scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "British Food Journal in 2012"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors extend the literature through the combination of a novel approach and unique dataset of US consumers, and address the relationship between demographic traits and the likelihood of buyi...
Abstract: Purpose – The organic trade literature in the USA makes strong claims about the relationship between income, ethnicity, and other factors and the likelihood of purchasing organic food products. However, previous economic research focusing on the socio‐economic characteristics of organic food consumers yields mixed findings. One explanation for the literature's inconsistent findings is that most studies rely on one specific product or one region of the country, or base their analysis on data collected from in‐store surveys. Another shortcoming in the existing literature is the failure to account for how access to organic food influences the likelihood of buying organic food. This paper's goal is to identify what is known, as well as what is not known, about consumers of organic food.Design/methodology/approach – The paper extends the literature through the combination of a novel approach and unique dataset of US consumers, and addresses the relationship between demographic traits and the likelihood of buyi...

143 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the underexplored niche market potential of craft beer, especially as it relates to independent food and beverage operations, as a means of gaining competitive advantage.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the underexplored niche market potential of craft beer, especially as it may relate to independent food and beverage operations, as a means of gaining competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through the distribution of a survey instrument to craft beer and home brewers, designed to assess the demographic profile, purchasing/restaurant selection, and decision behavior of this group and assess the likelihood of their future behavioral intentions toward continued participation in the craft beer segment.Findings – The paper reveals that craft beer and micro brew pub success has been driven by the home brew movement and continues to gain market share at the expense of broad line food service and macro beer producers. The demographic profile of this group shows age range, income, and educational levels sufficient to drive continued growth. The high satisfaction and likelihood to recommend scores support this assessment.Research li...

140 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the attitudinal inconsistency among Taiwanese consumers toward organic agriculture/food, and its relationship to their willingness to pay a premium and purchase for organic product.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to examine the attitudinal inconsistency among Taiwanese consumers toward organic agriculture/food, and its relationship to their willingness to pay a premium and purchase for organic product.Design/methodology/approach – A telephone survey consisting of 913 households was made to reach an estimated 3.3 percent sampling error with 95 percent confidence level.Findings – It was found that those who were female, who had higher occupation prestige, who had college education levels, who were aged in their 40s, and who possessed an optimistic opinion toward the necessity of organic farming tend to pay a premium for and buy organic food. The majority of Taiwanese respondents showed a high level of concern about pesticides but a low trust in organic food, which revealed an attitudinal inconsistency toward organic agriculture/food. A multiple discriminant analysis with a moderating variable shows that consumers' trust in organic food and their pesticide concern jointly explain the respond...

111 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a questionnaire was designed with the aim of analysing and defining tourists' opinions of Cordoba's cuisine, and the questionnaire was filled out by a random sample of tourists in one of ten different restaurants.
Abstract: Purpose – Gastronomy has become one of the key factors in the development and promotion of tourism, and offers the opportunity for certain locations to become specialised in culinary tourism. This paper aims to analyse the kind of tourist whose reason for travelling to a certain destination is to enjoy the local cuisine. In this case, the destination is Cordoba (Spain).Design/methodology/approach – A list of restaurants and eating establishments offering dishes typical of Cordoba was compiled. A questionnaire was designed with the aim of analysing and defining tourists' opinions of Cordoba's cuisine. This questionnaire was filled out by a random sample of tourists in one of ten different restaurants. Of these ten establishments, four were classified as restaurants, three as tabernas, and three as a mixture of both restaurant and taberna. In each restaurant, the questionnaire was distributed randomly among Spanish and foreign tourists in the city on a daily basis. A total of 213 questionnaires was obtained...

104 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Ulla Lehtinen1
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present how sustainability as a concept supports the use of locally-sourced food in public catering, and the issues that arise from that policy objective and their implications for suppliers and purchasers.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of the paper is to present how sustainability as a concept supports the use of locally‐sourced food in public catering, and the issues that arise from that policy objective and their implications for suppliers and purchasers.Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper explains the characteristics of local food chains and the concept of sustainability based on a literature review. It then outlines the stages of the food procurement process in public food catering in Finland, focussing on the delivery of potatoes from a local producer to a public caterer providing school meals. The case study identifies the dimensions of sustainability.Findings – First, the criteria defining sustainability remain unclear. Second, to overcome the cost disadvantages brought about by its small‐scale production and high delivery costs, locally‐sourced food should add some extra value. Short food supply chains have advantages over long ones, however, they are not sustainable per se.Research limitations/impli...

96 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the levels of knowledge and consumption of organic tomatoes in Spain, and their influence in consumer willingness to pay for this type of food using the Hanemann model.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze the levels of knowledge and consumption of organic tomatoes in Spain, and their influence in consumer willingness to pay for this type of food.Design/methodology/approach – The data used in this work come from a survey of 361 Spanish consumers. The paper analyzes the levels of consumption and the knowledge of organic foods, proposing a contingent valuation exercise for organic tomatoes. The Hanemann model is used to estimate the average and maximum willingness to pay for this product. A multivariate logit model was calculated, with different starting prices and variables derived from a cluster analysis of consumers.Findings – Three distinct groups of consumers were identified, and their willingness to pay for organic tomatoes was modeled using contingent valuation. The results clearly show a generalized lack of knowledge of organic products and the confusion caused by the proliferation of labels. A clear relationship was also observed between consumers' le...

95 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a single item question, "I try to buy a lot of locally produced food" was included in the food section of a New Zealand consumer lifestyle survey for which 3,556 responses were collected.
Abstract: Purpose – Changing consumption patterns have led to a number of transformations throughout the food cycle, and understanding how and why people purchase local food is important. This paper aims to examine the characteristics of the people leading this phenomenon: those that prefer to buy locally produced food.Design/methodology/approach – In order to explore the characteristics of local food purchasers, a single item question, “I try to buy a lot of locally produced food”, was included in the food section of a New Zealand consumer lifestyles survey for which 3,556 responses were collected. The full survey included 600 questions across the full attitude, interest and opinion schedule.Findings – For people who express a strong intention to purchase local food, this behaviour is linked to the types of food they eat (e.g. unprocessed foods), where they buy it (e.g. at speciality stores), and how they cook it (e.g. follow recipes). A range of personality and other personal characteristics differ between local ...

95 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the importance of the organic attribute for wine in relation to other attributes and to identify the most important determinants as far as the consumption of organic wine is concerned is concerned.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance of the “organic” attribute for wine in relation to other attributes and to identify the most important determinants as far as the consumption of organic wine is concerned.Design/methodology/approach – A survey based on interviews with 404 Swiss wine drinkers was conducted. The data were evaluated by means of conjoint and regression analyses.Findings – The “organic” attribute was more important than the colour of the wine but less important than the price and the country of origin, foreign French wine being preferred to local Swiss wine. Urban and female consumers were relatively likely to consume organic wine, as were consumers who perceive organic wine as being healthy.Practical implications – Marketing for organic wine in well‐developed markets should focus on the argument of image and health. Urban female consumers are the most important target group.Originality/value – The paper presents the first results on the important attributes fo...

94 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: While the introduction of a mandatory EU logo for organic food was generally welcomed in all countries, trust in the logo was not as high as it should be and recommendations for agrarian decision makers and market actors in the organic sector are given.
Abstract: Purpose – In July 2010, a mandatory European Union (EU) logo for organic food was introduced to strengthen the organic sector by making the identification of organic products easier for consumers. The present study aims to analyse how consumers in five EU countries view a mandatory EU logo for organic food and to give recommendations for agrarian decision makers and market actors in the organic sector.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive picture of consumer views. Focus group discussions were conducted with consumers in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the UK. A subsequent survey with 2,042 participants was carried out to quantify consumer views on key issues and analyse country differences. Finally, the results of the qualitative and quantitative study were brought together.Findings – While the introduction of a mandatory EU logo for organic food was generally welcomed in all countries, trust in...

76 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the market orientation and marketing management capabilities of SMEs that produce traditional food products, by identifying their critical points in marketing activities, using a self-administered internet survey and multivariate analyses.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the market orientation and the marketing management capabilities of SMEs that produce traditional food products, by identifying their critical points in marketing activities.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical framework of this analysis relates to market orientation approach. Marketing management capability was evaluated through a questionnaire using proxies to study the different stages of marketing management. The survey involved 150 firms of which 118 are SMEs producing traditional food products, located in Hungary, Belgium, and Italy. The data were collected by a self‐administered internet survey and were analysed using multivariate analyses.Findings – Cluster analysis resulted in four clusters with different marketing management capabilities. Most of the SMEs in the sample lack marketing management capabilities, even if a considerable proportion of the firms considered report good marketing capabilities that lead to a market orientation. Th...

73 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Depending on the respondents' gender, a statistically significant difference was found between male and female participants on total food safety knowledge, attitude and practice scores (p<0.001).
Abstract: Purpose – The number of reported food‐borne illnesses has increased recently in the world. In this respect, this study is carried out with the aim of investigating the food safety knowledge, attitude and food handling practices of university students in Turkey.Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were applied to 1,340 people volunteered in the study, regarding their knowledge, attitude and practices. The research data was collected through a face‐to‐face questionnaire. An overall number of 1,340 university students from three different institutions were included in this study. Gender distribution was 54.6 per cent for male while that of female was 45.4 per cent, and age range was between 18‐24 years.Findings – Depending on the respondents' gender, a statistically significant difference was found between male and female participants on total food safety knowledge, attitude and practice scores (p<0.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between students' institutes (p<0....

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide insights into the range of innovations in food sector SMEs, and demonstrate the way in which managers classify their innovations on the basis of Francis and Bessant's classification of innovations into the following four types: product, process, position, and paradigm.
Abstract: Purpose – This article aims to offer insights into the range of innovations in food sector SMEs, and demonstrate the way in which managers classify their innovations on the basis of Francis and Bessant's classification of innovations into the following four types: product, process, position, and paradigm.Design/methodology/approach – As part of a larger questionnaire‐based survey on innovation in food sector SMEs, respondents were asked to provide examples of their recent innovations and to categorise them as product, process, position, or paradigm innovations.Findings – Food sector SMEs offered a wide range of examples of innovation. They were able to classify their innovations into product, process, position or paradigm innovations. Further, there is evidence that food sector SMEs are engaged in a range of innovation types, although a greater number of examples were offered for product innovation than for other types of innovation. Additionally, there is evidence of overlap and complementariness between...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The paper shows that the familial motivations for home cooking go beyond concerns for health or home economy and would benefit from further exploration.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore parents' and teens' perspectives on the significance of being able to cook.Design/methodology/approach – In this qualitative study, 22 families participated in in‐depth interviews that explored their perspectives on food in the family and the significance of being able to cook. The sample was socio‐economically diverse and drew from one urban and one rural community in British Columbia, Canada.Findings – The main themes from participants' descriptions of the significance of home cooking were that home cooking gave families control over their food supply, helped them to connect to others, enabled them to explore their own and others' food cultures and, in the case of teens, become more independent.Research limitations/implications – The paper shows that the familial motivations for home cooking go beyond concerns for health or home economy and would benefit from further exploration.Practical implications – For food producers and retailers, cooking instructors, ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored differences in wine preferences between Generation Y and older cohorts in the USA and found that Generation Y attach more importance to attributes such as "I read about it" and "Grape variety" compared to older cohorts.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore differences in wine preferences between Generation Y and older cohorts in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 260 US consumers participated in a web‐based survey that took place in April 2010. The best‐worst scaling method was applied measuring the level of importance given by participants to a list of most common attributes used in choice of wine. Independent sample t‐tests were applied to compare the best‐worst scores between Generation Y and older cohorts.Findings – Differences were found in the level of importance that Generation Y gives to wine attributes in comparison to older cohorts. Generation Y was found to attach more importance to attributes such as “Someone recommended it”, “Attractive front label” and “Promotional display in‐store”, whereas older cohorts gave more importance to attributes such as “I read about it” and “Grape variety”. This suggests that Generation Y preferences for wine are driven by marketing added‐value activit...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the impact of the Fair Trade label on the market for coffee in Sweden, a country with high public awareness regarding environmental and social matters, and found that consumers paid a considerable premium of 38 percent to be paid for Fair Trade labelled coffee.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to investigate the impact of the Fair Trade label on the market for coffee in Sweden, a country with high public awareness regarding environmental and social matters.Design/methodology/approach – A revealed preference approach is adopted, using weekly scanner sales panel data made available by Nielsen and the Swedish Retail Institute (HUI). The pricing of labelled coffee is studied over the 2005‐2008 period. Hedonic estimates are obtained for what consumers pay for different product characteristics.Findings – Results point to a considerable premium of 38 percent to be paid for Fair Trade labelled coffee in Sweden, underlining high public awareness reflected in the retailers' pricing policy. This estimate is clearly higher than numbers obtained in earlier studies focusing on Italy and the UK.Originality/value – The study provides information on the existing price differences between labelled and conventional coffee. Its main contribution is the analysis of previously unavailable d...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors aim to identify and analyse potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods through a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyse using frequencies, descriptive statistics, chi squared test, principal components analysis, t-tests and a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify and analyse potential Vietnamese consumers' perceptions of organic foods.Design/methodology/approach – A deductive approach of reasoning was employed to address the positivism research philosophy through the survey research strategy. Quantitative data were collected from 264 potential Vietnamese consumers through a self‐administered structured questionnaire and analysed using frequencies, descriptive statistics, chi squared test, principal components analysis, t‐tests and a Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test.Findings – Potential Vietnamese consumers' willingness to purchase organic foods was linked positively to health and safety whilst the females appreciated their nutritional value. Environmental and sustainability concerns did not influence purchasing decisions. Because of their perceived superior quality, potential Vietnamese consumers were not price sensitive towards organic foods.Research limitations/implications – This study lacks the qualitative depth and the employment ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the principal constructs which most influence the consumer's decision to purchase honey in a retail store, based on the ways in which honey was consumed within the household, cluster analysis was utilized to group the respondents into meaningful segments.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore the factors impacting and influencing the consumer's decision to purchase honey in a retail store.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from shopping mall intercepts in Perth, Western Australia, using a structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the principal constructs which most influence the consumer's decision to purchase. On the basis of the ways in which honey was consumed within the household, cluster analysis was utilised to group the respondents into meaningful segments.Findings – In Perth, Western Australia, honey is primarily consumed as a spread or a sweetener on breakfast cereals and porridge. However, honey is also used as a marinade, in cakes and cookies and as a beverage. According to the way in which honey is consumed in the household, five clusters were identified. In purchasing honey from a retail store, exploratory factor analysis revealed three principal constructs which were most influential in the consu...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors modeled Chinese consumers' purchase intentions for imported soy-based dietary supplements (DS) based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the health belief model (HBM).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to model Chinese consumers' purchase intentions for imported soy‐based dietary supplements (DS) based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the health belief model (HBM). The central hypotheses for this study are that purchase intentions of Chinese DS consumers are a result of attitudes toward using DS, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Health value and perceived susceptibility to illness, as well as product knowledge and marketer distrust, are integrated into the model.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 251 consumers in Shanghai, China. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.Findings – The TPB model is effective in predicting Chinese consumers' imported soy‐based DS purchase intentions. Attitudes toward using soy‐based DS, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control have significant influences on purchase intention. Perceived behavioral control also plays an important role in the formation of atti...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A comprehensive overview of multiple functions of sunflower seeds including their nutritional and nutraceutical benefits is provided, supporting that some of these foods, as part of an overall healthful diet, have the potential to delay the onset of many age‐related diseases.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of multiple functions of sunflower seeds including their nutritional and nutraceutical benefits.Design/methodology/approach – The literature review is of the chemical composition of sunflower seeds, their health benefits and their utilization in different products.Findings – “We are what we eat.” All living creatures need to take in nutrients to live. Nutrients provide energy for processes in the body and can promote growth, maintenance and repair. The classes of nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Sunflower seeds are a good source of all these nutrients. Plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, oil crops and whole grains contain many components that are beneficial to human health. Research supports that some of these foods, as part of an overall healthful diet, have the potential to delay the onset of many age‐related diseases.Research limitations/implications – Currently available information on su...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a dual response choice experiment (DRCE) design was used to analyze consumer preferences toward fresh rabbit meat and obstacles and interest in consuming the product, and the results demonstrate a higher preference for rabbit meat from "Catalan" origin followed by higher quality certification information.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to analyze consumer preferences toward fresh rabbit meat and obstacles and interest in consuming the product.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the dual response choice experiment (DRCE) design which allows for analyzing forced and unforced options in choice experiments using the same sample. The heteroscedastic extreme‐value (HEV) model is used due to its relaxation of the restrictive assumption made in the multinomial logit model regarding the identically distributed error term across alternatives. The empirical analysis uses consumer‐level questionnaires to elicit information regarding consumer attitudes toward rabbit meat in Catalonia (Spain).Findings – The results demonstrate a higher preference for rabbit meat from “Catalan” origin followed by higher quality certification information. Convenience and “ready‐to‐eat” products made from rabbit meat may help bolster increased consumption. An effective communication campaign is needed to educate individuals regarding ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a regulatory assessment approach is used to assess the potential of Chinese aquatic products to regain international acceptance of aquatic products. But, the findings are that increased government oversight alone is not likely to lead to a fully effective food safety system for aquatic products, and that the development of private sector-based incentives to encourage investment in food safety is an essential co-requisite to increased government supervision.
Abstract: Purpose – The rapid transition from a command to market‐based economy in China has required the development of a food safety system for aquatic products where one did not previously exist. The pace of change has meant that food safety systems have struggled to keep up. In 2007 food safety incidents damaged the reputation of aquatic products in export markets. The Chinese Government has moved quickly to strengthen the safety regime for aquatic products. The purpose of this paper is to assess these initiatives in the context of their potential to regain international acceptance of Chinese aquatic products.Design/methodology/approach – A regulatory assessment approach is used.Findings – The findings are that increased government oversight alone is not likely to lead to a fully effective food safety system for aquatic products. The development of private sector‐based incentives to encourage investment in food safety is an essential co‐requisite to increased government oversight if China's access to internatio...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the most important attributes that the consumer uses in the process of choosing wine, which can then be used by wine producing companies in marketing strategies, and the two main attributes that condition consumers in choosing wine are previous tasting and region of origin.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to identify the most important attributes that the consumer uses in the process of choosing wine, which can then be used by wine‐producing companies in marketing strategies.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consisted of a survey of 421 wine consumers using the best‐worst scaling methodology. Various consumer segmentations were made by gender, income and age groups.Findings – The two main attributes that condition consumers in choosing wine are previous tasting and region of origin. The latter attribute is valued mainly by women and in general by consumers over 34 years old who have a net monthly family income above €1,500. The previously tasted attribute, which on many occasions is associated with the price attribute, is valued basically by men and particularly by younger consumers and those with lower incomes.Practical implications – It must be pointed out that in the short term the basic strategy of wine‐producing enterprises from any given region of origin is to co...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The nature and extent of foodborne diseases in India due to chemical and microbial agents is reviewed and a national foodborne disease surveillance system needs to be developed in India to enable effective detection, control and prevention of foodbourne disease outbreaks.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the nature and extent of foodborne diseases in India due to chemical and microbial agents.Design/methodology/approach – The scientific investigations/reports on outbreak of foodborne diseases in India for the past 29 (1980‐2009) years due to adulteration, chemical, and microbiological contamination have been reviewed. Reported scientific information on foodborne pathogens detected and quantified in Indian foods has also been reviewed.Findings – A total of 37 outbreaks involving 3,485 persons who have been affected due to food poisoning have been reported in India. Although the common forms of foodborne diseases are those due to bacterial contamination of foods, however, higher numbers of deaths have been observed due to chemical contaminants in foods.Originality/value – A national foodborne disease surveillance system needs to be developed in India in order to enable effective detection, control and prevention of foodborne disease outbreaks.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined consumer attitudes towards apple juice produced by means of two new processing technologies, high pressure processing (HPP) and pulsed electric field processing (PEF).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer attitudes towards apple juice produced by means of two new processing technologies, high‐pressure processing (HPP) and pulsed electric field processing (PEF).Design/methodology/approach – Means‐end chain approach is used. Laddering interviews are conducted with consumers in Norway, Denmark, Hungary and Slovakia.Findings – Consumers in this study did recognize and appreciate the benefits that HPP and PEF apple juice have to offer over a juice produced by pasteurization. The respondents in all four countries associated positive consequences with product attributes related to the nutritional value and the taste of the products produced by means of these novel technologies. Also the environmental benefits from processing foods by applying these technologies were seen as highly positive characteristics of the technologies. However, many respondents also expressed some scepticism, especially towards the PEF treated juice and were unsure about if there w...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report the results of a survey of over 300 face-to-face interviews with shoppers of Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury, three major supermarkets in the UK.
Abstract: Purpose – The primary purpose is to examine the factors that affect the use of nutritional facts, nutrient content claims and health claims on food label use in the United Kingdom.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports the results of a survey of over 300 face‐to‐face interviews with shoppers of Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury – three of the major supermarkets in the UK.Findings – Product class involvement factors, individual characteristics, health‐related factors (nutritional knowledge, health locus of control, perceived need of dietary change), situational, attitudinal and behavioral factors were found to be significant factors affecting the use of nutritional information and nutritional and health claims on food labeling. While the use of nutritional information and health claims increases with the stated importance of “nutrition” and “family preferences”, it is less likely among shoppers for whom “taste” is an important driver of food purchasing behaviour. There is also evidence of mistrust in ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the factors that are important for the selection of restaurants and also to identify the cultural or regional differences in consumer behaviours amongst student customers in relation to international fast food restaurants.
Abstract: Purpose – There are different factors that affect customers' experiences at restaurants, and this could lead towards the selection or rejection of a fast food restaurant. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the factors that are important for the selection of restaurants and also to identify the cultural or regional differences in consumer behaviours amongst student customers in relation to international fast food restaurants.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 447 questionnaires were randomly distributed among university students of three cities. Data analysis was done in SPSS Version 17. Important factors were identified by factor analysis and ANOVA was used to measure the differences (among cities).Findings – According to the findings, customers considered price, variety of food, promotional deals and timely service as the important factors for the selection of fast food restaurants. Different factors were found in different cities. This implies that the choice and selection criteria of...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a desktop study of recent outbreaks and recalls that have occurred in the USA and EU was undertaken with a view to determining the produce items implicated and factors causing the emergence of outbreaks, with particular emphasis on the contributing factors that lead to farm-based safety breakdowns.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper is intended to be the first in a series addressing food safety in the fresh produce chain, with particular emphasis on the contributing factors that lead to farm‐based safety breakdowns.Design/methodology/approach – A desktop study of recent outbreaks and recalls that have occurred in the USA and EU was undertaken with a view to determining the produce items implicated and factors causing the emergence of outbreaks. The question “A call for HACCP on farms?” is explored.Findings – Minimally processed fresh‐cut produce represents a particular challenge to food safety. The research has highlighted the need to mitigate risk at all stages but with specific emphasis at the pre‐farm gate stage. A more comprehensive and integrated approach to risk management is arguably needed. A call for HACCP on the farm or farm food safety management system may be warranted in future if fresh produce outbreaks continue to rise. However, further research is needed to establish the guidelines of HACCP adopti...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a consumer risk coping framework incorporating marketing strategies was successfully developed to test the impact of brand and quality assurance, price reduction, availability in all stores and endorsement from an independent organization.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the incorporation of marketing elements into consumer risk coping strategies affects consumer purchase decision during periods of food safety concern.Design/methodology/approach – This research used a structured questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 216 respondents. By using logistic regression, a consumer risk coping framework incorporating marketing strategies was successfully developed to test the impact of brand and quality assurance, price reduction, availability in all stores and endorsement from an independent organization, which may not act alone but combine with each other during food purchase.Findings – The research confirms that consumers adopt risk coping strategies in time of food risk concern and their coping strategies include marketing elements such as brand and quality assurance, price reduction, availability in all stores and endorsement from an independent organization.Practical implications – The framework helps mark...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, managers of processing SME suppliers in Italian and Swiss food innovation networks experience their relationships with innovation network partners and how they configure modes of interaction with them, and they describe how SME managers in the two regions perceive the nature of interaction as well as benefits and disadvantages resulting from asymmetric relationships within networked innovation process.
Abstract: Purpose – In innovation networks, SMEs' capability to innovate is both enhanced and restricted by more powerful or better positioned partners. The purpose of this article is to ask how managers of processing SME suppliers in Italian and Swiss food innovation networks experience their relationships with innovation network partners and how they configure modes of interaction with them.Design/methodology/approach – A series of problem centered interviews with managers of six Swiss and five Italian food sector SMEs was conducted.Findings – Findings describe how SME managers in the two regions perceive the nature of interaction as well as benefits and disadvantages resulting from asymmetric relationships within networked innovation process. Differences in the perception frame and their impact on behavior in innovation networks are analyzed.Research limitations/implications – The data are only valid for the food sector in the two regional markets. Furthermore, this paper only displays the perspective of manager...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the attitudes and behaviour of the hospitality sector, in the south east of Ireland, with regard to direct selling relationships with primary food suppliers are explored, and the motivations and challenges for hospitality practitioners in developing and maintaining direct relationships with the primary suppliers are discussed.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to explore the attitudes and behaviour of the hospitality sector, in the south east of Ireland, with regard to direct selling relationships with primary food suppliers. The paper also presents the motivations and challenges for hospitality practitioners in developing and maintaining direct relationships with primary suppliers.Design/methodology/approach – In order to enable the collection of information about both behaviour and attitudes in regard to direct supply relationships, a multi‐stage survey approach is used. This involves a questionnaire followed by a structured focus group; this dual approach seeks to provide opportunity for a richer dataset and also enables some triangulation of data so as to optimise the validity and reliability of the study.Findings – The paper gives an initial picture of the level and types of supply relationships in the hospitality sector and makes clear that there is scope for a more strategic approach to supply chain management across the sector...