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CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Exposé: Bachelor Thesis
Consumer preferences for eco-labels on seafood products – An empirical study of
consumer choice and the influence of eco-labels with regard to wild and farmed
seafood
Katharina Lange
BA – English and American Culture and Business Studies
Universität Kassel
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Abstract:
Do consumers have preferences towards the specific eco-label that comes with a
seafood product or are other factors relevant for their choice? The research
conducted within the scope of this bachelor’s thesis, investigates consumer
preferences of a variety of eco-labels pleading for and supporting ecologically friendly
and sustainable production and process methods of seafood and aims to find out
how these preferences occur. It is assumed that consumers do have label-specific
preferences which will be dissected in the course of the study. Based on previous
findings of influencing factors of consumer preferences towards green products and
eco-labels, the underlying influences for consumer preferences of eco-labels on
seafood products and their formation will be investigated by conducting an online
survey in the form of a choice-based conjoint-analysis (CBCA). This method enables
participants to choose between alternatives and find out more about interrelating
factors. Results indicate that label-specific preferences can be attributed to
consumers’ propensity to buy wild fish rather than farmed fish but that the gap in-
between wild and farmed seafood can be minimized when additionally the product is
organic. The results can help businesses to find more effective ways to improve and
market their products and may be used for further research in this field. Moreover,
labeling organizations can benefit from the insights and make labels more
comprehensive for possible customers.
Keywords: Eco-labels, sustainable seafood, consumer behavior, consumer
preferences,
green consumption
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Introduction:
According to the European Commission (2009), one of the major challenges of
today’s society is to keep the economy growing while being less demanding of the
environment by developing sustainable and efficient production methods that are less
wasteful and more eco-friendly.
Due to the rising awareness of the detrimental effects that selfish consumption
patterns can have on our social and ecological environment, the topic of
sustainability and ecological as well as ethical consumption have been becoming
inevitable over the past years and are a major issue that today’s society and
economy have to address and deal with.
Climate change, environmental pollution and destruction, dubious and unfair
labor conditions, overfished seas, etc. are all concomitants of unsustainable
consumption that are caused and intensified by consumers all around the globe. For
a long time, the majority of consumers did not necessarily place a great deal of
importance on the issue of sustainability and ecological as well as ethical aspects of
consumption. The availability and cost of purchased goods, for example, are often
their main concerns. Additionally, being able to consume products independent of the
season or country of origin, has become a convenience for many. Yet, many
products contain material or are produced under circumstances which are hazardous
to the environment and support production and process methods that are wasteful,
unethical and anti-social.
While modern technology makes it possible to spread news via a variety of
tools, information has never been as accessible and reached recipients as rapidly as
today. People have the ability to gather information about topics they are interested
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
in, instead of merely relying on news agencies to provide them with input. Therefore
news can go viral at a much higher speed and reach a wider audience than ever
before.
Since, quite frequently, over the past years, more and more private or public
institutions, public characters, and individuals etc. have appealed to the general
public as well as businesses worldwide, to reassess their consumption patterns and
production methods, as some of them have been heavily criticized, the awareness of
these and similar issues has increased. In fact, the growing amount of information
revealed about these concerns and possible future threats have spawned the
urgency to act and have motivated consumers to take the impact of their
irresponsible consumption patterns into consideration, question their behavior and
adopt more social, sustainable, and ethical lifestyles.
Hence, green and ethical products have been penetrating the market. While
during the 1960s this was found to be rather peculiar, over the past decades it has
become apparent that the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products has
been shifting towards a broader consumer segment and has now reached the
general market (Wenzel et al. 2008). In fact, collected data show that the majority of
respondents are willing to purchase greener products (O’Rourke & Ringer 2015) and
Gu et al. (2014) point out that “[…] there is a growing trend to incorporate socially
responsible considerations into purchasing decisions” (p.1)..
In order to market green products, companies utilize specific marketing tools
that inform buyers about the product’s effect on the environment. Eco-labels, which
are seals attached to the product that indicate its origin or contribution to
sustainability, are one marketing method that I will take a closer look at in the course
of this work.
Especially the problem of overfishing and its impacts on ocean health, causing
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
depletion of fish-stocks and degradation of marine biodiversity and marine eco-
systems, is an issue that requires invariable attention. Not only because the well-
being of marine life is at stake but also because this problem reaches much further,
threatening not only the environment but also the ever growing world population
which exerts an enormous amount of pressure on it. With this in mind, I will
investigate the effects of eco-labels on consumers.
In the following I will establish a framework that, given the issue of
unsustainable seafood production, will be based on explanations and concepts of
ecological consumer behavior with regard to the strategy of eco-labeling and its
impacts on consumer choice.
Consumerism/ Consumer behavior:
Consumerism is the driving force of a capitalistic economy, “a moral doctrine in
developed countries”, or “an ideology of conspicuous consumption” (Dermody, 2011,
p.86) some might even say. But this “narcissistic, nihilistic” (p.86) behavior has
undergone changes.
Statistics suggest that most of the witnessed ecological side effects such as
climate change and environmental pollution are caused by humans (Dermody 2011,
p.85), more specifically, unsustainable consumption patterns. The rising awareness
of these issues among consumers and increased information intake have therefore
acted as initiators of the trend towards green and sustainable consumerism (it has
also been named ‘ethical- or green political consumerism’ e.g by Boström &
Klintman, 2008).
The terms can be used interchangeably and denominate consumer behavior that
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
aims at consuming products that are less harmful to the environment than
conventional products and generally the notion of adopting more pro-social and
environmental consumption patterns (Pinto et al. 2014; Connolly & Pothero, 2008).
‘Green consumers’ are people who are “aware of [their] obligation[s] to protect the
environment by selectively purchasing green products or services” (Roy 2011,
p.193). These consumers are concerned about the impacts of their consumption on
the environment and society and are therefore considerate of making responsible
buying decisions (Gu et al. 2014). Hansen and Schrader (2004) suggest that the
reachability of a sustainable development is highly dependent on the sustainability of
consumption. It is also said that green consumers still act in order to satisfy their
universal needs but that ecological and social, instead of conventional, motives now
additionally play a role for purchasing goods (Hansen & Schrader, 2004, p.342;
Ottmann 2011). Nevertheless, inconsistencies of whether the labeled product is
purchased due to “altruistic” or “selfish” reasons (Michaud, Llerena, & Joly,
2013,p.313) prevail. Michaud et al. (2013) argue that both, private and public factors
motivate a consumer’s choice.
The way people think and act has a direct influence on their own consumption
behavior and surroundings. But it goes further. Not only do consumers’ choices
influence their direct environment, entire supply-chains and economies are affected
which subsequently leads back to the consumer. In fact, according to Hansen and
Schrader (2004) the green consumer takes different roles at the same time – buyer,
user, and recycler. By adopting these roles the consumer determines the extent of
sustainable development (p.342 f.). Dermody (2011) summarizes: “Consumers act as
interpretive agents who, in creating meaning from their consumerism, play,
individually and collectively, within a spectrum ranging from acceptance to
(pseudo)rejection of the dominant identity and lifestyle images conveyed by
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
advertising and mass media, and for many, are willingly seduced by these images”
(p.87).
In short, consumers follow the behavior of what the majority is doing and are thereby
influenced by the media. This shows that consumers play a central and crucial role in
the buying process.
The role of businesses:
Corporate actions follow general objectives that companies establish as a
framework to operate and take them into account when considering various tools and
strategic methods to make decisions (Decker, Kroll, Meißner, & Wagner, 2015).
Therefore, businesses and manufacturers as well can be held accountable for
negative environmental impacts such as climate change or the enormous waste of
resources, dubious labor conditions, or irresponsible production methods etc. if their
goals do not involve environmental aspects. For companies, ecological and economic
goals are harder to stipulate and some fear that pursuing one might interfere with and
inhibit others, for example losing profits due to additional costs connected to using
alternative sustainable resources, making innovations, and efforts to allow traceability
of their sourced products and material. The relative importance companies assign to
their goals can thus lead them to neglect those that seem to be less important.
However, the increasing demand for greener products poses a crucial task to
businesses and manufacturers alike. Today, more than ever, consumers tend to
question their own consumption behavior, due to the rising awareness of negative
ecological effects. Therefore, instead of thoughtlessly buying products that merely
serve the function of satisfying basic needs, modern consumers demand more of the
product they buy. They specifically look for attributes like transparency along supply
chains, fair labor conditions, sustainability and eco-friendliness. Therefore, corporate
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
actions have to entail more than just promising the largest profit or the biggest market
share to a company. While these factors are still important, as they keep companies
alive and liquid, listening and responding to consumers’ wishes is just as pivotal.
Mansvelt (2010) underlines that “[m]uch of the visible work of shaping green
consumerism is undertaken by agents (everything from firms to charities, activist
groups, and individuals) keen to reveal the connections between producers and
consumers by focusing on the material connection along commodity chains and
networks, and in linking the symbolic meaning of commodity production and
consumption to notions of knowledge, ethicality, fairness, and transparency” (ix).
The role of marketing/ Green marketing:
The role that marketing takes with regard to green consumption is
indispensible. As Decker et al. (2015) point out, strategic marketing aims at
implementing a company’s business plan with a target-oriented approach. This
includes using market opportunities with the consideration of a company’s resources
and goals to be met. Green marketing specializes on promoting products that reduce
negative impacts on the environment and communicate company sustainable actions
(Schroth, Helfer & Gonshorek 2011). Ottman (2011) points out that green marketing
can provide “far-reaching business opportunities” (p.15) and says that these practices
not only improve a company’s image but can consequently pledge higher profits and
“enhance corporate equity” (p.18) while doing good to the society and environment.
Especially with regard to sensitive topics such as environmental impacts,
corporate reputation, identity and company image are crucial attributes for a
company as customers use this knowledge to help make their decisions about
alternating products (Falkenreck, 2010). Falkenreck (2010) emphasizes that “image
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
is able to replace the missing information about a product if the brand is known”
(pp.31-32). These interrelating attributes can add to a company’s perceived
trustworthiness and be valuable for companies who want to keep their customers and
address new ones.
Today, customers are much more sensitive and amenable to any kind of news.
Thanks to modern technology and social media, news are spreading faster and
further which makes companies all the more susceptible to negative reputations. With
the help of marketing strategies, they can build a positive, authentic and sustainable
image that will set them apart from other competitors.
Therefore businesses and marketers alike have to design comprehensive and
effective methods that will give consumers the information they need in order for
them to make more conscious buying decisions that will not only make them active
participants in embracing a sustainable lifestyle but will also help businesses to
emerge in sustainable practices and thus relieve the environment, improve working
conditions and make consumption more thoughtful. In response to the eco-
movement, producers and companies have adapted their strategies towards more
sustainable products and corporate actions.
Overfishing:
A topic that has been occurring frequently in the media lately is the issue of
overfishing, meaning that fish stocks are exploited to an unacceptable level (Good,
2011) which is only one of a whole chain of negative side effects of human impact on
marine life. Furthermore, it leads to depletion of resources, degraded water quality
and destruction of biomass (Good, 2011).
Seafood is an important food resource and belongs to “one of the most traded
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
food commodit[ies] worldwide” (FAO 2014b; p.46). Therefore it does not merely serve
the function of nourishing people but also depicts a major benefit for entire
economies. Its significant role is further depicted in data collected by the FAO (Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). According to them, fish and
fishery product exports made up for $136 billion in 2013 (2014b, p.47).
Yet, with the world population continuously growing further, even more people
depend on ocean resources with already “three billion people rely[ing] on fish as a
major resource of protein” (The Living Blue Planet Report, 2015; p.2) and for more
than 200 million people the whole industry behind is their source of livelihood
(http://www.un.org). This additionally exhausts the diminishing resources by putting
even more pressure on them.
The WWF’s Living Blue Planet Report (2015) points to the alarming state of ocean
health and marine bio-diversity due to human impact. Not only has it been found that
between 1970 and 2012 a 49% decline of marine vertebrates took place, but with it a
general decline in the marine ecosystem (p.6). Many species are endangered with
the main threats being exploitation of fish populations, habitat degradation and
climate change (p.7). But overfishing is not the only issue. Since oceans are highly
interactive ecosystems, changes affect it entirely. Coral reefs and other habitats
which not only nourish marine life, are shrinking and therefore directly affect water
quality, and entire regions which largely depend on the social, cultural and economic
value that derives from them (p.12). (FAO 2014b) Statistics show that between 1972
and 2012 frozen fish production for human consumption has increased from 38% to
55% of the total production amount (p.43). According to FAO statistics 79.7 million
tons of marine catch were produced in 2012 worldwide (p.37). Additionally a total of
almost 29% of fish stocks were characterized as overfished (p.37) and that “In 2012,
more than 86 percent (136 million tons) of world fish production was utilized for direct
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
human consumption” (p.42).
The impacts of the production of fish products and its effects on the
environment are also manifested in the increasing role these issues play with regard
to consumer choices (Good, 2011). The rising awareness of consumers regarding
overfishing and negative environmental effects due to fishing methods has procured
a movement towards sustainable seafood which aims at a production that neither
threatens fish stock existence nor marine biomass by regulating harvesting methods
(Good, 2011)
Hence, due to this movement and the request for transparency of product
ingredients, origins, PPMs and impacts on the environment, the amount of eco-labels
on product packaging has been growing rapidly in recent years. In fact, various
environmental and non-profit organizations as well as consumer protection agencies
have been trying to promote transparency and raise consumers’ awareness of
purchasing goods by using labeling-strategies.
Eco-labeling:
Eco-labeling on product packaging confirms the efforts producers and
companies make with respect to sustainable actions such as reducing their
ecological footprint by indicating production steps, assuring that workers work under
fair labor conditions and receive appropriate compensation or that goods are
resourced from renewable primary products, etc. In addition to that, eco-labels
support consumers’ decision making of ‘green products’ (Thogersen et al. 2010) In
order to attain certificates and with them the eligibility to use certain eco-labels, many
manufacturers undergo certification processes. These entail third parties to assess
the methods and actions of manufacturers according to predetermined standards of
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
the respective certifying agency (Watson & Andrews, 2011, p. 48).
Boström and Klintman (2011) define ‘green labeling’ (p.27) as a source of
information for consumers, and a political instrument alike but at the same time point
out that they also serve as an “eco-standard” or an “involuntary rule” (p.27). Eco-
labels such as the Fairtrade logo, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and
especially the Bio label (indicating organically sourced goods) are well established on
the market. However, the present dissertation will focus on a selection of labels
designated for seafood products.
Using the technique of eco-labeling for seafood products depicts a crucial
marketing tool for consumers and businesses alike. According to Market Imperfection
Theory, consumer’s lack of available information of product-specific attributes causes
market imperfections that can be reduced (but not eliminated) by providing product-
specific information (Wagner, 2009, p.1076). Eco-labeling is a method of information
provision that can rectify or at least minimize this problem to some extent. But the
technique is not only beneficial for consumers, the resulting implications for farmers
and suppliers that have to adhere to strict regulations that apply once certification is
granted, may help maintain seafood production at its current levels while focusing on
sustainable actions and alleviate stock-extinction and threatening of the ecosystem
(Good, 2011).
As consumers especially focus their attention on information that corresponds
with their believes (Falkenreck, 2010), eco-labeling systems may be used to not only
influence their buying decision towards products of companies that seem to be more
reputable and trustworthy, but also by companies to promote their benevolent
endeavors and use labels of the respective organization which approved their
sustainable actions on their packages. Falkenreck (2010) suggests that based on the
corporate actions individuals observe and depending on the relative importance they
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
ascribe to it, they form opinions about the company’s “trustworthiness, reliability,
[and] social responsibility, […]” (p.22) which builds corporate reputation. To raise
consumer’s awareness, eco-labeling can be a helpful tool. Even though certification
is a voluntary process and it can be time-as well as cost consuming, businesses
found that, in order to maintain and attract new customers, they have to consider new
developments and adapt to their demands. As Deere (1999) puts it: “Eco-labeling
schemes are increasingly perceived as a way simultaneously to maintain the
productivity and economic value of fisheries while providing incentives for improved
fisheries management and the conservation of marine biodiversity” (p.3).
As Nilsson, Tuncer and Thidell (2004) prove, it depends exclusively on
consumer’s trust whether labeling schemes are accepted or not. Moreover, Boström
and Klintman (2011) underline that consumers simply do not have the ability to
overlook entire supply chains and that therefore the uncertainty about what we
actually consume persists when eating food. The consumer cannot see whether a
product has been treated with preservatives or how, for example, seafood was
caught. This information is mainly brought to them by consumer-protection agencies
who look into these circumstances. The resulting uncertainty and mistrust towards
producers is their main problem. Hence, this is where eco-labels take effect – at the
interface between consumers’ abilities and confusing market processes. While
substituting consumers’ senses and knowledge, “they [eco-labels] provide us with
‘mediated transparency’” (Boström & Klintman, 2011, p.7).
According to the Ecolabel Index, over 99 eco-labels are active in Germany.
However, the abundance and proliferation of eco-labels make it difficult for
consumers to keep track of all the information given to them with these specific labels
and cause confusion, lack of trust and can lead them to ignore seals entirely. Yet, in
order for eco-labels to work, consumers need to be aware of them and have
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
information about what they entail. Consumers who cannot dissect the information
they are presented, fail to process the input and are not responsive to the respective
label.
Therefore, I will examine three eco-labels designated to indicate sustainable
seafood products and their influence on consumer choice. While, over the past years,
and especially because of the urgency of the matter, various domains of the
influences of seafood eco-labels have been researched, I will focus my attention
mainly on consumer preferences for specific seafood labels. The insights will help
gain valuable information about consumer behavior and the effectiveness of labels in
this field. Additionally, the results may be able to support further research in similar
domains on the one hand, but also be meaningful for companies and marketers on
the other, so that they can develop new approaches and improve their strategies that
will reach a broader audience and help consumers make more conscious and
informed buying decisions that will at the same time support social and ecological
endeavors.
In order to establish a basic understanding for the labels to be dealt with, I will
first shortly introduce the organizations operating behind them, their main goals and
their approaches until I will reveal the composition of my study and the methodology I
will use to test my hypotheses.
MSC-label:
The most well-known label within the seafood spectrum is the label of the
Marine Stewardship Council. Initiated by the WWF and Unilever in 1997 but
operating independently since 1999, the organization has the goal to eliminate
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
overfishing, keeping oceans healthy, and enhance bio-diversity while maintaining and
supporting a sustainable productivity (www.msc.org). The organization exclusively
focuses on wild fisheries that adhere to the MSC’s certification standards. As of 2015,
278 fisheries have been certified and together they make up for 10 per cent of the
wild caught seafood in the world (www.msc.org). Worldwide, almost 30 000 products
are MSC-labeled – with 4139 in Germany. In order to meet their goals, according to
their website: www.msc.org, three basic principles are established that potential
certified fisheries have to meet.
1. Sustainable fish stocks
2. Minimizing environmental impact
3. Effective management
A fully detailed process description can be found on the MSC website.
Even though the MSC’s attempts seem clear, they have been criticized in the
past. They were accused of not being transparent enough, lack of traceability, and
allowing certification of industrial fisheries. Furthermore, Gulbrandsen (2009) lists that
the majority of their certified fisheries show similarities in their structure and are
situated in developed countries. However, most of the world’s fisheries do not fit in
this scheme.
ASC-label:
The ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) – label is the equivalent to the
MSC-label with the distinction that it certifies sustainable farmed fish caught from
aquaculture. The non-profit organization is comparably young and was founded by
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
the WWF and IDH (Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative) in 2010 (www.asc-aqua.org).
They focus on certifying responsible farmed seafood and aim to establish
environmental and social integrity.
Aquaculture takes on a special role in the seafood industry. According to data
collected by the United Nations, aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector among
animal food production (http://www.un.org). In fact, statistics of the FAO reveal that in
2012, the production of farmed fish reached an all-time high with 90.4 million tons
(FAO 2014b, p.18) and 58 per cent of the fish consumed is sourced from aquaculture
(The Living Blue Planet Report 2015). Since the world population is steadily growing,
wild resources become scarce and oceans are overfished to an alarming extent.
Sustainable aquaculture has the opportunity to satisfy the demand and help relieve
the severe pressure on depleting fish stocks. However, aquaculture has often been
heavily criticized for its irresponsible production methods and negative impacts on the
environment, such as depletion of ecosystems, aquatic pollution and reduction of
climate change resilience in coastal areas. Moreover, it has been connected to
disease-outbreaks among various species. Therefore, many people are skeptical
towards it. (The Living Blue Planet Report 2015, p.29).
Yet, the relatively novel implementation of the ASC certification could be a
solution, as fisheries who attain certification commit to a variety of standards to
maintain and improve and therefore support healthier ways of farmed fish production
that do not impair the environment and the animals as much.
Nevertheless, even though both labels have been criticized, it is necessary to
acknowledge their efforts to finding a solution for overfishing and thereby protecting
the environment and society so that future generations have access the same
resources as current ones. It is with certainty that there are loopholes to close and
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
other irregularities to fix but given the relative short amount of time these
organizations have been active, they have to be given credit for their commitment.
And even though there is disagreement about the impact and the effectiveness labels
have, it has helped raise awareness about multiple ecological issues.
Organic seafood label
The organic label (Bio-Siegel) is yet another protected eco-label used to
indicate organic production or aquaculture of goods. Producers who want to put the
label on their products have to go through a certification process in order to attain
eligibility. With the consumer trust that derives from the organic label, the certifiers
aim to establish a more positively regarded alternative to conventional aquaculture.
The use of the organic label for aquaculture has been implemented in 2009
and can increasingly be seen on product packaging of seafood.
(https://www.oekolandbau.de/erzeuger/tierhaltung/artspezifische-
anforderungen/aquakultur/). Intensive livestock farming and its severe negative
impacts on animal health, water quality and marine habitats has put aquaculture into
a bad position for somewhat aware consumers and therefore suffers from its
reputation
Previous Research:
Previous research dealt with a variety of aspects relevant to consumption of
products endued with seafood eco-labels. In the following I will summarize the most
important and striking findings. Since consumer behavior is such a fundamental field
with regard to this topic, I will additionally include selected studies that will help to
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
understand consumer choice and the exerting influences. Then I will provide an
extended literature review that will be essential for my further research of the topic.
The different studies conducted can be categorized into different content
groups – Consumer-specific and product-specific. Moreover, within these groups,
sub-groups can be dissected. While some findings overlap, others differ due to
different research methods and main focuses and therefore give an incentive to look
closer into them.
A significant amount of studies focused mainly on consumer specific
characteristics influential to consumer choice regarding eco-labels, such as the level
of consumer involvement or awareness of the matter and the information consumers
have, the influence of trust of the certifying agency, but also socio-economic, as well
as demographic factors. Others researched product-specific influences on consumer
choice. This entails e.g. the price, fish-species, package design, the degree of
processing, country-of-origin, the harvesting method etc.
However, all studies agree that in order for eco-labels to work, consumer
recognition is imperative and they must be aware of the issues addressed with them.
Deere (1999), sets the premises for eco-labeling schemes that they all share. He
points out that consumer’s buying behavior is not only focused on price quality and
health standards but that it also underlies product-specific characteristics that can be
connected to environmental, ecological, economic and social objectives (p.4).
Wessels, Johnston and Donath (1999) found that consumer acceptance of seafood-
ecolabels may be influenced by the following variables: species characteristics of the
fish, consumer preference indicators, demographics and trust in certifying agency
(p.1087) but also point out that in order to support sustainable fishing, they actually
have to purchase seafood and be aware of the background of labeling. In line with
that, Brécard et al. (2009) emphasize that the more information about the
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circumstances and effects of seafood harvesting and production consumers have,
the higher their demand for eco labels on fish products (p.121).
Vanhonacker, Altintzoglou, Luten and Verbeke (2011) found in a study with
data collected in Norway, Belgium and Spain, that regarding the catching method of
seafood, consumers who buy wild caught fish have high involvement and subjective
knowledge while the contrary applies for consumers who buy farmed fish. They also
state that irrespective of the catching method of seafood, country-of-origin seems to
have no impact on the buying decision. Contrary to this Carlucci, Nocella, Devitiis,
Viscecchia, Bimbo and Nardone (2015) published an extensive review of the most
striking studies concerned with consumer behavior and fish consumption in order to
organize the heterogeneous findings. They summarize that “characteristics of fish
that emerged as the most relevant for consumers are the following: country of origin,
production method, preserving method, product development, packaging, and eco-
labeling” (p.223). Brécard et al.’s (2009) investigations confirm these findings.
Brécard, Hlamimi, Lucas and Perraudeau (2009) researched the potential
factors influencing the perceptions of European consumers with regard to eco labels
on environmentally friendly caught seafood. They tested the variables: intrinsic
motivation, information, localization and socio economic factors. The results show
that it is a combination of all of the above and that the notion of pricing is the most
important purchase factor but also prove that significant connections between the
ecological component and consumer behavior occur. Furthermore, their account
confirms their assumption about consumer-specific characteristics stating that "the
typical 'green fish consumer' is a young woman, well educated, well informed on the
state of marine resources and not very trusting of the regulation of the fisheries"
(p.115) and that eco-sensitive consumers who are interested in marine resource
preservation have the same characteristic disposition.
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As the method of aquaculture has been a contentious topic lately, Mauracher
et al. (2012) have devoted their research to organic aquaculture, pointing out the
beneficial implications for the ever growing world population and the need to find
innovative ways that approach this problem. They examine consumer’s willingness-
to-pay (WTP) for organic farmed fish and whether they would be apt to pay a
premium price. The researchers tested respondents’ attitudes towards organic fish
products and their preferences of organic production methods. The four attributes
tested in this study are: geographic origin, size, production method and price.
Findings show that indeed, like other studies found (Carlucci et al. 2015; Brécard et
al. 2009), geographic origin has a strong impact on consumer choice, as it also
supports local economy if production takes place in the home country or even region.
Indicating COO and production place on the product may help producers gain a
premium price and be an effective communication strategy in promoting organic
aquaculture.
Kole et al. (2008) investigated the effects of indicating product information on
cod fish on consumer’s perception of the product. Product type, price, freshness and
the advantages of fish farming were found to have an influence on product
evaluation. The product (cod) was evaluated less favorable when indicating farming
advantages. Wild cod was evaluated more favorably when indicating the capture
method and was preferred over the unlabeled kind. In a real-life experiment the
researchers found evidence that confirmed that the farmed kind was perceived
negatively compared to wild catch.
Claret et al. (2012) conducted an exploratory study investigating the extent of
influential factors (COO, obtaining method, storage conditions, and purchasing price)
on consumer perceptions during the decision making process in buying sea fish. In
line with other findings, COO is indeed the most relevant attribute with the others
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
being a little less relevant.
Gulbrandsen (2009) highlights the fact that although the application of eco-
labels can have the effect to maintain and increase marine bio-diversity, it is unlikely
that they can fix the massive problem of overfishing and depleted fish-stocks in our
oceans. This is due to the fact that certification organizations mainly certify fisheries
in developed countries, the majority of fisheries however operate in developing
countries.
In Jacquet and Pauly’s (2007) study the researchers closely examined the
effectiveness of seafood awareness campaigns and point out successes and
difficulties of social marketing which eco-labeling is a part of. They state that due to
the market itself, because it differs from country to country, lack of traceability and
misleading renaming strategies of producers who want to circumvent specific rules,
consumers feel confused and lose trust which hence, works against the efforts of
implementing sustainable seafood production methods and additionally prevents
consumers from being educated about making smart food choices. They also criticize
that there are no effective ex post measurements of these campaigns which are
however necessary to find new ways that activate the consumer to rethink his/her
consumption behavior. Therefore, more research should focus on finding methods
that can solve these problems and close the gaps.
While investigating the full impact of eco-labels on eco-friendly behavior, Testa,
Iraldo, Vacari and Ferrari (2013) found out that mainly due to information
asymmetries on behalf of the consumers they do not buy the greener option of a
product. Because of the inflationary use of a product’s greenness and a mistrust in
businesses deriving from consumer’s general attitude that businesses only apply
marketing strategies in order to promote their products. Their account on the impact
of eco-labels provides a significant contribution to the field of ecological marketing.
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Their study suggests further that eco-labels do influence consumer behavior when
the recipient is aware of what is conveyed. It can support purchasing green goods as
long as the design is comprehensive. Contrasting other studies, they found that the
role of personal characteristics in influencing eco-friendly buying behavior cannot be
nailed down to a specific profile anymore and green consumption and eco-friendly
behavior are not restricted to a distinguished set of consumers anymore, but rather
concern a wide range of consumers from all different backgrounds. They conclude
that eco-labels as a marketing tool can be highly effective and increase consumer
awareness and sensitiveness and that they can increase perceived behavioral
control of consumers.
The study of Laureiro, McCluskey and Mittelhammer (2001) researched the
influencers of choosing organic over eco-labeled products. They find that organic
appears generally safer than eco-labeled especially when it comes to pesticide
treatment and that while consumers who buy eco-labeled products do not want to
sacrifice quality for environmental-friendliness of the product, consumers of organic
goods are more likely to do so. They indicate that consumers who are very
concerned about environmental issues choose organic over eco-labeled, and people
who do not utter any concern choose conventional products. Consumers with some
concern decide for the eco-labeled option and therefore support the intermediacy of
eco-labeled products.
Purpose:
The aim of the study is to find out whether consumers of seafood have
preferences towards the kind of eco-label that certifies the product. If so, it will further
be investigated if these preferences influence consumers’ choice or whether there
are other underlying factors that are decisive in this context. It is hypothesized that
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
consumers do have label-specific preferences and that these have a direct impact on
product choice, meaning that consumers choose a product with their preferred label
over a differently labeled or unlabeled equivalent.
A special focus will be set on the performance of labeling schemes regarding farmed
fish compared with wild-caught seafood by a contrasting juxtaposition of the MSC-
label, the ASC-label, and the organic label and a possible combination of organic and
MSC, as well as organic and the ASC-label.
Previous studies mainly focused on influential factors of product-specific
characteristics on consumer behavior such as (the product price, a specific fish
species, its conservation method, consumer’s attributes such as level of involvement)
with eco-labels being one of them. Calucci et al. (2014) analyzed numerous studies
focusing on the topic of seafood and consumers but there are little results of studies
measuring consumer responses with regard to preferences of a selection of seafood
eco-labels.
Especially with regard to the relatively new ASC-label which certifies fisheries
which exercise criticized aquaculture, it will be interesting to see whether the label
can rebuild the damaged image of fish farming and prompt consumers to value it just
like wild fish. Kole et al. (2008) focused their research on consumers’ perception of
wild compared to farmed fish and found in fact, that consumers evaluated farmed fish
less favorably than wild fish when indicating the catching method.
Based on the findings of Laureiro et al. (2001), who found that organic
products (apples in their study) are preferred over eco-labeled ones and eco-labeled
products over conventional ones, I argue that, with regard to seafood, similar results
will be observed and that combining organic with eco-labeled seafood will be
perceived as even more positive.
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Hypotheses:
H1: The more problem-specific knowledge consumers have, the more
preferences for specific seafood labels exist.
H1a: The more unacquainted consumers are with the impacts of unsustainable
fishing practices, the less preferences of seafood labels they have.
H2: If there are consumers who have label-specific preferences, the more they
prefer MSC over ASC due to the nature of the catching method.
H3: The more label-specific preferences consumers have, the more they prefer
organically-labeled seafood over MSC- and ASC- labeled seafood.
H4: The preference discrepancy between MSC and ASC-labeled seafood
minimizes once the ASC product also contains a label certifying it as organic.
Brand-name products have completely different possibilities to reach their
customers with marketing strategies compared to off-brand products. They have a
high market share and customers are more familiar with the specific companies.
Therefore it would be interesting to find out if seafood eco-labels can pull products
from opposing sides of the price spectrum closer together and add value to off-brand
products which would be decisive for the purchase.
H5: When an eco-label is attached to the product package, the more likely it is
that off-brand product purchases increase (maybe due to the quality indicator).
The insights will help gain valuable information about consumer behavior and
the effectiveness of labels in field of seafood products. Additionally, the results may
be used to support further research in similar domains on the one hand, but also be
meaningful for companies and marketers on the other, so that they can develop new
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
approaches and improve their strategies that will reach a broader audience and help
consumers make more conscious and informed buying decisions that will at the same
time support social and ecological endeavors.
Methodology:
I will base my research on theoretical frameworks of consumer preferences
and consumer choice of green products as well as rely on previous findings to
develop my approach and support my argumentation. Furthermore, the study will
incorporate a conjoint-analysis in order to measure consumers’ preferences. As
Lehnert (2009) points out, preferences are one-dimensional constructs that do not
indicate why consumers prefer certain products. However, by measuring preference
structure, propositions about the interrelation of factors affecting the product’s utility
and the resulting preferences for a specific product can be made (pp.101).
The conjoint measurement was first introduced in the 1960s and was applied in
marketing beginning in the 1970s (Baier & Brusch, 2009). Due to its applicability to
real-life situations it depicts a useful tool for marketing research (Baier & Brusch,
2009; Lehnert, 2009). This technique can be used to find out more about the relative
importance and the interrelation of a variety of attributes influencing the decision-
making process. Being known as a decompositional technique, the consumer’s
overall judgment over a product is the starting point for the analysis (Green & Wind,
1975). After that, the overall judgment is being decomposed into different utility
values that give information about the relative importance about the components
influencing the decision which makes it possible to understand the consumer’s
preferences (Green & Wind, 1975). This technique yields the consumer’s preference
structure based on a previously provided set of alternative choices (Green &
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Srinivasan, 1990). A beneficial fact about the conjoint measurement is that the
respondent evaluates alternatives similar to the actual shopping process where the
consumer has to weigh his/ her choices and choose a product (Baier & Brusch 2009).
Another benefit of conjoint analysis is that it can provide pricing information of
potential product attributes (Homburg & Krohmer, 2009). With the resulting information,
products can be improved and designed specifically to the preferences of consumers
(Green & Wind, 1975).
Naturally, since the practices of conjoint-analysis were first implemented, there
have been developments that improved the technique in line with technical
innovations, such as computer based research, and in order to minimize and
eliminate possible errors, as well as improve reliability and validity (Baier & Brusch,
2009). Lehnert (2009) used a similar approach to test consumer preferences for
organic and fair-trade labeled products. His methodology specifies on choice-based
conjoint-analysis (CBCA). The application of CBCA makes it possible to make
assumptions based on the preferences and choices of the respondents as long as
they choose according to their maximum utility whereas the traditional approach
investigates the benefit contribution and does not make statements about choice
criteria (p.197).
The choice-based conjoint-analysis became popular in the 1990s and has to
be distinguished from the traditional method (Balderjahn, Hedergott & Peyer in Baier
and Brusch, 2009). Whereas the traditional conjoint-analysis (TCA) asks the
respondents to evaluate individual product profiles which include predetermined
factors and product features, and aims at retrieving overall judgments about these
combinations, the choice-based conjoint-analysis provides sets of individual profiles
out of which the respondent has to choose one or even has the possibility to choose
none. This has the advantage that the situation is similar to the actual shopping
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
process (Balderjahn et al. 2009, p.129 ff; Lehnert 2009, p. 196). While the TCA uses
rating or ranking scales to indicate preferences, CBCA respondents receive so-called
Choice Tasks and are instructed to choose between alternatives (Balderjahn et al.
2009, p.130). Since however, this study will investigate more than two alternatives, it
is necessary to expand the binary approach and use a multinominal logit-model that
also calculates the likelihood of individual choices (Decker & Wagner, 2000). The
consumer’s utility function, which is the dependent variable, consists of the part
worths of the independent variables, product-specific attributes (Homburg &Krohmer,
2009).
Therefore, the CBCA seems to be an appropriate measurement for the purpose of
the research. However, even though the CBCA offers many advantages compared to
older methods, a striking disadvantage is that, even though the outcome gives
information about the presence of preferences, it does not tell how strong those
preferences are. By means of the hierarchical-bayes estimation, combined with the
CBCA, individual part-worths can be derived (Homburg &Krohmer, 2009). My
research will follow a similar approach as Zulauf, Oswald and Wagner (2013) who
tested the effects of a number of labels (fair-trade, country-of-origin) with a
hierarchical bayes approach.
Research Design:
The research design will comprise an online survey showing the respondents
pictures of a variety of seafood products with or without eco-label and the possibility
to click on the labels in order to gain more information about what they entail. Prices
and other relevant information will appear next to the product. Then the respondent
will be asked to choose between the offers. The pictures and labels will be mixed in a
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
correlating way so that relevant information can be inferred and from the ‘customer’s
choice’. The research design has the advantage that the decision making process
can be compared to a real-life situation, as customers are presented with a set of
alternatives which they can choose from.
In addition to this, typical questions about socio-demographic and economic
information as well as usual buying behavior will be asked which will further influence
the results so that relations and connections between preferences of labels and
consumer characteristics can be generated.
Additional literature review:
Authors Content Findings Keywords
van Amstel, M., Driessen, P., & Glasbergen, P. (2008). Eco-labeling and information asymmetry: A comparison of five eco-labels in the Netherlands. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(3), 263-276. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2006.07.039
Reliability of the information indicated of five food labels is analyzed.
It is revealed that eco-labels do not communicate adequately as they cannot fill the gap of information asymmetries between buyer and seller. Eco-labels are often ambiguous regarding environmental information, they do not convey enough information about ecological impacts of the production, are generally lacking.
Eco-label performance, effectiveness, reliability, information asymmetries, ambiguous content
Akst, J., & Zielinska, A. (2012, May 14). Can Fish Eco-Labeling be Trusted? Retrieved November 21, 2015, from http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/32087/title/Can-
Criticism towards major certifying agencies is raised, accusing them to certify livestocks that are less than sustainable.
Researchers concluded that: “after examining 71 MSC-certified stocks and 76 FOS-certified stocks of mackerel, swordfish, tuna, and
Overfishing, sustainability, ecology, conservation
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Fish-Eco-Labeling-be-Trusted-/
other species. In total, 31 percent of the supposedly sustainable MSC stocks and 19 percent of FOS stocks are not worthy of the label”.
Agnew, D., Gutierrez, N., Stern-Pirlot, A., & Hoggarth, D. (2013). The MSC experience: Developing an operational certification standard and a market incentive to improve fishery sustainability. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 216-225.
doi:10.1093/icesjms/fst091
The article gives an overview of the implementation of the MSC seal and explains the most crucial challenges the MSC is facing - being establishing an inclusive standard and being scientifically adaptive with regard to the fast evolving fisheries management - from an insider's view (the authors are MSC staff). They also explain what fisheries have to do in order to maintain their MSC certification. General facts and numbers about the MSC seal and certification process are included in the report
Credibility, accessibility and improvement of their measures are necessary in order to make way for a sustainable future.
MSC-label, seafood, sustainable fisheries, certification
Gardiner, P., & Viswanathan, K. (2004). Ecolabelling and Fisheries Management (pp. 1-44).
Penang: WorldFish Center.
The paper covers the topic of eco-labeling in the fishing sector in developing countries and argues that it is unlikely that a globally operating labeling scheme will gain ground and be widely accepted in Asian countries by backing this argument with the claim that even though eco-labeling in the fish sector is currently successful, it predominantly is in "eco-conscious, or niche markets" (iv) and global improvement of sustainable fisheries is not guaranteed. It focuses on the management of fisheries and the certification process, as well as government regulations. Additionally the paper deals with the critical arguments against MSC labeling. "The concept of eco-labeling is based on the assumption that consumers are willing to pay the 'green' premium on goods in order to satisfy their beliefs in environmental sustainability" (p.27)
In order to improve sustainable fisheries management, eco-labeling is just a small part. Fisheries in developing countries need to get access to the certification process.
Eco-labeling, MSC, developing countries, green premium, WTP
Esch, F.-R., & Langner, T.. (2004). Sozialtechnische Gestaltung der Ästhetik von Produktverpackungen. In A. Gröppel-Klein (Ed.), Konsumentenverhaltensforschung im 21. Jahrhundert
(pp. 413-440). Wiesbaden: Gabler.
The authors refer to the importance of the appearance of product packaging with regard to communication channels as at this point there is intensive customer contact.
Packaging is one crucial factor for communicating a product to the consumer. They can help to support building a brand image and influence consumers’ purchase decisions as the final decision to buy a product is made in front of the shelf (point of scale).
Packaging, customer contact, communication channel, point of scale, decision making
De-Coding Seafood Eco-Labels: Why We Need Public Standards. (2010). Retrieved November 20, 2015, from http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org.
The authors introduce the most common seafood eco-labels and depict their differences. They also define facts of eco labels that should be acknowledged by consumers and should be met as a minimum in order to be considered sustainable. Among them: Ecological and social impacts, diversity among seafood, transport distance to the market and health and safety standards for PPMs. (p.7)
Private eco-labels have been proliferating the market since no national label is active. The report alludes to the inadequacy of private institutions certifying products. This leaves loopholes for wrong intentions and prevents sustainable development. A label authorized by the government would limit this.
Eco-labeling, labels, sustainable development, effectiveness, private vs. public organizations
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Grunert, K. G. (2004). Prozessverfolgende Conjoint-Analyse: Neue Möglichkeiten der Analyse des Informations- und Entscheidungsverhaltens von Konsumenten. In A. Gröppel-Klein (Ed.), Konsumentenverhaltensforschung im 21. Jahrhundert (pp. 501-516). Wiesbaden: Gabler.
Grunert’s (2004) account implies the application and an example of an improved version of a choice-based conjoint-analysis through hierarchical bayesian analysis techniques. This effects in higher external validity. Imperfections and doubts but also benefits and positive outlooks are highlighted. Grunert illustrates the approach by investigating consumers’ information and decision-making behavior.
CBCA, hierarchical-bayesian approach, methodology
Hicks, R. L. (2007). Performance-based Labelling. In A. K. Basu, N. H. Chau, U. Grote (Eds.) New Frontiers in Environmental and Social Labeling. (pp. 37-58). Heidelberg: Physica Verlag.
The chapter discusses the fact that the labeling technique has a positive and altering effect on production methods as long as the consumer rates both highly, the product itself and the way it was produced. This also entails a higher willingness-to-pay for ecologically labeled products which again has the effect that producers are more motivated to alter their production towards cleaner, greener and more sustainable methods . Hicks researches the connection of consumers’ relatively low willingness-to-pay for ecologically labeled products with missing information of specific labels on the consumers' behalf. He researches the overall performance meaning the extent to which their mission contributes to an overall positive achievement. The article focuses on the amount of information presented to the consumer and its' dependence on consumers' WTP. Two stated preference experiments are used. The first showing the consumer different varieties of coffee, both labeled (in this case only informing them about not having negative social or environmental impacts) and unlabeled. The second experiment contains more profound information about benefits for the producers.
WTP is lower if there is no significant difference and vice versa. The results show that if the label contains more information about producer benefits, consumers are willing to pay more. Also the price premium of poorly performing labeled products is lower than the on one of better performing ones. Performance-based labels increase information requirements for certifying agencies (p.55)
Consumer attitudes, WTP, eco-labeled products, price premium
O'Rourke, D., & Ringer, A. (2015). The Impact of Sustainability Information on Consumer Decision Making. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 00(0), 1-11. doi:10.1111/jiec.12310
The article analyzes an enormous amount of online purchase interactions with regard to the impact of sustainability information on purchase intentions varying across different types of consumer, issues, and product categories. Simply changing or adding information on the product will less likely reach consumers of conventional products (mainstream consumers). Thus purchase behavior cannot be changed. Nonetheless, changing the design by making it more appealing to mainstream consumers could help to catch their attention. Limitations: When making purchase decisions consumers are primarily concerned with price and quality. The study does not include this fact.
Environmentally aware consumers were more likely to be influenced by sustainable information on products. Health ratings (those most connected to self-interest) are statistically significant with regard to sustainability information and its impact on purchase behavior (p.8)
attitudes-behavior gap behavior change consumers decision making industrial ecology sustainability information
Rahbar, E., & Wahid, N. (2011). Investigation of green marketing tools' effect on consumers' purchase behavior. Business Strategy Series, 12(2), 73-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17515631111114877
Eco-labeling as a tool of green marketing is examined by the authors. They focus on the effect of green marketing on consumer behavior.
Awareness of and trust in the label are driving factors of resulting consumer behavior. Green advertisements are effective in so far as they inform customers about various environmental and social issues.
Green marketing, eco-labels as marketing tools
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Subasinghe, R., Soto, D., & Jia, J. (2009). Global aquaculture and its role in sustainable development. Reviews in Aquaculture, 1(1), 2-9. doi:10.1111/j.1753-5131.2008.01002.x
The article underlines the possible positive contribution of aquaculture as a fairly new food production method. Against the widely spread doubts about fish farming, the authors emphasize the importance of sustainable aquaculture fish farming in our rapidly evolving and growing world. It puts forward the appeal that more sustainable regulations have to be put out there in order to guarantee, extend and develop sustainability in fish farming and underlines that for our society it is absolutely necessary to look into fish farming as the oceans are massively overfished and fish consumption increases rapidly.
In order to feed the increasing world population and due to depleting fish stocks, sustainable aquaculture is a possible and necessary solution.
Aquaculture, fish consumption, world population, fish farming
Thøgersen, J., Haugaard, P., & Olesen, A. (2010). Consumer responses to ecolabels. European Journal of Marketing, 44(11/12), 1787-1810. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/03090561011079882
Implementation of a new ecolabel (as the MSC logo was then relatively new) scheme and consumer responses for sustainable fishery (MSC). Focus is on consumer’s personal factors. They examine two phases of the process, namely the perception and understanding of the label and the completion of the adoption process. The first phase is dependent on two things: the consumer’s environmental concern addressed by the eco-label and the expressiveness of the goals that are intended to be reached. Data was collected via questionnaire in a shopping mall in Denmark.
Pace of the adoption process is dependent on the individual’s motivation, previous experience with eco-labels and trust in the specific organization.
Wenzel, E., Kirig, A., & Rauch, C. (2008). Greenomics: Wie der grüne Lifestyle Märkte und Konsumenten verändert.
München: Redline Wirtschaft.
The book introduces future trends and refers to the changing economy and society towards more eco-friendly and sustainable practices and lifestyles. The authors define a new lifestyle of a group of people which represents the tenor of our modern society – the LOHAS: Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (p.11) (see also Lehnert 2009; Zentes, Morschett, Krebs 2008). This group of consumers is characterized as living a healthy and indulgent lifestyle while paying attention to responsibility and sustainability (p.12). The authors argue that LOHAS are neither identified by a specific age nor do they have a certain income. They do not reject consumption but demand transparency and clarity and therefore need communication strategies that address them at eye level (p.16). They call for authenticity and are more critical than ever. For them, quality is essential and they feel highly responsible. Wenzel et al. point out that it is utterly important to maintain the quality standards in order for the consumers to build and maintain trust in the products. Since the demand of organic products cannot be satisfied by domestic producers anymore, products need to be imported. Supply chains extend and it becomes harder to maintain transparency and guarantee sustainability within the entire supply chain. (p.87)
Especially the food diversity year-round, the long ways of transportation and the multitude of food scandals connected to it push consumers towards regional products that are easier to track and therefore build trust and ensure transparency (p.87). As a result labels indicating country or region of origin have found to be decisive factors in the buying process as they are associated with safety and can be checked. Regional products make it possible for the consumer to consume with a clear conscience (p.88)
Consumer behavior, market trends, LOHAS, green consumption
, sustainability
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
Structure:
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Consumerism
3.1. Consumer behavior
3.1.1. Theories of consumer choice and consumer behavior with regard to ecological products
3.2.1. Concepts of consumer preferences
3.2. The role of businesses
3.3. The role of marketing/ Green marketing
4. Overfishing
5. Eco-labeling
5.1. MSC-label
5.2. ASC-label
5.3. Bio-label
5.4. Discussion
6. Previous research
6.1. Discussion
7. Purpose
8. Hypotheses
9. Methodology:
9.1. Basics
9.2. Objectives
10. Research Design
10.1. Data collection
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
10.2. Data analysis
10.3. Interpretation and Discussion
11. Conclusion
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ECO-LABELS ON SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
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Work plan:
Time period: Activity: Description:
- 23.03.16 Final exposé
Research design
Hand in final exposé,
Design survey: define
variables, select question
format, collect secondary
data
24.03.16 – 07.04.16
25.-28.03.16 Easter
Data collection Distribution of online
surveys
Write introduction and
theoretical background
08.04.16 – 25.04.16 Data analysis and
interpretation
Statistical analysis and
interpretation of the
results
Write methodology
section
26.04.16 – 11.05.16 Write final thesis Write discussion and
conclusion
12.05.16 – 23.05.16 Final thesis Revision
Proofread
23.05.16 Due date Hand in final thesis