Consumer’s behavior in a multi-attribute concept of a food product

Abstract

Purpose: The main aim of the research is to identify and model the attributes of a food product which are regarded as important during the process of the consumers’ choice and to verify the methodology for the creation of the optimal market offer. Design/Methodology/Approach: The carried out analysis was based on the assumption that a food product may be viewed as a collection of directly noticeable and unnoticeable features that are regarded as attributes (values) of the offer. The applied model of a food product is composed of three levels, each of them presenting the characteristic features of product’s quality. Findings: A sensory evaluation of the products made it possible to diagnose how consistent the consumers are in their declared sensory preferences for brand and non-brand products. It was established that the intention of purchasing a product is determined by its quality and taste preferences. Practical Implications: The analysis may provide information for communicating with the market and promoting food products, especially when the intention of a producer is to change consumer’s habits. Originality/Value: The presented methodological approach may provide clues on what attributes should be constructed in the case of new food products.