Consumer perception of functional foods and determinants of functional foods consumption in the Slovak Republic

• DOI: 10.1108/bfj-07-2022-0656
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20T04:46:43Z
• Authors: Elena Horská; Kristína Predanóc...; Peter Šedík; Klaus G. Grunert; Daniela Hupková
• Keywords: Snowball sampling; Slovak; Consumption; Sample (material); Functional food

Purpose The aim of this paper is to study the consumer perception functional foods and identify determinants consumption in Slovakia. Design/methodology/approach research based on primary data obtained by conducting an online questionnaire survey 2021 using snowball sampling method ( n = 1,138 Slovak respondents). By applying inferential multivariate statistics, several segments food consumers were identified. Findings Research identified three Slovakia differing agreement scores four dimensions beliefs about foods. “Skeptic” largest segment, comprising 52% sample. Consumers have higher risk lower benefit, trend interest beliefs. These do not consume regularly. segment “Less interested”, 35% sample, has average scores, occasionally or “Enthusiastic” smallest only 12% high benefits low Most regularly are focusing product features. Originality/value results provide essential information for both academic commercial field. Obtained can be used producers better understand their customers as well improve marketing strategies market.