Market-oriented Development of Plant-based Food and Beverage Products: A Usage Segmentation Approach

Abstract

This study examined plant-based product (PBP) consumption, related motivations and barriers, and PBP attributes of importance. An online survey collected responses (n = 456) from PBP consumers and non-PBP consumers in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and the United Kingdom (UK). Responses were analyzed using univariate statistics, binary logistic regression, and Principal Component Analysis. Females, and those living in urban areas were more likely to consume PBPs. Primary motivations for consumption were ‘sustainability,’ ‘animal welfare’ and ‘health.’ Barriers to consumption for non-PBP consumers were ‘not seeing a need to change their diet’ and ‘taste.’ Taste, health, and product information on the label were cited as the most important PBP attributes. Findings are of relevance to PBP manufacturers and marketers; the paper presents related recommendations for PBP marketing strategies, considers how best to target both usage segments (PBP and non-PBP consumers), and evaluates the usefulness of a usage segmentation approach for this product category.