Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.47954/ijcbe.4.1.4
Consumer perception and acceptance of plant-based meat substitutes
Kristína Predanócyová
Ľubica Kubicová
Diana Pindešová
Sažetak
Nowadays, the meat market is affected by the changes in consumer lifestyles related to the health, sustainability, and environment as well as population growth and the increasing meat demand. In the following years, meat production can be replaced partially by production of meat substitutes. The aim of the paper is to point out the consumer perception and acceptance of plant-based meat substitutes, as well as to identify key motives and barriers for their consumption. For fulfilment the aim a consumer survey was carried out in Slovakia on a sample of 733 respondents. Using statistical methods, differences in consumer attitudes towards plant-based meat substitutes were examined in three identified segments, namely meat consumers, meat and also meat substitutes consumers, meat substitutes consumers. The first segment includes consumers who think that it is not possible to replace meat with plant-based meat substitutes. However, consumers expect that consumption of plant-based meat substitutes to be moral, ecological, sustainable, safe and healthy. These consumers consider similarity to meat in taste, smell and appearance as key motives for consumption and they state that the main reasons for consumption are the health aspect, taste and environmental protection, and the main barriers are the habit of meat and the fear of lack of appetite. Consumers from the second segment perceive plant-based meat substitutes as an acceptable alternative for the future, and they expect consumption to be moral, ecological, safe and healthy. Currently, most consumers already consume plant-based meat substitutes or assume their consumption in the future, and the key reasons are health, environment and taste. The key motive for higher consumption is consumer awareness related to health, the impact on the environment and the production process. The last segment includes consumer who consume plant-based meat substitutes due to environmental protection, their lifestyle and health aspects and perceive them as a suitable alternative. Consumers consider their consumption to be moral and nutritious and higher consumption will be achieved by increased consumer awareness. Based on the results of the study and the situation on the meat market, it is desirable that Slovak consumers gradually should become informed about alternative diet and accept the possibility of consuming plant-based meat substitutes. The research paper provides a new perspective on the consumer acceptance and consumption of plant-based meat substitutes, divided into three segments regarding current eating habits of consumers, which can fill the scientific research gap because this issue has not yet been examined in Slovakia. The results of the study provide valuable information to food companies in the creation of marketing strategies and policy makers in improving food policy and supporting the public health.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
326933
URI
Datum izdavanja:
31.12.2023.
Posjeta: 152 *