Guiné, Raquel P. F. (author), Florença, Sofia G. (author), Bréjon, Marius (author), Gonçalves, João Carlos (author), Barroca, Maria João (author), Ferreira, Manuela (author), and Fragata, Anabela (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2025-03-04
Published:
Germany: De Gruyte
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 211 Document Number: D13652
15 pages, Humans have been consuming milk obtained from domesticated animals since ancient times. Milk is a very complete food with important nutrients that can support life. However, the patterns of consumption of milk have been shifting. On one hand, due to the increase in the number of people with intolerances (to lactose, for example), and on the other hand, due to some trend to avoid foods from animal origin owing to specific conviction (like animal welfare, for example). In this context, this study focused on the milk consumption patterns in two different European Countries and the evaluation of possible differences. The object of study was milk obtained from animal sources, namely, cows, and no other derived fermented dairy products were included. For the development of the study, a questionnaire survey was applied to a sample of 542 participants from both countries using the Internet. The results showed that a high percentage of participants in both countries consume milk regularly, and the usual amount varies between 125 and 250 mL per day. For those who do not consume milk, the most relevant reason pointed out in both countries was because they do not feel the need to consume it. While in France, a high percentage also do not consume because they do not like milk, and in Portugal, a high percentage do not consume milk due to lactose intolerance. The most consumed is semi-skimmed milk, and preferences are towards consuming plain milk or consuming it with chocolate. Significant differences were found in the consumption of white brands, which are preferred in France, while in Portugal, consumers prefer commercial brands, as well as the preferred package, tetra packs for the Portuguese, while the French prefer plastic bottles. In conclusion, although the results showed some similar trends among the participants from both countries, some differences were also identified that can be used to better plan public policies in both countries.
20 pages, Consumers often make decisions on behalf of the self and others, such as family, friends, or colleagues, when choosing products to jointly consume. Postulating that power—a central element of social dynamics—shapes reliance on internal versus external information, the current research explores its effect on joint consumption choices. Across three studies, I find that low-power individuals balance self and others’ preferences, whereas high-power individuals are likely to highlight their preferences (H1). In addition, I provide evidence for decision-making strategy (i.e., reliance on reasons vs. feelings) as the key mechanism underpinning the relationship between power and joint consumption choices (H2). Finally, I demonstrate that this effect is attenuated when individuals have a heightened need for justification, via moderation and mediation (H3 and H4).
