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This study extends the understanding of the relationship between consumer motivation, involvement and evaluation of traditional food products (TFP). One important research issue was to explore whether consumers' perceived uniqueness could be one important quality or value that theoretically and empirically could differentiate TFP from ordinary, usual and "everyday" traditional food. A central location test of two different vintages (maturation times) of salt-cured clipfish in combination with a survey to assess individual motivational constructs was used to test the conceptual model. Our expectations were confirmed. Perceived uniqueness influences future intention to consume and is motivated by involvement in TFP. The theoretical arguments of the relevance of the perceived uniqueness of traditional food was also supported by the positive relationship between general involvement in luxury (prestige) and involvement in TFP. In addition, this study found a significant positive relationship between product-specific nostalgia and involvement in TFP. To our knowledge, no previous study we are aware has discussed, designed or tested these theoretical relationships. Our findings have promising implications for the seafood industry in order to achieve unique product value and increase consumers' willingness to pay, by promoting uniqueness, prestige and nostalgic product features of vintage salt-cured clipfish., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We wish to conform that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant support for this work that could have influenced its outcome., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Current seaweed consumption and attitudes and preferences toward seaweed food products in a Western society are investigated to inform the seaweed industry regarding product development and marketing strategies. A national survey of 521 Australian consumers was conducted. About 75% of respondents had eaten seaweed; however, only 37% had consumed seaweed regularly over the past 12 months. Key drivers include health and nutritional benefits, taste, being natural, safe, and fresh. Critical barriers are lack of knowledge and familiarity, and the perception that seaweed is expensive. Females and younger, health-conscious consumers with higher household incomes and levels of education, who are more adventurous with food (neophilic), and who tend to snack and assign symbolic value to food are more likely to consume seaweed. Recommendations for the emerging seaweed industry in terms of target markets and relevant marketing strategies are presented and areas of further research proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Consumption of local food is a fast-growing trend supported by local food advocates and governments. This trend has also captured the interest of researchers. The present study draws from the foundational principles of the theoretical perspective of helping behaviour with a view to enhancing the understanding of why people buy local food. This article tests a conceptual framework with proposed relationships between helping behaviour constructs and local food-buying behaviour within a Norwegian context. Local food consumers in Troms County are surveyed, and the results indicate that empathic concern and social concern influence their attitude towards, and preference for, local food. Local patriotism influences the preference for local food even if such consumers evaluate it as being of lower quality and less desirable than other food products. This study is among the first to examine local food-buying behaviour through the lens of prosocial helping behaviour theory. The recommendations for local food producers and local food advocates regarding appealing to consumers' prosocial helping behaviour propose communication strategies emphasizing the difficulties that local food producers face, portraying local food producers as people deserving of help against national competition and imports, and depicting them as being as loyal to the local community as the local food consumers are. Highlights • Testing relationships between helping behaviour and local food-buying behaviour within a Norwegian context. • Empathic concern and social concern influence preference for local food. • Local patriotism influences consumer preference for local food. • Local food producers and local food advocates should appeal to consumers' prosocial helping behaviour. • Develop arguments for marketing and communication strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines antecedents of store choice behavior in a cross-cultural context (i.e., 1.296 consumers in Sweden, Italy, and China). Chinese culture has a significant downward impact on choosing super-/hypermarkets and an upward impact on choosing fish shops when buying salmon. Italian consumers have a positive impact on the fish shop option, but a negative impact on the street market option. If consumers prefer salmon and think it is luxurious and sophisticated and not a “value for money”-item, the probability of choosing super-/hypermarkets increase. Opposite scores, increase the probability of choosing fish shops. Research and managerial implications are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Segmentation of fish consumers with different fish-eating habits. • Profiling based on CDMS, level of involvement, and environmental consciousness. • Infrequent fish consumers are more price sensitive and impulsive consumers. • Avid and occasional consumers have higher levels of involvement in food. • The results emphasize the routinized characteristics of fish consumption. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to the observed differences in fish consumption patterns. To accomplish this, a segmentation analysis was conducted on a representative sample of 2207 individuals from Sweden based on the dual dimensions of both the volume and variety of fish ingested. By scrutinizing these facets, the aim is to gain deeper insights into the distinct consumer archetypes characterized by their diverse fish consumption habits, thus uncovering the catalysts and deterrents that influence these patterns. The outcome of the segmentation analysis (i.e., two-step analysis: hierarchical clustering followed by non-hierarchical clustering technique) reveals four distinct consumer segments, each possessing unique attributes concerning their preferences and behaviours regarding fish consumption. These segments are classified as the "Frequent," "Avid," "Occasional," and "Infrequent" fish consumers. The profiling of these segments is built on factors encompassing consumers' decision-making styles, involvement in food, environmental consciousness, as well as pertinent socio-economic variables including income, geographical location, age, educational attainment, and gender. Evident from the findings is the clear demarcation of two segments characterized by robust fish consumption tendencies, specifically the "Frequent" and "Avid" segments. Subsequently, there exists a segment showcasing moderately pronounced fish consumption behaviours labelled as the "Occasional" consumer group, in contrast to a segment demonstrating a markedly diminished inclination for fish consumption, denoted as the "Infrequent" consumer. All segments score high on habitual and brand-loyal purchasing intentions which emphasize the routine nature of fish consumption behaviour. In a broader context, the study underscores the inherent utility of segmenting consumers based on fish consumption volume and type, as this approach yields distinct consumer groups that can be systematically addressed by stakeholders ranging from policy makers to producers and other seafood advocates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]