British Food Journal

L. Manning; R.N. Baines; S.A. Chadd

doi: 10.1108/00070700710746759pmid: N/A

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current status of the poultry meat supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – The research included a literature review and evaluation of financial performance data to determine the market conditions that have impacted on both individual organisations and supply chains. Findings – The financial data has demonstrated, for the transnational corporations (TNC) studied, a significant reduction in financial performance over the last 12 months. This is due in part to the influence of avian influenza, but also to the over supply of poultry meat and increased production costs. The ongoing management of risk within this context needs to not only address traditional risk factors, but also in publicly traded organisations address the effective management of investment risk to ensure continued shareholder confidence and organisational viability. Originality/value – This research is of academic value and of value to those working in the food supply chain.

Yunus Khatri; Ray Collins

doi: 10.1108/00070700710746768pmid: N/A

Purpose – A number of food safety systems have been implemented in Australia but information regarding the motivators, constraints, costs and benefits of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) as a food safety programme, as well as novel verification methods in the meat industry, has been lacking. Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured reviews were used as part of an industry‐level study of 50 per cent of businesses. Findings – Results show that the benefits of food safety systems incorporating HACCP within the meat industry in Australia have been widespread and significant. In particular, Australian firms reported a reduction in rejects/rework/out of specification products, reduction in customer complaints, improved product hygiene, improved morale and an increase in overseas markets. However, this has been at the cost of refurbishment for small businesses, training and the exiting of firms that have not complied/been able to comply with the HACCP requirements. Research limitations/implications – Most of the costs involved with HACCP could not be recouped in the short‐term. Also, the unwillingness of small firms to participate in the research had repercussions on the outcome. Originality/value – This article helps to define the HACCP system and will be of interest to those involved in the implementation of it.

C.M.J. van Woerkum; Ir. M. van Lieshout

doi: 10.1108/00070700710746777pmid: N/A

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to study the way in which Dutch organizations in the food sector try to cope with their reputations regarding food safety. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with eight representatives of Dutch agro‐food companies were organized, representing a variety of products with different positions in the agro‐food chain. Findings – The results show that, although reputation management is not a special branch in the organization of communication, the subject is seen as crucial for these organizations. Their strategies, however, differ considerably, depending on whether they position food safety as more or less central in their mission and brand strategy. Originality/value – The article makes recommendations and gives insight into the agro‐food industry and will be of interest to those in the field.

Karijn Bonne; Iris Vermeir; Florence Bergeaud‐Blackler; Wim Verbeke

doi: 10.1108/0070700710746786pmid: N/A

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of halal meat consumption within a Muslim migration population using the theory of planned behaviour as a conceptual framework. The role of self‐identity as a Muslim and dietary acculturation in the host culture is explored. Design/methodology/approach – Cross‐sectional data were collected through a survey with 576 Muslims mainly originating from North Africa and currently living in France. Data were analysed by means of independent samples' t ‐tests, correlations and stepwise multiple regression. Findings – A positive personal attitude towards the consumption of halal meat, the influence of peers and the perceived control over consuming halal meat predict the intention to eat halal meat among Muslims. Research implications/limitations – Limitations include the use of a convenience sample and the focus on only two individual characteristics related to religious food consumption, namely self‐identity and dietary acculturation. Additional individual characteristics such as trust, values or involvement could improve the predictive power of the model. Practical implications – Practical implications extend to food policy decision‐makers and food marketers who might pursue identity – and/or acculturation‐related strategies in their distribution and communication efforts targeted at the growing halal food market segment in Western Europe. Originality/value – This study is one of the first studies investigating the determinants of halal meat consumption in general and a first application of the theory of planned behaviour within a food, religion and migration context, i.e. halal meat consumption decisions in a Muslim migration population in France. In general, this study indicates that the predictive power of the classic TPB in this very specific context is limited.

Gary Noble; Martine Stead; Sandra Jones; Laura McDermott; Danielle McVie

doi: 10.1108/0070700710746795pmid: N/A

Purpose – This article aims to explore the apparent paradox between the nutritional knowledge of parents of pre‐school children and their actual food purchase and preparation behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – Two separate qualitative data collection exercises were conducted, an exploratory focus group study in the UK and a projective technique study in Australia. Findings – The UK study found that, despite believing that vegetables were good for children's health, mothers also perceived that it was extremely difficult to encourage children to eat them. The results of Australian study suggest that the purchase of unhealthy “treats” or “bribes” is explained through the concept of “expediency” whereas what this study labels as “good parenting” emerged as the main motivational force leading to the purchase of healthy food. Research limitations/implications – The authors caution on any inappropriate generalisations being based on the findings of this study. Further qualitative and quantitative empirical research is suggested in settings different to those of this study. Practical implications – The authors suggest that information‐ and education‐based campaigns, which simply emphasise the benefits of “healthy” food and the disbenefits of “unhealthy” food for children will have limited impact on childhood obesity. Instead, future interventions need to acknowledge the complex reality of parenting and the barriers and competition to healthy food choices, and to offer parents meaningful help in food purchasing and preparation. An approach suggested by the authors that acknowledges this complexity is that of social marketing. Originality/value – This paper provides new insights into the food purchase and preparation behaviour of parents and suggests alternative strategies for addressing the current childhood obesity epidemic.

Benjamin M. Onyango; William K. Hallman; Anne C. Bellows

doi: 10.1108/00070700710746803pmid: N/A

Purpose – This study aims to identify and estimate the influence of consumers' views of specific food aspects (attributes) and personal attributes on demand for organic foods. Design/methodology/approach – A logistic regression is applied to US national survey data to analyze consumers' willingness to buy organic foods. The modeling approach assumes a rational consumer with a well‐behaved utility function (i.e. with preferences that are complete, reflexive and transitive). Findings – Food naturalness aspect (no artificial flavors or colorings), vegetarian‐vegan identity (persons who do not eat meat or animal products) and US production location considerations were critical in determining the regularity of organic food purchases. Food familiarity aspect (whether the respondent has consumed a food previously or prefers a familiar brand) was negatively associated with organic food purchases. Females and young people buy organic foods on a regular basis, as do the more politically liberal and moderately religious. Research limitations/implications – Given the scope of the survey data, certainly not all aspects about food are included in this study. It is suggested, therefore, that future studies incorporate public opinion on a larger spectrum of product attributes. Practical implications – This study contributes to the emerging literature by broadening the list of drivers of organic foods purchases beyond socio‐economics factors to include public opinions regarding characteristics of food that are important in consumption decisions. The information generated will inform policy makers and organic food marketers as the organic food industry evolves. Originality/value – The paper evaluates organic food preferences in the light of food attributes, going beyond the current treatment with predictions limited largely to socioeconomics.