Understanding Local Food Consumers: Theory of Planned Behavior and Segmentation Approach

Authors

Archana Kumar, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Sylvia Smith, Southern Illinois UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-17-2018

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to examine the antecedents and consequence of consumer attitudes toward local food and to segment these consumers using their food-related lifestyle (FRL) attributes. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, we proposed three factors to impact attitude toward local food (health consciousness, concern for the environment, and concern for local economies) along with subjective norm and perceived behavioral control to influence intentions to purchase local food. Methodology: Data were collected from 502 local food consumers measuring the following: antecedents and consequence of attitude toward local food; FRL; demographic information. Findings: Health consciousness, concern for the environment, and concern for local economies were found to be significant predictors of attitude toward local food. Attitude toward local food and subjective norm, but not perceived behavioral control, were found to have a significant effect on intention to purchase local food. Further, segmenting based on their FRL yielded four types of consumers (Impromptu Novelty Explorer, Uninvolved Connoisseur, Involved Information Seeker, and Apathetic Local Food Consumer). An ANOVA provided a snapshot of several demographic and psychographic differences between segments.

DOI

10.1080/10454446.2017.1266553

MSU Digital Commons Citation

Kumar, Archana and Smith, Sylvia, "Understanding Local Food Consumers: Theory of Planned Behavior and Segmentation Approach" (2018). Department of Marketing Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 251.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/marketing-facpubs/251