The effects of carrier,benefit, and perceived trust in information channel on functional food purchase intention among Chinese consumers

The importance of consumers’ perceptions and adoption behavior has been recognized in the development of functional food innovation, but the issues have not been widely explored in China. This study aimed to examine the effects of carrier, benefit, and trust in information channel about functional foods on purchase intention as well as the demographic differences of these effects. A survey with 1144 respondents from Mainland China revealed that carriers were more important factors than benefits for perceived attractiveness and purchase intention. Benefits were more positively evaluated when attached to a more attractive carrier. Benefits of improving the body’s natural defense system were most favored by all groups; benefits about specific diseases were suitable to tailor for certain groups. Consumers with low educational level were reluctant to functional foods. The improvement of consumer education level does not necessarily increase the consumers’ purchase intention. Given the Chinese acquaintance society and the jeopardized public trust in food safety, the interpersonal channel was the most trusted information channel. However, perceived trust in mass media had more remarkable effects in predicting purchase intention toward functional foods, the typical products with credence attributes. Trust in mass media negatively interacted with friends’ recommendation in affecting purchase intention. These findings extend our understanding of how to tailor products for different groups and the effects of information channels on purchase intention.     

植物基人造肉产品购买意愿及影响因素--基于武汉市消费者的实证分析

为深入了解植物基人造肉市场快速发展背景下国内消费者对人造肉产品购买的意愿及影响因素,以武汉市202位消费者调研数据为样本,构建了消费者人造肉食品购买意愿研究模型。研究发现,消费者的感知体验和感知信任对购买意愿的影响显著,但感知有用性并未对消费者购买意愿产生显著影响。价格制定、技术风险和口感风味等因素通过影响消费者感知特性间接对消费者购买意愿产生作用。其中,价格制定对消费者感知特性影响最为显著,技术风险和口感风味对消费者感知特性影响次之。该研究有助于更好地了解国内一线城市消费者对人造肉产品的购买意愿及关切。研究结论可为人造肉生产商更好地研发产品,为零售企业激发消费端的购买热情提供借鉴。     

Building a sustainable supply chain: an analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the Chinese textile and apparel industry

This study aims to analyze the development, achievements, and challenges of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the Chinese textile and apparel industry. The determinants of CSR movement in the industry are discussed. The World Bank CSR Diamond Model based on stakeholder theory provides an analytical framework to address this complex issue in a systematic way. The relevant information and data were gathered from an extensive literature review of governmental, industrial and academic publications, and interviews. Overall, the tightening legal environment for CSR development has raised the cost of doing business in China in a short time. While forward‐looking companies are already taking CSR into account in their daily operations and strategic plans, some resistance to the execution and enforcement of CSR‐related laws and regulations have been witnessed. However, from a long‐term perspective, the CSR movement will benefit towards upgrading the industry and the healthy growth of China's economy, and contribute to the sustainable global textile and apparel supply chain.