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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Food".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 81671

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Manuela Vega-Zamora

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Guest Editor

Business Management, Marketing and Sociology Department, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: marketing; agri-food marketing; olive oils; consumer behavior; organic olive oil; organic foods; green marketing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

At this time, competition in the markets is highly intense, and the food market is no exception. In addition, consumers are increasingly demanding new functions in food, apart from the function of sustenance. In this context and considering that consumers play a very important role in the success of products, several key issues present themselves: knowing consumers’ behavior; knowing their interests in food; and understanding their attitudes, perceptions, motivations, and preferences towards food. This increased consumer knowledge will enable strategies to be designed and decisions to be made more effectively, not only to respond to consumer demands from a business point of view, but also, from a public policy point of view, to support new products and guide consumers towards food choices that lead to more sustainable consumption patterns.

Therefore, this Special Issue is focused mainly on collecting research papers on consumer behavior towards food in general. By its nature, this also involves papers about market research. More specifically, but not exclusively, the main topics of this Special Issue are as follows: consumer behavior towards food products; motivational studies of food consumers; food attitudes; market research; food choice studies of environment, health, biodiversity, organic, or any other attributes; differences (geographical, cultural, or individual) in perception and preferences towards food products; and acceptance of new food products.

Prof. Dr. Manuela Vega-Zamora
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Consumer behavior
Marketing
Motivations and barriers to consumption
Food attitudes
Market research
Food choice
Perceptions and preferences
Acceptance of food products

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 3984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Food Development Perspectives in Latvia: A Value-Oriented View

by Kaspars Naglis-Liepa, Liga Paula, Lana Janmere, Dace Kaufmane and Liga Proskina

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052589 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2889

Abstract

The role of local food products in the food system of West European countries tends to increase. Currently, the economic aspects of food in most of the western world are no longer dominant in decision-making, and consumers are willing to pay more for prosocial food. The present research examines support for prosocial food among consumers in Latvia. A consumer survey conducted in Latvia (n = 1000) revealed attitudes and behavior in relation to: (a) food and shopping convenience values; (b) economic values; (c) prosocial values of food consumption (local and environmental friendly food). The purpose of the survey was to make quantitative measurements that reveal the main trends in the society of Latvia and what values are important for consumers, depending on their family status, level of education, place of residence and income level. The scientific discourse reveals that more support for prosocial food is observed among higher-income households living in a city which have children and higher education. Surprisingly, the research results did not confirm this. Although the support of this consumer segment for such food is relatively high, it is lower than that of other consumers. Perhaps the explanation should be sought in the broader context of life values, e.g., sentimental feelings caused by travel rather than belongingness to a particular place; or, it is possible that hedonism prevails in the awareness of social and ecological reality and each person’s responsibility for it, which could be further research problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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20 pages, 4812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beef Consumers Behaviour and Preferences—The Case of Portugal

by Teresa Paiva, Telma A. Jacinto, Mafalda Cruz Sarraguça and Paula Coutinho

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2358; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042358 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3026

Abstract

Meat consumption is estimated to increase worldwide, mostly because of the increase in population. Further, this increase in meat consumption will ultimately affect the environment and aggravate climate change. Herein, consumers’ behaviour was studied to understand if consumers would consider a change in their dietary habits by choosing beef from the Portuguese autochthonous bovine breed or even reducing their meat intake for environmental reasons. In 2021, a survey was conducted online and in some food sales outlets in Portugal. Therefore, data collected from the 491 participants were analysed with the aim of assessing the Portuguese consumer behaviour and preferences on beef. Firstly, we conducted a descriptive analysis. Then, factor analysis was performed by principal component analysis. Finally, by cluster analysis, we attempted to identify a group of consumers with different behaviours into specific categories. Although it was not possible to segregate consumers into different categories, most of the respondents agree that meat consumption harms the environment; however, just 30.6% are willing to reduce meat consumption due to environmental reasons. As for the concerns for animal welfare, respondents between the age of 23 and 49 years seem to have a greater concern towards animal welfare. To value autochthonous bovine Jarmelista meat, it is fundamental to implement a concerted communication between suppliers and producers to value Jarmelista beef. Furthermore, it is also important that regional governmental institutions support local producers not only for financial support but also to create strategies to protect the breed from extinction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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13 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Neophobia among Brazilian Children: Prevalence and Questionnaire Score Development

by Priscila Claudino de Almeida, Ivana Aragão Lira Vasconcelos, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Eduardo Yoshio Nakano, António Raposo, Heesup Han, Luis Araya-Castillo, Antonio Ariza-Montes and Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020975 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3010

Abstract

This study aims to create and validate a score to classify food neophobia among Brazilian children (from the ages of 4 to 11 years) and investigate the prevalence of food neophobia. This descriptive cross-sectional population-based study is conducted following three steps: (i) the application of an instrument to identify food neophobia in Brazilian children by their caregivers; (ii) the instrument’s score definition; and (iii) the evaluation and characterization of the national prevalence of food neophobia among Brazilian children. The scores were categorized into three levels, based on the tertial approximation: low, moderate, and high. The study had 1112 participants, and the prevalence of high food neophobia was observed in 33.4% of Brazilian children. The prevalence of food neophobia allowed us to identify this behavior in Brazilian children and better understand the population. Boys were significantly more neophobic than girls. The general neophobia score and domains did not significantly differ between Brazilian regions and age groups. It is worrying that food neophobia did not decrease with advancing age. The score for the complete instrument with 25 items, or the 3 domains, makes its use practical. It can be used to assess neophobia with more caution, evaluate the most neophobic children, and enable more targeted professional interventions to promote healthier and sustainable eating habits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

18 pages, 600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intake of Animal-Based Foods and Consumer Behaviour towards Organic Food: The Case of Nepal

by Mausam Budhathoki and Sujita Pandey

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12795; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212795 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4854

Abstract

This study aims to segment Nepalese consumers based on the frequency of animal-based food intake and thereby the determinants of organic food purchasing behaviour to suggest possible marketing strategies for organic food suppliers. A face-to-face survey was conducted among Nepalese consumers (n = 527), underpinned by the theoretical framework, ‘theory of planned behaviour (TPB)’, and extended to include: knowledge, environmental concerns, health-consciousness, and background factors (socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics). Three segments of consumer types were identified by employing k-means segmentation: All Low (n = 113), High Dairy (n = 246), and High Dairy and Meat (n = 168). A covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) analysis indicated that perceived behavioural control (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) was the main predictor of organic food purchasing intention, followed by attitude (β = 0.302, p < 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.300, p < 0.001), knowledge (β = 0.211, p < 0.001), and environmental concerns (β = 0.208, p < 0.001). Health-consciousness (β = −0.034, p = 0.374) showed no significant impact on organic food purchasing intention. Organic food purchasing intention had a strong positive impact on organic food purchasing behaviour. Socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were found to impact behavioural intention indirectly by their effects on attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, knowledge, and environmental concern. Income also had a direct impact on organic food purchasing behaviour. Further, consumers with a low intake of animal-based foods held positive attitudes towards organic food and had higher environmental concerns. The findings can be used to inform organic food producers and targeted marketing campaigns towards promoting organic food purchasing behaviour in Nepal and similar countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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17 pages, 3365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tunisian Consumer Quality Perception and Preferences for Dairy Products: Do Health and Sustainability Matter?

by Meriem Zlaoui, Mohamed Zied Dhraief, Boubaker Dhehibi and Mourad Rekik

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10892; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910892 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3627

Abstract

Consumer awareness about dairy quality increased in the last years, specifically after recent food incidents worldwide (aflatoxin contamination in Europe, 2013, E. coli outbreak in the USA, 2015). In Tunisia, food security and sustainability are at the center of agricultural and food strategies. Therefore, data collected from a face-to-face survey of 214 participants in three cities of Tunisia were analyzed with the aim to identify the general trends of dairy consumption in Tunisia. A factor analysis was conducted to define the way consumers perceive the concept of dairy quality with regards to health and sustainability perceptions. Then, by means of cluster analysis we explore the existence of specific consumer types in relation to dairy quality perceptions, with clear-cut and statistically solid socio-demographic and behavioral profile. Three consumer types were highlighted to evaluate dairy quality, based on different quality dimensions, such as health and sustainability, experience, visible quality, brand name, price and innovation. The results show the emergence of a specific segment of young and older consumers, more educated, and with health and sustainability concerns toward dairy quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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17 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Successful Is Origin Labeling in a Developing Country Context? Moroccan Consumers’ Preferences toward Local Products

by Fatima Lambarraa-Lehnhardt, Rico Ihle and Hajar Elyoubi

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8433; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158433 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3367

Abstract

The Green Moroccan Plan (GMP) is a national long-term strategy launched by the Moroccan government to support the agricultural sector as the main driver of social and economic development. The GMP involves a labeling strategy based on geographical indications, aimed at protecting and promoting the marketing of locally produced food specialties and linking their specific qualities and reputations to their domestic production region. We evaluated the success of this policy by comparing consumers’ attitudes and preferences toward a local product having a geographical indication label to one without. We conducted a survey of 500 consumers in main Moroccan cities. The potential consumer set for the local product was found to be segmented, indicating the potential for a domestic niche of environmentally aware consumers preferring organically and sustainably produced food. We applied the analytical hierarchy process to prioritize the attributes of the commodities of interest, which underscores the importance of the origin when choosing a local product without origin labeling; for the labeled product, intrinsic quality attributes are considered to be more important. These findings demonstrate the limited promotion of the established origin labeling in the domestic market. Hence, we recommend that the Moroccan government reinforce the labeling scheme with an organic label to increase the market potential of the environmentally aware consumers by ensuring sustainable production of local products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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22 pages, 3874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Household Food Consumption and Wastage during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: A Comparison between Peru and Brazil

by Mirza Marvel Cequea, Jessika Milagros Vásquez Neyra, Valentina Gomes Haensel Schmitt and Marcos Ferasso

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7583; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147583 - 7 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5856

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a major global challenge. In Latin America, both Brazil and Peru reported the highest levels of impact in terms of proportional infection and death rates. Within this context, this study sought to compare food consumption and wastage patterns in Peruvian and Brazilian households. For these purposes, the authors conducted a quantitative research study based on a self-reported online survey submitted during the pandemic outbreak. Results revealed that the intention of reducing food wastage and implementing leftover management routines are related to the economic value of wasted food. In addition, in both countries, shopping lists are used as planning elements, and food purchases are influenced by on-sale products. Leftover management is also similar in both countries, and the expiration date on the label is the most commonly used criterion for consuming or discarding food items. Nevertheless, within the framework of the health and economic crisis generated, opportunities for change toward the adoption of smarter and more sustainable purchasing behaviors are emerging for both households and companies, in addition to giving equal importance to environmental, social, and economic benefits. This research study provided insights into food consumption and food wastage behaviors in times of crisis, such as a pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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22 pages, 1570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Sustainable Private Labels in an Autonomous Community during COVID-19—Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Perception on the Example of Tenerife

by Maksymilian Czeczotko, Hanna Górska-Warsewicz, Wacław Laskowski and Barbara Rostecka

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7467; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137467 - 4 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3821

Abstract

Our study aimed to analyze consumer behavior and perception towards private labels (PLs) in Tenerife as an autonomous community during COVID-19, with special attention given to sustainability aspects. The research was conducted on a sample of 500 adults purchasing PLs using quota selection and the CAWI method. We formulated four research questions related to factors of PL choice, the relationship between frequency of PL purchases, consumers’ age and income, perceived changes in PLs, and evaluation of PL products including sustainability. The latter research question referred to such product characteristics as local and environmentally friendly production, organic production, and production according to traditional technologies using only natural ingredients. For a detailed analysis of consumer behavior, we used Pearson’s chi-square test, the rho-Spearman correlation coefficient, and cluster analysis. The most important factors for purchasing PL products were lower prices compared to leading brands, attachment to a given chain, and the feeling of safety and trust in PL products. The frequency of purchase of PL food products, except for alcohol, significantly negatively correlates with age, which means that the purchase of PLs from the analyzed product categories decreases with age. The increased availability and improved image and quality of PLs were identified as the most important changes in PLs. PL food products were rated by consumers as fresh, minimally processed and with quality certificates. Environmentally friendly production methods, nutritional value, and origin from an area close to home were also indicated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

22 pages, 1132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Brazilian Consumers Relate to Chocolate Brands? Validity and Reliability Evidence of the Chocolate Brands Relationship Scale

by Gisela Demo, Karla Coura, Fernanda Scussel and Graziela Azevedo

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105635 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3536

Abstract

Although the chocolate market has become increasingly larger and more competitive, no diagnostic measures were found to evaluate relationship marketing from customer perspectives in this very attractive market in the B2C context. Thus, the main purpose of this paper is to obtain validity evidence for the Chocolate Brands Relationship Scale (CBR Scale), a scientific instrument that enables the identification and measurement of the prime aspects perceived by chocolate brands’ customers as relevant in their relationship with such brands. Additionally, we tested the influence of the relationship, evaluated from the validated CBR Scale, with the chocolate consumers’ satisfaction. We conducted a survey with 523 Brazilian consumers, and data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The CBR Scale is composed of 21 items divided into three factors: Brand Trust, Shopping Experience and Perceived Quality. As theoretical implications, we produce a valid and reliable operational measure, offering a useful starting point from which further theoretical and empirical research of customer relationship management, branding strategies, brand loyalty, and brand experience in the chocolate market can be built. Managerially, the CBR Scale is a valid instrument for practitioners and managers in the chocolate sector to access customers, establishing and developing long-term relationships with them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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15 pages, 999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intentions to Consume Sustainably Produced Fish: The Moderator Effects of Involvement and Environmental Awareness

by Kåre Skallerud, John Armbrecht and Ho Huy Tuu

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020946 - 18 Jan 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3822

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to apply the conceptual framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain the consumption of sustainable produced fish in Sweden. We seek to understand the moderating role of food product involvement and environmental awareness as extensions of traditional constructs such as attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control. The data were derived from a representative sample of 1974 Swedish consumers. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the relationships between constructs and evaluate the reliability and the validity of the constructs. Attitudes had a significantly positive effect on intention to consume fish in general and sustainably produced fish in particular. Social norms had significantly positive effect on intention to consume fish in general, but no effect on intention to consume sustainably produced fish. Behavioral control had no effect on behavioral intention. Interestingly, involvement negatively moderated the effect of attitudes on both intention to consume more fish and to consume more sustainably produced fish. Environmental awareness also negatively moderated the effect of attitudes on intention to consume more sustainably produced fish. It seems that attempts to create food product involvement and environmental awareness among consumers may have the opposite effect—a boomerang effect—than what conventional wisdom and much of the research on fish consumption indicates. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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8 pages, 226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting the Absence of Pesticides through Product Labels: The Role of Showing a Specific Description of the Harmful Effects, Environmental Attitude, and Familiarity with Pesticides

by Pablo Farías

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8912; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218912 - 27 Oct 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2908

Abstract

Few studies have analyzed the mechanisms of how environmental labels influence consumers’ perception and consequent behavior. The present study puts forth specific questions of how pesticide-free products should be promoted through product labels. Data were collected via controlled experimentation. The results demonstrate that pesticide-free labels with specific information on the harmful effects of pesticides have a more positive impact on perceived value and purchase intention relative to pesticide-free labels with a general description of the harmful effects of pesticides. The results also show that the positive effects of promoting the absence of pesticides through product labels on perceived quality, perceived value, and purchase intention are stronger among individuals who are high in environmental attitude and familiarity with pesticides. Policymakers, producers, and retailers could use these findings for better decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

Review

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18 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chocolate Consumption and Purchasing Behaviour Review: Research Issues and Insights for Future Research

by Margherita Del Prete and Antonella Samoggia

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5586; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145586 - 11 Jul 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 39258

Abstract

Chocolate is consumed all over the world. Since its origin, it has undergone many transformations to meet changing market demand. A better understanding of consumer behaviour is a key objective of any business, and so it is for chocolate businesses. In order to fulfil this aim, the current study presents a systematic literature review of consumers’ consumption and purchasing behaviour towards cocoa and chocolate. Two databases have been used to collect the literature: Scopus and Web of Science. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram was used to identify the articles through the process of data screening and extractions. A total of sixty-four scientific articles have been selected. Research topics, methodological approach and data collection method were identified for each article selected. Then, the identified topics were grouped into four categories in order to obtain a model of major determinants in chocolate consumption: personal preferences, product attributes, socio-demographic factors and economic attributes. Results show that there is a strong focus on Fair Trade in chocolate. Moreover, the current literature review supports the fact that the price and promotion are under-investigated issues. This research represents a valuable tool, especially from a marketing point of view, by creating new channels and new sales opportunities for chocolate products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumers’ Preferences and Food Products)

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