Purpose The usage and preference of western imported food in a Muslim-majority state signifies its importance and relevance in a specific culture. However, the inclination and preference toward imported food products must be backed by a strong motivation, when the religion of Islam does not permit overspending yet the amount spent on such imported food products is overwhelming. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the motivation behind this behavior. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative study, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 90 participants comprising professionals, housewives and university students from eight cities in Pakistan, which represented different regions and demographic variables. These were Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Faisalabad and Larkana. The technique used to analyze the qualitative interview findings was thematic content analysis. To confirm the results, Leximancer software Version 4.5 was used to reanalyze and validate them. Moreover, the purposive sampling method has been used in this research. Findings The findings from the qualitative-focused interviews revealed that the product attributes of packaging with attractive colors, design, size, overall quality material, taste and labeling with maximum product information influenced their purchase behavior. The vast majority reported that food products coming from the west needed to be halal, and this is an important deciding factor for purchase. Also, the level of religiosity related to western imported food buying behavior varies from city to city, which itself an interesting finding from a Muslim-majority population. Brand trust, loyalty, satisfaction, subjective norms were influential factors for Muslim consumers’ purchase behavior. Research limitations/implications This paper is qualitative in nature, and therefore, the generalizability of the study results is limited. Also, this study only focused on Muslim consumer buying behavior from a Muslim-dominated country. Practical implications This study is instrumental for western food producers and exporters, providing valuable information about the motives behind the purchase of western imported food products in Pakistan, and by extension, potentially in Muslim countries in general. The study’s findings would add value to the field of consumer behavior, in which little research has been conducted on the relationship between consumer motives in context with Muslims’ consumer behavior toward western imported food products. Social implications The presence of western imported food products may give better options for consumers so that they can pick a quality product for their own and family usage. The placement of the halal logo and extra care of halal ingredients also assures the religious and cultural requirements, enabling the western imported food products to penetrate quickly. Originality/value The findings of the qualitative-focused interviews revealed that the level of religiosity varies from city to city. Even though the core religion is Islam, the level of religious commitment varies in different cities when it comes to the purchase of western imported food products. The interview findings discovered some reasons behind this behavior such as consumer demographic profile, cultural background, income level, education, lifestyle, family background and social class. This means that demographic variation plays an important role in religious commitment and especially across cites that possess different cultural and behavioral patterns.

Marketing mix strategy plays an important role and serves as a road map for achieving organizational and marketing objectives. An effective marketing mix in the food brand segment strengthens the product’s image, recognition, perception and market share by offering superior value to its customers. The purpose of this case study was to review the marketing mix strategy of a local spice brand with a focus on the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) customers. The case revolved around many questions, encompassing several aspects related to brand marketing, marketing mix strategies, communication and brand distribution, and the company’s core values and vision and its alignment with the mission. The data for this case study were acquired from secondary sources. The information set highlighted the marketing mix and raised questions regarding the underlined challenges faced by the brand for penetrating and maintaining its presence in the market.

Summary This study explored strategies for dealing with involuntary social service clients of Social Services Centers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 21 social workers engaged with involuntary clients from three cities in the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia), representing different regions and demographic variables. Data was collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic content analysis (TCA) and Leximancer software Version 4.5 to validate the results. Findings During the interviews, participants described emerging strategies that they found effective for engaging involuntary clients: effective communication, a conducive atmosphere, a positive attitude, client profile/history, freedom of speech, openness, comfort, confidence building, rapport building, supportive environment and empathy. Applications This study created new understandings about social work in the Middle East, relevant for other parts of the world, about tactics that can be used to develop effective communication with involuntary clients.