Competing aspects in Hungarians’ household consumption

The importance of price sensitivity and environmental consciousness

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2024.01.03

Keywords:

environmental consciousness, price sensitivity, sustainability, consumer segmentation

Abstract

The Hungarian population is traditionally price-sensitive, but they are increasingly concerned about the environment. Are these aspects presented simultaneously or independently in consumer decisions related to food and household goods? How can they use price sensitivity and environmental awareness to define consumer segments? After a literature review, the authors address this question in their research project using a quantitative research methodology on a sample of consumers participating in a Hungarian retail chain’s loyalty programme. With the help of principal component and cluster analysis they can conclude that the combination of these two characteristics seems to be necessary when segmenting consumers. The authors also found that the overall group of environmentally conscious consumers includes both a price-sensitive and a price-insensitive group. This indicates the necessity to move away from a niche market approach towards a broader understanding of green consumption.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Beatrix Lányi, University of Pécs

associate professor

Eszter Jakopánecz , University of Pécs

assistant professor

László Csóka, University of Pécs

assistant professor

Ágnes Neulinger, University of Pécs

researcher

References

Balázs, B., Pataki Gy. & Lazányi O. (2016). Prospects for the future: community supported agriculture in Hungary. Futures, 83, 100–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2016.03.005

BCG (2022a). Achieving ’Mainstream Green’ is Key in Accelerating Transition to a More Sustainable Economy. https://www.bcg.com/press/23september2022-achieving-mainstream-green-is-key-in-accelerating-transition-to-a-more-sustainable-economy

BCG (2022b). CMO Sustainability Accelerator, The Future is Mainstream Green. https://www.adweek.com/achieving-mainstream-green-is-key-in-accelerating-transition-to-a-more-sustainable-economy/

Beacom, E., Bogue, J., & Repar, L. (2021). Market-oriented Development of Plant-based Food and Beverage Products: A Usage Segmentation Approach. Journal of Food Products Marketing, 27(4), 204-222. https://doi.org/10.1080/10454446.2021.1955799

Beckford, C.L., Jacobs, C., Williams, N., & Nahdee, R. (2010). Aboriginal environmental wisdom, stewardship, and sustainability: lessons from the Walpole Island First Nations, Ontario, Canada. The Journal of Environmental Education, 41(4), 239-248. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958961003676314

Bloodhart, B., & Swim, J.K. (2020). Sustainability and consumption: What’s gender got to do with it. Journal of Social Issues, 76(1), 101-113. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12370

Böcskei, B., & Szabó, A. (2022). Árérzékenység és materalizmus blokkolta zöldtudatosság: A „csendes forradalom” magyarországi állása. In Éghajlatváltozás és politika: Attitűdök, tüntetők, reakciók (pp. 15-38). Napvilág Kiadó.

Berger, I., & Corbin, R. (1992). Perceived consumer effectiveness and faith in others as moderators of environmentally responsible behaviors. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, 11(2), 79-89. https://doi.org/10.1177/074391569201100208

Carrero, I., Redondo, R., & Fabra, M.E. (2016). Who is behind the sustainable purchase? The sustainable consumer profile in grocery shopping in Spain. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 40(6), 643-651. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12287

Cicia, G., Del Giudice, T., & Ramunno, I. (2009). Environmental and health components in consumer perception of organic products: estimation of willingness to pay. Journal of Food Products Marketing,15(3), 324–336. https://doi.org/10.1080/10454440902925930

Cornelissen, G., Pandelaere, M., Warlop, L., & Dewitte, S. (2008). Positive cueing: Promoting sustainable consumer behaviour by cueing common environmental behaviours as environmental. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 25(1), 46-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijresmar.2007.06.002

Chatzidakis, A., Hibbert, S., Mittusis, D., & Smith, A. (2004). Virtue in consumption? Journal of Marketing Management, 20(5), 526-543. https://doi.org/10.1362/0267257041323972

Dudás, K. (2006). A környezettudatos vásárlói magatartás elemzése. Marketing & Menedzsment, 40(5-6), 106-113. https://journals.lib.pte.hu/index.php/mm/article/view/696

European Commission (2019). Special Eurobarometer 490. Climate Change. https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2212

Fleming, M. (2020). Consumers don’t want to choose between sustainability and convenience. MarketingWeek.com, (26 Feb, 2020). https://www.marketingweek.com/brands-sustainability-convenience/

Fotopoulos, C., & Krystallis, A. (2002). Purchasing motives and profile of the Greek organic consumer: a countrywide survey. British Food Journal, 104(9), 730-765. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700210443110

Gergely, É., Szabó, B., & Balázs, K. (2014). Az egészségés környezettudatosság, valamint az értékrend hatása a bioélelmiszer-fogyasztásra. Marketing & Menedzsment, 48(4), 27-37. https://journals.lib.pte.hu/index.php/mm/article/view/973

GfK (2021). Companies are expected to take responsibility. https://insights.cps.gfk.com/story/green-ambitions-golden-opportunities-sustainability-in-times-of-instability-free/page/1

Ghali-Zinoubi, Z., & Toukabri, M. (2019). The antecedents of the consumer purchase intention: Sensitivity to price and involvement in organic product: Moderating role of product regional identity. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 90(August), 175-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2019.02.028

Glied V., & Pánivics A. (2022). Fenntartható fejlődés és környezetpolitika a 21. században. Egy paradigmaváltás küszöbén. Kontraszt Plusz Kft.

Gottschalk, I., & Leistner, T. (2013). Consumer reactions to the availability of organic food in discount supermarkets. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 37(2), 136-142. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2012.01101.x

greenfo.hu (2022). Az ár a döntő vásárláskor – a fenntarthatóság nem fontos. https://greenfo.hu/hir/az-ar-adonto-vasarlaskor-a-fenntarthatosag-nem-fontos/

Gupta, S., & Ogden, D.T. (2009). To buy or not to buy? A social dilemma perspective on green buying. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 26(6), 376-391. https://doi.org/10.1108/07363760910988201

Hair, J.F., Black, W.C., Babin, B.J., Anderson, R.E., & Tatham, R.L. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (Vol. 5). Pearson Prentice Hall.

Hsu, C.L., Chang, C.Y., & Yansritakul, C. (2017). Exploring purchase intention of green skincare products using the theory of planned behavior: Testing the moderating effects of country of origin and price sensitivity. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 34(January), 145-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2016.10.006

Impetus Research (2020). LOHAS fogyasztók. Akiknek a zöld már nem egy szín, hanem életstílus. https://www.markamonitor.hu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Zöld_Marketing_Konferencia_20200130_Bacher_Janos_LOHAS.pdf

Janssen, M., Busch, C., Rödiger, M. & Hamm, U. (2016). Motives of consumers following a vegan diet and their attitudes towards animal agriculture. Appetite, 105(Oct), 643-651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2016.06.039

Johnstone, M.L., & Tan, L.P. (2015). An exploration of environmentally-conscious consumers and the reasons why they do not buy green products. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 33(5), 804-825. https://doi.org/10.1108/MIP-09-2013-0159

Jovanović, V., & Lazić, M. (2020). Is longer always better? A comparison of the validity of single-item versus multiple-item measures of life satisfaction. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 15(3), 675-692. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-018-9680-6

Kenesei, Zs. (2001). Az árakciók szerepe és helye a kiskereskedelemben. Marketing & Menedzsment, 35(5-6), 91-97. https://journals.lib.pte.hu/index.php/mm/article/view/1792

Kertész, L.R., & Török, Á. (2021). Bioélelmiszerek vásárlóinak jellemzői Magyarországon – az Ökopiac tanulságai. Gazdálkodás, 65(2), 141-157. https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/310594/

Kilbourne, W.E., & Beckmann, S.C. (1998). Review and critical assessment of research on marketing and the environment. Journal of Marketing Management, 14(6), 513-532. https://doi.org/10.1362/026725798784867716

Kim, Y., & Choi, S.R. (2005). Antecedents of green purchase behaviour: An examination of collectivism, environmental concern and PCE. Advances in Consumer Research, 32(1), 592-599. https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/9156/volumes/v32/na-32

Kollmuss, A., & Agyeman, J. (2002). Mind the gap: why do people act environmentally and what are the barriers to pro-environmental behavior? Environmental Education Research, 8(3), 239-260. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620220145401

Kolos, K., & Kensesi, Zs. (2005). A magyar vásárlók akciókkal és árakkal kapcsolatos attitűdjeinek vizsgálata. Marketing & Menedzsment, 39(3), 40-44. https://journals.lib.pte.hu/index.php/mm/article/view/1436

KSH (2022). Népesség és népmozgalom.https://www.ksh.hu/stadat?lang=hu&theme=nep

Krystallis, A., Fotopoulos, C., & Zotos, Y. (2006). Organic consumers’ profile and their willingness to pay (WTP) for selected organic food products in Greece. Journal of International Consumer Marketing, 19(1), 81-106. https://doi.org/10.1300/J046v19n01_05

Kumar, R., Philip, P.J., & Sharma, C. (2014). Attitude–value construct: A review of green buying behaviour. Pacific Business Review International, 6(8), 25-30. http://www.pbr.co.in/2014/2014_month/feb/4.pdf

Kuslits, B., & Kocsis, T. (2019). Visszatérés a piachoz: fenntartható élelmiszer fogyasztás Budapesten. Magyar Tudomány, 180(6), 884-893. https://doi.org/10.1556/2065.180.2019.6.11

Kuyumcu, H.A. (2007). Emerging trends in scientific pricing. Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management, 6, 293-299. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.rpm.5160101

Laroche, M., Bergeron, J., & Barbaro-Forleo, G. (2001). Targeting consumers who are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 18(6), 503-520, https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000006155

Lavelle-Hill, R., Goulding, J., Smith, G., Clarke, D.D., & Bibby, P.A. (2020). Psychological and demographic predictors of plastic bag consumption in transaction data. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 72(Dec), 101473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101473

Lehota, J., Horváth, Á., & Rácz, G. (2013). A potenciális LOHAS fogyasztók megjelenése Magyarországon. Marketing & Menedzsment, 47(4), 36-54. https://journals.lib.pte.hu/index.php/mm/article/view/656

Lichtenstein, D.R., Ridgway, N.M., & Netemeyer, R.G. (1993). Price perceptions and consumer shopping behavior: a field study. Journal of Marketing Research, 30(2), 234-245. https://doi.org/10.2307/3172830

Luzio, P.P.J., & Lemke, F. (2013). Exploring green consumers’ product demands and consumption processes: The case of Portuguese green consumers. European Business Review, 25(3), 281-300. https://doi.org/10.1108/09555341311314825

Ma, X., Liu, Z., Meng, T., Florkowski, W.J., & Mu, Y. (2022). Impact of food sustainability labels on the price of rice in online sales. Foods, 11(23), 3781. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11233781

Malik, A., Mertz, O., & Fensholt, R. (2017). Mangrove forest decline: consequences for livelihoods and environment in South Sulawesi. Regional Environmental Change, 17, 157-169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-016-0989-0

Miller, K. (2020). The Triple bottom line: what is it and why it’s important? Harvard Business School, Business Insights Blog, (08. Dec. 2020). https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/what-is-the-triple-bottom-line

MNB (2022). A pénzügyileg tudatos háztartások környezetkímélőbb döntéseket hoznak. https://www.mnb.hu/fogyasztovedelem/csaladi-zold-penzugyek/zold-gazdalkodas-otthon/penzugyi-tervezes/a-penzugyileg-tudatos-haztartasok-kornyezetkimelobb-donteseket-hoznak

Mohr, M., & Schlich, M. (2016). Socio-demographic basic factors of German customers as predictors for sustainable consumerism regarding foodstuffs and meat products. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 40(2), 158-167. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12239

Nagy, Sz. (2018). A környezettudatos cselekvések elemzése. Vezetéstudomány, 49(10-11), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2018.10.04

Nasir, V.A., & Karakaya, F. (2014). Consumer segments in organic foods market. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 31(4), 263-277. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCM-01-2014-0845

Neulinger Á. (2022). Kiváltság, szükségszerűség vagy egyik sem? A fogyasztói alkalmazkodás lehetőségei a klímaválság idején. In Törőcsik M., & Jakopánecz E. (szerk.), Ember a lét dzsungelében – félelmek, alkalmazkodás, fogyasztás. Vitairatok a VII. Fogyasztás Interdiszciplináris Szimpóziumon elhangzott előadásokról (pp. 8-12). PTE. https://doi.org/10.15170/ktk-fogyszimp-2022-02

Nichols, B.S., & Holt, J.W. (2023). A comparison of sustainability attitudes and intentions across generations and gender: a perspective from US consumers. Cuadernos de Gestión, 23(1), 51-62. https://doi.org/10.5295/cdg.211647bs

NRC (2021). Fenntarthatóság: tudjuk, hisszük, csak nem akarjuk. https://nrc.hu/nrc-hirek/nrc-kutatas-fenntarthatosag/

Park, S.J., Choi, S., & Kim, E.J. (2012). The relationships between socio‐demographic variables and concerns about environmental sustainability. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 19(6), 343-354. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.284

Pearson, D., Henryks, J., & Jones, H. (2011). Organic food: What we know (and do not know) about consumers. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 26(2), 171-177. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742170510000499

Peštek, A., Agic, E., & Cinjarevic, M. (2018). Segmentation of organic food buyers: an emergent market perspective. British Food Journal, 120(2), 269-289. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-04-2017-0215

Pícha, K., & Navrátil, J. (2019). The factors of Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability influencing pro-environmental buying behaviour. Journal of Cleaner Production, 234, 233-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.06.072

Pollard, J., Greenwood, D., Kirk, S., & Cade, J. (2001). Lifestyle factors affecting fruit and vegetable consumption in the UK Women’s Cohort Study. Appetite, 37(1), 71-79. https://doi.org/10.1006/appe.2001.0415

Prescott-Smith, S., & Smith, M. (2022). Meet Britain’s vegans and vegetarians. https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/articles-reports/2022/01/20/meet-britains-vegans-and-vegetarians

Rácz, G. (2013). Az értékek változásának és a fenntartható fejlődés trendjének hatásai a hazai élelmiszerfogyasztásra (PhD-értékezés). Szent István Egyetem, Gazdálkodás és Szervezéstudományok Doktori Iskola, Gödöllő. http://real-phd.mtak.hu/1682/

Rekettye, G. (2012). Az árak észlelése és értékelése. Vezetéstudomány, 43(5), 2-13. https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2012.05.01

Roitner-Schobesberger, B., Darnhofer, I., Somsook, S., & Vogl, C.R. (2008). Consumer perceptions of organic foods in Bangkok, Thailand. Food Policy, 33(2), 112-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2007.09.004

Sarigollu, E. (2009). A cross-country exploration of environmental attitudes. Environment and Behavior, 41(3), 365-386. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916507313920

Shaluf, I.M., & Said, A.M. (2003). A review of disaster and crisis. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 12(1), 24-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560310463829

Shotton, R. (2022). Döntésgyár. 25 viselkedéstorzító hatás, ami befolyásolja vásárlási döntéseinket. Firehouse.

Singh, G. & Pandey, N. (2018). The determinants of green packaging that influence buyers’ willingness to pay a price premium. Australasian Marketing Journal, 26(3), 221-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ausmj.2018.06.001

Smith, K.T. (2010). An examination of marketing techniques that influence Millennials’ perceptions of whether a product is environmentally friendly. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 18(6), 437-450. https://doi.org/10.1080/0965254X.2010.525249

Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (2009). Encouraging pro-environmental behaviour: An integrative review and research agenda. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29, 309–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2008.10.004

Sultan, P., Wong, H.Y., & Sigala, M. (2018). Segmenting the Australian organic food consumer market. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, 30(1), 163-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJML-10-2016-0211

Szakály, Z., Pető, K., Popp, J., & Jasák, H. (2015). A fenntartható fogyasztás iránt elkötelezett fogyasztói csoport, a LOHAS szegmens jellemzői. Táplálkozásmarketing, 2(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.20494/TM/2/1/1

Szakály, Z., Soós, M., & Kontor, E. (2020). Az élelmiszervásárlói magatartás változása. https://portal.nebih.gov.hu/documents/10182/1541438/Szakály+et+al+előadás+%28nyilvános%29.pdf/8f01ab11-308a-b01e-3aecff96e43d7cc6?t=1592125036407

Törőcsik, M., & Csapó, J. (2021). A nemfogyasztás/nemvásárlás motivációi, értelmezése a turizmusban. Vezetéstudomány, 52(1), 42–55. https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2021.1.04

Van Loo, E., Hoefkens, C., & Verbeke, W. (2017). Healthy, sustainable and plant-based eating: Perceived (mis) match and involvement-based consumer segments as targets for future policy. Food Policy, 69, 46-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.03.001

Vautier, M. (2021). EY Future Consumer Index: 68% of global consumers expect companies to solve sustainability issues. https://www.ey.com/en_gl/news/2021/06/ey-future-consumer-index-68-of-global-consumers-expect-companies-to-solve-sustainability-issues

Verain, M.C.D., Bartels, J., Dagevos, H., Sijtsema, S.J., Onwezen, M.C., & Antonides, G. (2012). Segments of sustainable food consumers: a literature review. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2, 123-132. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2011.01082.x

Wang, J., Pham, T.L., & Dang, V.T. (2020). Environmental consciousness and organic food purchase intention: a moderated mediation model of perceived food quality and price sensitivity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3), 850. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030850

Wee, C.S., Ariff, M.S.B.M., Zakuan, N., Tajudin, M.N.M., Ismail, K., & Ishak, N. (2014). Consumers perception, purchase intention and actual purchase behavior of organic food products. Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research, 3(2), 378-396. https://www.zamaros.net/Consumer%20Research%20-%20organic%20food.pdf

WWF (2020). A magyarok többsége készen áll a szabályozott környezetvédelemre. https://wwf.hu/hireink/egyeb-termeszetvedelem/a-magyarok-tobbsege-keszen-all-a-szabalyozott-kornyezetvedelemre/

Yeoman, I. (2016). The history of revenue and pricing management – 15 years and more. Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management, 15, 185-196. https://doi.org/10.1057/rpm.2016.36

Zheng, G.W., Akter, N., Siddik, A.B., & Masukujjaman, M. (2021). Organic foods purchase behavior among generation Y of Bangladesh: The moderation effect of trust and price consciousness. Foods, 10(10), 2278. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods1010227

Downloads

Published

2024-01-15

How to Cite

Lányi, B., Jakopánecz , E., Csóka, L., & Neulinger, Ágnes. (2024). Competing aspects in Hungarians’ household consumption: The importance of price sensitivity and environmental consciousness. Vezetéstudomány Budapest Management Review, 55(1), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2024.01.03

Issue

Section

Articles