity and processing, food health prosperity, food safety and presentation, and food sensory attributes were the major qualities perceived by Saudi consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the outbreak and ongoing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, a wave of post-COVID-19 zeitgeist has emerged worldwide. From the perspective of fashion trends, an increasing number of consumers are demanding higher standards of health, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. Over the past 10 years, the integration of technology in clothing has facilitated continuous updates in both functionality and aesthetics. This article aims to explore the relationship between clothing technology and sustainable fashion in the post-COVID-19 era, seeking to enhance the development and innovation of sustainable fashion through the empowerment of clothing technology. This study conducts extensive research on the literature and online case studies, categorizing empowered sustainable fashion technology design cases into six major categories and four directional themes. It introduces an innovative sustainable fashion design assessment model, PCBS (Product, Customer, Business, Society). Subsequently, the knowledge framework is applied in design practice alongside consumer research to validate the system's usability. Furthermore, this research synthesizes and summarizes the methods through which fashion technology can support sustainable fashion in the post-pandemic era. Designers and practitioners can reference these insights for more advanced sustainable design initiatives, thereby promoting a lower-carbon and environmentally friendly system that drives global innovation and development in a sustainable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research efforts have led to development of aquaculture technologies for 20 marine finfish species with potential for commercialization. Successful commercialization of these species will require information on marketing opportunities to complement research on production methods. This study provides a descriptive summary of survey results of consumers in the southeast U.S. region. An online survey of 818 seafood consumers was conducted to elicit information on consumer awareness and familiarity with each of the 20 species, frequency of consumption, importance of various finfish attributes, important sources of information on finfish, and locations where southeast U.S. consumers would be most likely to try a fish that they had never eaten. Results generally suggest a lack of familiarity with the 20 species of interest. Respondents consumed seafood more often at specialty seafood and local restaurants at greater average menu prices than at national chain restaurants. The choice of finfish was reported to be affected primarily by taste and flavor, followed by texture, preparation method (restaurants only), availability, and price. Greater percentages of respondents who had consumed a species of interest reported that they were likely to buy it at restaurants and grocery stores if farmed and offered at a price similar to the fish they consumed most often. Market development for these species will likely require media campaigns that include traditional news and social media to first increase awareness and then provide opportunities for consumers to trial the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on evaluating the effects of beef marination on quality traits and consumer acceptability. In this context, m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum and m. semimembranosus samples (n = 192) were obtained from Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, Charolais, and Limousine bulls and were marinated with milk (pasteurized, 100%), garlic and olive oil (2.35 g/500 mL), and lemon (citrus) juice (31% orange juice, 31% lemon juice, 38% distilled water) for 12, 24, and 72 h. Marinade components were selected based on traditional culinary practices and their scientifically proven effects on meat quality. Beef samples on day 0 and non-marinated samples were used as control groups. Beef color, water holding capacity, pH, cooking loss, and Warner–Bratzler shear force were measured three times for each sample. A taste panel assessment was performed to determine the sensory characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using general linear model (GLM) procedures followed by Tukey's post-hoc comparison. Results revealed that marination time, as well as its two- and three-way interactions, significantly influenced beef quality parameters. These results indicate that the cattle breed is an important factor in evaluating the effectiveness of beef marination applications. The olive oil−garlic marinade was the most preferred by the panel across both types of muscle, as indicated by sensory evaluation results. The findings will not only enrich the scientific literature but also have practical implications for the beef industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food labels and storytelling are marketing tools used by the food industry to highlight and communicate important product characteristics to consumers. By using these tools, food companies can influence consumers' attitudes toward the product and potentially the likelihood of purchase. In the present study, we investigated how storytelling about an innovative and sustainable organic beef production system influenced participants' preference and acceptance of a veal steak product and, further, if some information characteristics were more important than others for consumer satisfaction. Without being aware that the samples were identical, participants (n = 224) tasted two veal steak samples: one steak sample was presented with information about the production system, and the other without information. Results showed that when the steak sample was presented with product information, compared to without information, it received significantly higher hedonic ratings (overall liking, liking of flavor, and liking of texture). This was likewise reflected in a greater preference for the steak sample when presented with product information. Furthermore, product information was found to positively impact the participants' satisfaction with the steak sample regardless of their preference. Overall, our results suggest that the use of storytelling about the innovative and sustainable product system for veal steaks can positively influence consumers' attitudes toward the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the factors influencing the purchasing behaviour and pork quality preferences of 211 consumers in the Cape Metropole District, South Africa. Two-thirds of the participants bought cooked pork from the informal street markets because of affordability (36%), convenience (34%), and price (41%). Most consumers preferred grilled (87%), well done (68%) and bone-in (57%) meat of moderate lean thickness (48%). Cut type (33% of consumers) and taste (52%) were the most important pork quality indicators. Prior to purchasing pork, 70% of consumers performed a safety assessment, mostly based on pork appearance (40%). Two-thirds of consumers indicated their willingness to pay more for safe pork. Marginal effects from logistic regression showed that the likelihood of consumers to assess pork safety was positively influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by gender and education level, while the source of income, income class, and education level positively influenced (P ≤ 0.05) consumers' willingness to pay more for safe pork. Findings suggest that policy and development interventions by the government and municipalities to match quality attributes of pork to the preferences of consumers in the informal urban street markets should target specific sub-groups of the population, particularly females, low-income earners and the less educated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid growing environmental apprehensions, an increasing consumer demographic actively pursues genuine and transparent information traceability, aiming to bolster their commitment to sustainable practices. This study aims to investigate how consumer preferences for traceability, sustainability, and sustainable brand reputation of products influence the optimal decisions and selling quantity strategies adopted by firms operating in heterogeneous smart sustainable supply chains (SSCs). Utilizing both centralized and decentralized scenarios, this research constructs differentiated duopoly models, classifying participating entities as either boundedly rational or naive. Applying a differential game approach for an infinite time horizon, the study assesses the entities' steady optimal decisions as well as the performances of the sustainable product across two scenarios. A cournot duopoly game is employed to examine the selling quantity strategies of differentiated smart SSCs. We leverage various tools for numerical simulations, including 1-D bifurcation diagrams, the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), phase diagrams, and basins of attraction. The outcomes of our investigation underscore the substantial influence of consumer preferences for sustainability and traceability on the transparency of information related to sustainable products. This influence reverberates across manufacturers and suppliers, where brand reputation emerges as a pivotal factor in shaping decision-making processes. Our study meticulously examines the repercussions of the profit-sharing ratio and the adjustment speed of boundedly rational entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensory quality of infant formula (IF) has a significant impact on the preferences and purchasing behavior of maternal consumers. Consumer-based rapid descriptive methods have become popular and are widely preferred over classical methods, but the application of Pivot Profile (PP) in IF is still little explored. In this study, both Pivot Profile (PP) and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) were applied to characterize the sensory profile of 12 batches of one-stage and three-stage IF with different storage periods, respectively, along with consumer preference data to determine the flavors contributing to liking. The results of PP and QDA aligned moderately well, with the most perceptible differences identified as "fishy", "milky", and "T-sweet" attributes. IFs with shorter storage times were highly associated with "milky" aromas and "T-sweet" tastes, whereas IFs with longer storage times exhibited a strong correlation with "fishy" and "oxidation" aromas. External preference analysis highlighted that the occurrence of "fishy" and "oxidation" aromas during prolonged storage periods significantly reduced the consumer preference for IFs. Conversely, the perception of "milky" and "creamy" aromas and "T-sweet" tastes may be critical positive factors influencing consumer preference. This study provided valuable insights and guidance for enhancing the sensory quality and consumer preference of IF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored beer consumers' and producers' perceptions of using local fruit and agroindustrial by-products in brewing. An online survey was conducted in Italy with 496 beer consumers and 54 beer producers. The survey assessed sociodemographic information, consumption behavior, and support for brewery neolocalism, along with brewers' perceptions of the sustainability of their breweries. Findings showed high consumers' involvement in sustainable eating and high support for breweries utilizing local resources and operating in a sustainable way. Breweries rated their sustainability practices as moderate, and most of them considered their efforts in using local raw materials and repurposing by-products as "excellent". Both consumers and producers considered beer made with agroindustrial by-products less tasty than those with local fruit (p < 0.05), but no significant difference in willingness to buy was observed (p > 0.05). According to cluster analysis results, the ideal consumer profile for sustainable beers was characterized by a higher proportion of females prioritizing sustainability and local sourcing over sensory quality. Therefore, using local materials or agroindustrial by-products can align brewers' practices with consumers' preferences, enhancing competitiveness and market positioning by fostering a sense of sustainability and locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples are a healthy and environmentally friendly snack, but the consumption of apples in many countries, including Norway, has decreased in the last fifteen years. This trend has a potential negative impact on public health and the environment. In this paper, we use a consumer survey and a random effect ordered logistic regression model to find out what is most important for people when they buy apples. Ten different values are considered and ranked according to individual's importance. We find that taste and safety are the most important values for the average individual's choice of apples, while the appearance and type of apple rank third. The least important values are wrapping size and regional origin. Everyday apple eaters are more concerned about pesticide use and less concerned about price than the average consumers. Furthermore, compared to the average consumer, those with low levels of trust in apple producers and authorities care more about pesticides and environmentally friendly production methods, while consumers with a high level of trust care less about these aspects. Our results indicate that to increase the consumption of Norwegian apples, it is important to maintain or improve their reputation as being tasty and safe to eat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe primary research findings in the literature about what motivates consumers to purchase organic food items were mapped out in this scoping review. Researchers looked through the databases at ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science to find publications. A search was conducted from 2020 to April 2023. The Scoping review is undertaken to obtain insights on antecedents of organic food consumption among consumers. The pandemic’s effect on mental health, emotional stability, and mood may have an impact on dietary choices and intake. As a result, organic food intake purchase and consumption patterns have increased, and the study focuses on elaborating the motivating elements. Since 1940, the term ‘organic’ has been used in several studies addressing issues related to public health, social issues, food systems, and health. To close this gap and highlight the key trends in the scientific literature on this subject, a scoping study was carried out. The review took 76 studies in all into account. The ultimate result of this scoping review will focus solely on the factors that led people to consume organic food. This will serve as a conclusion for academics, executives, and decision-makers who want to comprehend concerns associated with the use of organic foods better. This review research identified various keywords underpinning the motivations for organic food consumption, and these motivations remain relevant in the post-pandemic era as well. Even though it is difficult to forecast and completely comprehend if the same motives will remain or change as a result of the index of customer changing motivations and satisfaction levels.

AbstractPrevious research suggests the existence of variables that can moderate the influence of country of origin (COO) on consumer preferences for food products. However, there is a scarcity of studies investigating the moderating effect of consumer animosity on the connection between COO attributes and consumer preferences. This study represented an initial attempt to examine consumer preferences for imported fruit from countries involved in disputes with a target country, compared to countries with fewer or no disputes. A choice-based experiment was conducted with 180 respondents in Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta region, using Random Utility Theory (RUT) and the Generalized Multinomial Logit model. The results show significant heterogeneity in consumer preferences for attributes such as COO, traceability label, organic label, and price. However, there is homogeneity in preference for fruit size. Consumer animosity towards a specific country plays a crucial role in shaping choice behavior, as higher animosity leads consumers to prefer the same product from other countries. This study effectively addresses domestic bias by isolating the effects of consumer ethnocentrism, making it a valuable contribution to the field. It also provides practical implications for fruit importers, domestic producers, and retailers in Vietnam by highlighting the importance of different attributes of foreign fruit.