The impact of information asymmetry on animal welfare-friendly consumption: Evidence from milk market in Japan

Kitano, Shinichi; Mitsunari, Yuka; Yoshino, Akira

doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107230

Cited by 12 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Farm animal welfare is a credence attribute, and welfare-friendly animal products are considered credence goods 85 , 86 . The asymmetrically distributed information about food credence attributes, such as animal welfare, can diminish consumer trust and, consequently, reduce their willingness to pay for such attributes 87 , 88 . This phenomenon may be especially pronounced in China, where farm animal welfare is still in its early stages of development, as welfare-friendly animal products have not gained widespread popularity and there is a lack of a comprehensive certification and labeling system for such products.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the consumer-citizen gap in Chinese public attitudes toward farm animal welfare

Jiang,

Cui,

Deng

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Individuals of the general public can perform both consumer and citizen roles in farm animal welfare, and attitudes toward farm animal welfare may differ between these roles. However, scant research is available regarding this distinction, especially in developing countries such as China. The present study aimed to explore consumer-citizen gaps in Chinese public attitudes toward farm animal welfare across three dimensions and across demographic characteristics. A 36-item scale was designed, and completed by 5284 Chinese participants in a large-scale cross-sectional survey. Consumer-citizen gaps in attitudes toward farm animal welfare across three dimensions and demographic characteristics were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effects of demographic characteristics on attitudes were further explored by linear regression analysis. A significant consumer-citizen gap was found in overall attitudes, although the consumer role was only slightly more positive than the citizen role. The consumer-citizen gap is driven by differences in both cognitive attitudes and behavioral attitudes. The gap is most pronounced in cognitive attitudes, where the consumer role is significantly more positive, and smaller in behavioral attitudes, where the citizen role is significantly more positive. The consumer-citizen gap varies significantly among different demographic groups, including gender, age, education, monthly household income, area of residence, and occupation. Additionally, education, monthly household income, and area of residence have significant effects on attitudes in the dual role, whereas gender only affect consumer-role attitudes significantly. The findings provide evidence that consumer-citizen gaps in Chinese public attitudes toward farm animal welfare exist, and this distinction is mainly determined by demographic characteristics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the consumer-citizen gap in Chinese public attitudes toward farm animal welfare

Jiang,

Cui,

Deng

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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“…As consumers pay more and more attention to the welfare of farm animals and its relationship with production methods, it is necessary to develop labeling models with truthful information trying to reduce the information asymmetry [72,73]. Important tools for food policy are private standards for animal health and welfare (AHW) and quality assurance (QA) programs.…”

Section: Moresi Andmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Human Perspective in Consumer Ethics and Animal Welfare Issues: Envisioning a Future for Change

Bonadonna

Bollani

Peira

2022

JAMSIS

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Animal welfare has been a subject of interest for the European Union since the 1970s, with the definition of animal protection guidelines during international transport, on farms and for slaughter. However, the Legislator’s concern found its highest expression in the Animal Welfare Protocol of the Treaty of Amsterdam, where animals are defined as sentient beings, therefore worthy of attention in the policies developed by the European Union and its Member States. Nowadays, the interpretation of the animal welfare concept as an element that contributes to increasing profitability is also integrated by respect for the animal’s feelings and, consequently, the related different biological manifestations. Food scandals and diseases, on the one hand, and the emergence of a new approach to consumer ethics, on the other, have also strongly sensitized the European population about the importance of protecting animal welfare. Based on the above considerations, this study provides a framework to understand whether animal welfare should merely be considered as a product of EU strategies dedicated to the economic and competitive performance of agricultural and agro-industrial enterprises or whether it can also be assessed as a useful tool to minimize the environmental impact, through breeding practices and food habits, and therefore encourage more sustainable development.

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“…Chinese consumers, particularly of the younger generation, increasingly want to know the origins of their food and the ethics of its production. For dairy products such as milk, brand reputation regarding animal welfare, perceived health advantages, and product authenticity are major determinants in their purchasing decisions [6]. Recent research in animal welfare has focused on products associated with animal welfare [7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Glimpsing the Future of Animal Welfare through a Bottle of Milk: Insights from Chinese University Students

Liang,

Chen,

Liu

et al. 2023

Foods

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The consumption patterns of university students hold the power to significantly influence market trends. This study illuminates the escalating emphasis on animal welfare in these students’ purchasing choices, specifically concerning milk products. Utilizing a discrete choice experiment, we identified a pronounced preference among students for milk products with animal welfare certifications. Students were segmented into three categories based on their motivations: “Quality–Oriented” (20.55%), “Emotionally Intuitive” (30.67%), and “Quality–Emotion Balanced” (48.77%). The “Emotionally Intuitive” group manifested the most robust inclination toward such certifications. Based on these findings, we recommend tailored market strategies targeting these distinct segments. Moreover, our findings emphasize the importance of intensifying animal welfare education, shaping a market aligned with animal welfare principles, and fostering a broader societal environment attuned to animal welfare.

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The impact of information asymmetry on animal welfare-friendly consumption: Evidence from milk market in Japan

Cited by 12 publications

References 42 publications

Understanding the consumer-citizen gap in Chinese public attitudes toward farm animal welfare

Understanding the consumer-citizen gap in Chinese public attitudes toward farm animal welfare

The Human Perspective in Consumer Ethics and Animal Welfare Issues: Envisioning a Future for Change

Glimpsing the Future of Animal Welfare through a Bottle of Milk: Insights from Chinese University Students

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