Predictive models are increasingly crucial in navigating heterogeneous markets. This study develops a predictive model approach to forecast consumer cluster membership in the green fast-moving consumer goods sector, focusing on bio-based products like adhesives and plasters. Through two online surveys in Germany, we identified key factors acting as drivers and barriers, demonstrating their effectiveness in distinguishing similar consumer segments across both product categories. Utilizing multinomial logistic regression, we crafted a prediction model that accurately forecasts cluster membership, providing novel insights into consumer behavior towards non-food bio-based products. This facilitates the development of targeted business and marketing strategies, optimizing resource allocation in market research activities. Our findings offer significant contributions to understanding the dynamics influencing consumer choices in the bio-based product market.
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Julia Ruf,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein
Natural cosmetics offer the opportunity to reduce the environmental burden caused by the consumption of cosmetic products. This qualitative study analyzes the local range of natural cosmetics and related consumer perceptions and assessments in two case cities in Germany by applying a mixed-method approach of store checks and the photovoice method. Results of the study show that there is only a limited match of the actual range and consumer perception for some types of retail businesses and a mismatch for product categories. Additionally, participants showed little awareness of the most common natural cosmetic certifications. Consumer assessments about the range of natural cosmetics were influenced by factors such as the arrangement of products in the shops and consumers' experience and knowledge about natural cosmetic brands. Retailers can use the study results in arranging natural cosmetics accordingly; companies can use it to emphasize branding, and policy-makers can increase consumer knowledge about natural cosmetics.
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Miriam Wolf,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad
BackgroundNatural health products (NHP) are an important part of the healthcare system. They are mainly non-prescription and sold over the counter, which requires active decision making by the consumer. Within the framework of the Complementary and Alternative Healthcare Model, this study aims to identify factors that influence NHP usage, in particular related to concentration and cognition (CC), a topic that concerns all ages and social classes within the population.MethodsData were collected by means of a representative online survey (n = 1,707) in Germany in April 2022. Three user groups were defined: NHPCC users, who used NHP for CC (12 month prevalence); nCC-NHP users, who used NHP but not for CC indications (12 month prevalence); and past NHP users, who have used NHP but not within the previous 12 months. Independent influencing variables were categorized into predisposing, enabling, need, and health service use factors. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and binary logistic regression models to compare NHPCC users to nCC-NHP users (model 1) and to past NHP users (model 2).ResultsA higher share of NHPCC and nCC-NHP users compared to past NHP users were women, self-medicated with NHP, and used information about NHP provided by health professionals or on product. Their openness-to-change value orientation was more pronounced than of past users. Compared to nCC-NHP and past NHP users, the probability of being an NHPCC user increased if an individual had more difficulties in daily attention and memory performance, made use of health professionals and literature to seek information about NHP, and used NHP for health support and illness prevention. Additionally, a female gender, NHP self-medication, and having higher values of self-transcendence were significant indicators for NHPCC usage compared to past NHP usage.ConclusionNHP manufacturers, health professionals, and policymakers should be aware of the factors that lead to NHP consumption decisions and consider them in the development and optimization of healthcare strategies as well as in the marketing and communication strategies of companies producing NHP, in particular for CC. The current study can contribute to characterizing the target groups and to defining the aims and communication channels of such campaigns.
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Josef Eiglsperger,
Prof. Dr. Florian Haselbeck,
Viola Stiele,
Claudia Guadarrama Serrano,
Kelly Lim-Trinh,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad,
Prof. Dr. Thomas Hannus,
Prof. Dr. Dominik Grimm
Accurately forecasting demand is a potential competitive advantage, especially when dealing with perishable products. The multi-billion dollar horticultural industry is highly affected by perishability, but has received limited attention in forecasting research. In this paper, we analyze the applicability of general compared to dataset-specific predictors, as well as the influence of external information and online model update schemes. We employ a heterogeneous set of horticultural data, three classical, and twelve machine learning-based forecasting approaches. Our results show a superiority of multivariate machine learning methods, in particular the ensemble learner XGBoost. These advantages highlight the importance of external factors, with the feature set containing statistical, calendrical, and weather-related features leading to the most robust performance. We further observe that a general model is unable to capture the heterogeneity of the data and is outperformed by dataset-specific predictors. Moreover, frequent model updates have a negligible impact on forecasting quality, allowing long-term forecasting without significant performance degradation.
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Julia Ruf,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein
Using bio-based building products for renovation and refurbishment contributes to a bioeconomy. As private consumers mainly buy building products at local hardware stores, it is essential to consider the local supply situation. This qualitative study analyzes the local range of bio-based building products for renovation and refurbishment and related consumer perceptions and assessments in two case cities in Germany. The study results reveal that consumers face high search costs, the range of products is primarily narrow, and their placement and presentation are unfavorable. Manufacturers can use the study results and invest in classical marketing strategies, and initiate pull strategies with consumers for bio-based building products. This could motivate retailers to increase the range and improve the placement and presentation of such products. Finally, policymakers can apply the insights from this study to educational campaigns and the promotion of quality labels in this field.
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M.Sc. Christian Mergel,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad,
Dr. Thomas Decker
Construction and use of buildings is one of the highest users of global energy (34%) and one of the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (37%). Using wood instead of carbon-intensive materials such as bricks reduces a building's embodied energy and is a more eco-friendly alternative. Since the quota of newly built wooden houses in Germany is still relatively low, gaining insights into the perspective of consumers is crucial. This study aims to investigate factors from a consumer perspective that influence the selection of wood as the primary building material for residential houses. Therefore, an online survey was conducted in Germany to gather data from individuals (N = 510) who either bought or built a house in the last 5 years. By conducting a logistic regression, we have identified six influencing factors for the selection of wood. Positive views on wood's eco-friendliness and emphasis on renewable materials are key factors in choosing wood. Higher age and living in rural areas also increase the likelihood of selecting wood, while concerns about value stability and durability have negative effects. We conclude that increasing information activities, raising awareness about wood's ecological benefits, and dispelling prejudices can significantly impact its selection as a preferred building material.
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Miriam Wolf,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad
Purpose This paper aims to determine, which values guide consumers decision-making on natural health products for concentration and cognition (NHPCC) and how they link to choice-relevant product attributes. The purpose is to contribute to a better understanding of NHPCC consumption choices, which can encourage more consumer-centric product development and positioning.
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Miriam Wolf,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad
BackgroundRespiratory diseases (RD) can challenge healthcare systems around the globe. Natural health products (NHPs) are popular complementary and alternative medicine options for health issues concerning non-fatal RD. Little is known about the characteristics of the users of RD-NHPs and about their NHP consumption behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany.MethodsA representative online survey was conducted in Germany in 2022. 1707 participants were classified based on having used NHPs for RD within the previous 12 months, having used NHPs but not for RD within the previous 12 months and not having used NHPs. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods as well as a multinomial logistic regression model.ResultsUsers of RD-NHPs within the previous 12 months were more likely to be employed and to consult pharmacists more often for non-fatal health issues than individuals who did not take RD-NHPs. RD-NHP users were more likely to suffer from a Covid-19 infection and to have children living in the same household than other NHP users. Compared to non-NHP users, RD-NHP users were more likely to be female, highly educated and have stronger openness-to-change value orientations. Vaccination-related behavior was no indicator of RD-NHP usage. Most RD-NHP users took NHPs in self-medication. Few reported informing their practitioner about their self-medication. Drugstores were the most visited supply source for NHPs during the pandemic, followed by pharmacies. Common information sources regarding NHPs were the products themselves and pharmacists.ConclusionThis study emphasized the important role of NHPs as a popular prevention and treatment option for RD. RD-NHPs were more likely used by individuals who were employed, who suffered from a RD and who consult pharmacists for non-fatal health issues. The importance of product information and pharmacies as information sources should be considered to make communication strategies about safe self-medication options with RD-NHPs more effective, which could help to reduce the burden of health facilities regarding non-fatal RD. To improve and develop future pandemic-control strategies, health professionals and policy makers should consider NHP usage behavior and provide critical information about chances and risks of self-medicated NHP consumption.
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Katrin Brückner,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad
A strong link between emotions and eating behavior has been previously found, however there is a lack of research investigating how emotions influence food product choice in a retail setting. An online questionnaire including a choice-based conjoint analysis and self-reported consumer emotions was used to assess the importance of different product attributes to yogurt consumers in Germany in 2021. The analysis consisted of a Hierarchical Bayes approach and a cluster analysis. The results revealed that yogurt consumers placed most importance on ingredients, followed by price, Nutri-Score, flavour, and finally production method. Based on the self-reported consumer emotions, a positive, a rather positive and an indifferent emotion cluster was found. The positive cluster preferred the highest quality in terms of ecological and health values and was willing to pay more for such a yogurt. The rather positive cluster preferred these options as well, however was not always willing to pay more for them. The indifferent cluster was more driven by lower prices and was more willing to trade other qualities for the cheapest option. These findings are insightful for food marketing and health interventions as shopping experience, as well as product choice could be enhanced through emotion induction.
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M.Sc. Christian Mergel,
Dr. Thomas Decker,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad
The greatly increased global use of plastic has serious negative environmental consequences. This study aims to analyse the influence of environmental attitudes, personal norms, social norms, and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics on consumers’ intention to reduce plastic packaging in different groups of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) in Germany. Data on plastic packaging use for food, clothing, cosmetics, cleaning goods, and furniture were collected from 299 German families in a four-stage survey. The findings show differing consumer intentions to reduce plastic packaging between food products and other FMCG. In particular, environmental attitudes can differentiate between consumer groups with high and low intentions to reduce plastic packaging in nearly all the product groups analysed, while social norms, gender and age only show statistically significant differences in some product groups. Personal norms did not contribute to group differentiation in any of the groups of FMCG analysed. The results are helpful for managers of FMCGs to develop more ecological packaging solutions in the future and for state authorities to derive political activities in this field.
Although greenhouse production is an especially intensive form of agricultural production, horticultural products have not been subject to many carbon footprint studies. This study examines the poinsettia, a relevant greenhouse plant in the market. It analyzes the poinsettia’s climate impact by undertaking a product carbon footprint (PCF) study, along the whole poinsettia value chain; this starts at the mother-plant farms in Uganda, goes through the production in German greenhouses, and ends with the disposal of the plant by the consumer. A life cycle inventory was conducted, including input materials, equipment, cultural practices, and other processes used in two horticultural farms. A standardized questionnaire collected consumer data. The PCF for the poinsettia is 0.69 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg of CO2e), including distribution. As heating in both investigated farms is conducted via renewable energy, major contributors to the PCF were overhead electricity, substrate, pot, and packaging. The consumers’ contribution varies from 0.31 (best), through 0.45 (average), to 1.49 (worst) kg of CO2e, and is mostly due to differences in shopping behavior, producing a total PCF of 1.0–2.18 kg of CO2e. The results show a high variability for emissions along the value chain, due to different input factor choices on the production side and a significant consumer contribution.
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Antonius Amm,
Alexandra Nicola Egger,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad,
Miriam Wolf,
Dr. Corinna Urmann,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein
Bio-based products represent a promising alternative to fossil-based products and contribute to reduce negative environmental consequences caused by the latter. As consumer behavior is crucial for market penetration of bio-based products, this review analyses the current state of the art in consumer research on bio-based products and aims to identify research gaps and future research needs. This review is based on a systematic synthesis of 59 scientific journal articles and one book chapter on consumer studies related to bio-based products. Peer-reviewed studies in English language, with a research focus on consumer issues related to bio-based products of plant origin, that aim to replace fossil resources, have been included in the review. Most reviewed studies investigated bio-based plastics and composites, used a quantitative research approach, have been based on established consumer theories and used non-probability sampling techniques. While consumer preferences and attitudes, conviction as well as knowledge and perception related to bio-based products were focus of many reviewed studies, consumer awareness, liking and purchasing of bio-based products have been studied rarely or not at all. The results show that many consumers are not aware of the existence of bio-based products, related knowledge is low, and labels and brands are often unknown. Additionally, some consumers have wrong assumptions about the environmental impact of bio-based materials. Consumer preferences vary between product groups, but often factors like price or functionality are more important than bio-based materials. High purchase intentions and an increased willingness to pay are found e.g. for bio-based packaging products, disposable products and plant containers (in particular for female and environmentally-concerned consumers). The review identifies important research gaps and conclusions for future research needs such as e.g., to realize more studies in countries of the global south, analyze actual purchase behavior and the regional supply situation related to bio-based products.
This presentation analyses consumer reactions to medicinal plants and natural cosmetics in Germany and derives recommendations for business and public actors.
Miriam Wolf,
Theresa Bayerl,
M.Sc. Philipp Strobel,
M.sc. Veronika Huber,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein,
Johannes Buchner,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad,
Prof. Dr. Herbert Riepl,
Dr. Corinna Urmann
This report gives details about the medical use and technology of neuroregenerative hop ingredients as well as conumer interest in related new plant-derived medicinal products.
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Beiträge zu wissenschaftlicher Konferenz/Tagung
Miriam Wolf,
Dr. Agnes Emberger-Klein,
Kristin Werner,
Dr. Corinna Urmann,
Prof. Dr. Herbert Riepl,
Prof. Dr. Klaus Menrad
Vor dem Hintergrund hoher Umweltbelastungen und eines starken Energieinputs im Baugewerbe sollen innovative Produkte wie Lehmbauplatten für den Innenausbau entwickelt und deren Akzeptanz untersucht …
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