Understanding Consumers Of Food Products

In order for food businesses, scientists and policy makers to develop successful products, services and policies, it is essential that they understand food consumers and how they decide which products to buy. Food consumer behaviour is the result of various factors, including the motivations of different consumers, the attributes of specific foods, and the environment in which food choices occur. Recognising diversity between individual consumers, different stages of life, and different cultural contexts is increasingly important as markets become increasingly diverse and international. The book begins with a comprehensive introduction and analysis of the key drivers of consumer food choices, such as the environment and sensory product features. Part two examines the role of consumers’ attitudes towards quality and marketing, and their views on food preparation and technology. Part three covers cultural and individual differences in food choice as well as addressing potentially influential factors such as age and gender. Important topics such as public health and methods to change consumers’ preferences for unhealthy foods are discussed in part four. The final section concludes with advice on developing coherent safety policies and the consumers’ responsibility for food production and consumption. Understanding consumers of food products is a standard reference for all those in the food industry concerned with product development and regulation. Develop an understanding of buyer behaviour to assist developing successful products Recognise the diversity between consumers and learn how to cater for their needs Covers cultural and individual differences in food choice

This collection reviews the wealth of research in understanding consumer food-purchasing behaviour and what this means for farmers, food manufacturers, retailers and policy makers seeking to produce healthier food in a more sustainable way.

The acceptance and preference of the sensory properties of foods are among the most important criteria determining food choice. Sensory perception and our response to food products, and finally food choice itself, are affected by a myriad of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The pressing question is, how do these factors specifically affect our acceptance and preference for foods, both in and of themselves, and in combination in various contexts, both fundamental and applied? In addition, which factors overall play the largest role in how we perceive and behave towards food in daily life? Finally, how can these factors be utilized to affect our preferences and final acceptance of real food and food products from industrial production and beyond for healthier eating? A closer look at trends in research showcasing the influence that these factors and our senses have on our perception and affective response to food products and our food choices is timely. Thus, in this Special Issue collection “Consumer Preferences and Acceptance of Food Products”, we bring together articles which encompass the wide scope of multidisciplinary research in the space related to the determination of key factors involved linked to fundamental interactions, cross-modal effects in different contexts and eating scenarios, as well as studies that utilize unique study design approaches and methodologies.

Consumer acceptance is the key to successful food products. It is vital, therefore, that product development strategies are consumer-led for food products to be well received. Consumer-led food product development presents an up-to-date review of the latest scientific research and methods in this important area. Part one gives the reader a general introduction to factors affecting consumer food choice. Chapters explore issues such as sensory perception, culture, ethics, attitudes towards innovation and psychobiological mechanisms. Part two analyses methods to understand consumers’ food-related attitudes and how these methods can be effectively used, covering techniques such as means-end chains and the food-related lifestyle approach. The final part of the book addresses a wide variety of methods used for consumer-led product development. Opportunity identification, concept development, difference testing and preference trials are discussed, as well as the use of techniques such as just-about-right scales and partial least squares methods. Written by an array of international experts, Consumer-led food product development is an essential reference for product developers in the food industry. Introduces the factors affecting consumer food choice Explores issues such as sensory perception, culture and ethics Analyses methods to understand food related attitudes

The provision of food for consumers is affected by factors concerned with a variety of disciplines such as technical feasibility, choice and environment. This book explores these factors.

Developing Food Products for Customers with Specific Dietary Needs explains the process for developing foods for customers who have specific dietary needs, further shining a light on the number of increasing medical conditions related to food intake that have emerged in the past few decades. From increased fat and sugar intake leading to higher levels of obesity, to greater levels of coeliac disease, the ingredients and nutritional content of food is becoming more and more important. Additionally, consumers are following particular diets for many different reasons, be it health related, or for religious or moral reasons. The first part of the book looks, in detail, at the organizational structure required within a company to allow for the development of food products which meet the needs of these customers, while the second part presents a number of case studies highlighting the development of food products for various dietary requirements. Precise coverage includes section on the development of low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate products with the aim of producing healthier foods, as well as the development of organic and vegetarian products for consumers who are following diets for personal reasons. The potential solutions for developing foods for customers who have specific dietary needs are likely to include both ingredients and technology developments. The ingredients area includes simple reductions as well as replacement strategies, whilst technology will be applied to both the ingredient itself and the host food product. All are aimed at maintaining the product quality as perceived by the customer. Provides an overview of the organizational structure required within a company to develop foods for specific customer needs Includes section on the development of low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate products with the aim of producing healthier foods Presents case studies that deliver a best practice view on developing foods for customers with specific dietary needs Written by industry professionals, this book offers in-depth coverage of this topic of ever increasing importance to the food industry

Product development, from refining an established product range to developing completely new products, is the lifeblood of the food industry. It is, however, a process fraught with risk, often ending in failure. What are the keys to making the process a success? Based on a wealth of experience gathered over 40 years, Food Product Development provides the answers. After an introductory chapter, the first half of the book considers the four core elements of product development: the overall business strategy which directs product development, the various steps in the product development process itself, the knowledge required to fuel the process and, last but not least, keeping product development focused on consumer needs and aspirations. The second part of the book looks at managing the product development process in practice with four case studies of successful product launches. It also discusses how to evaluate and improve the process to make future product innovation more successful. Filled with examples and practical suggestions, and written by a distinguished team with unrivalled academic and industry expertise, Food Product Development will be an essential guide for R & D and product development staff, and all managers concerned with this key issue throughout the food industry. Mary D. Earle and Richard L. Earle are both Professors Emeritus in Massey University, New Zealand. Mary Earle is a pioneer in product development research, and both she and her husband have worked with industry on numerous product development projects. Allan M. Anderson is Chief Executive of the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute, the central R & D organisation for the New Zealand dairy industry, and has extensive experience of managing successful product development projects.

A unique insight into the decision-making and food consumption of the European consumer. The volume is essential reading for those involved in product development, market research and consumer science in food and agro industries and academic research. It brings together experts from different disciplines in order to address the fundamental issues related to predicting food choice, consumer behavior and societal trust in quality and safety regulatory systems. The importance of the social and psychological context and the cross-cultural differences and how they influence food choice are also covered in great detail.