Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit model

In Tanzania, a growing upper and middle classes, particularly among urbanites, exhibit distinct preferences for higher-quality processed foods, including dairy products. This study examines variations in consumer preferences and their willingness to pay for yogurt and ice cream, which serve as stand...

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Main Authors: Michael L. Kadigi, Damas Philip, Gilead I. Mlay, Ntengua S. Mdoe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:Heliyon
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166972
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author Michael L. Kadigi
Damas Philip
Gilead I. Mlay
Ntengua S. Mdoe
author_facet Michael L. Kadigi
Damas Philip
Gilead I. Mlay
Ntengua S. Mdoe
author_sort Michael L. Kadigi
collection DOAJ
description In Tanzania, a growing upper and middle classes, particularly among urbanites, exhibit distinct preferences for higher-quality processed foods, including dairy products. This study examines variations in consumer preferences and their willingness to pay for yogurt and ice cream, which serve as stand-ins for processed milk products. The analysis is based on a discrete choice experiment involving 400 participants in Dar es Salaam. A random parameter logit model was utilized to account for preference heterogeneity, while latent class models (LCMs) were applied to uncover the underlying factors driving these differences in preferences. Our findings reveal three distinct consumer classes: processed milk sceptics (who prefer unprocessed dairy products), processed milk advocates (who prefer processed products), and neutral consumers (indifferent between processed and unprocessed milk). Preferences are influenced by product attributes, socioeconomic characteristics, and attitudes towards processed foods. The results indicate that Tanzanian consumers place the greatest value on sensory attributes, packaging, and the product's origin (local versus imported). This research offers fresh perspectives on the intricate preferences of dairy consumers in Tanzania, a topic that has been relatively underexplored. The findings suggest that producers and marketers must adapt to the dynamic market by balancing intrinsic and extrinsic factors against price. Understanding consumers' socioeconomic and product attributes is essential for increasing market share and effectively segmenting markets. These findings would be useful incorporated into strategic planning to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Tanzania's dairy industry.
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spelling doaj-art-51fea042f7894c05a56ec88fae9d9ff82025-08-20T01:59:31ZengElsevierHeliyon2405-84402024-12-011023e4066610.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40666Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit modelMichael L. Kadigi0Damas Philip1Gilead I. Mlay2Ntengua S. Mdoe3Department of Policy Planning and Management, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3035, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3007, Morogoro, Tanzania; Corresponding author. Department of Policy Planning and Management, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3035, Morogoro, Tanzania.Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3007, Morogoro, TanzaniaDepartment of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3007, Morogoro, TanzaniaDepartment of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, College of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3007, Morogoro, TanzaniaIn Tanzania, a growing upper and middle classes, particularly among urbanites, exhibit distinct preferences for higher-quality processed foods, including dairy products. This study examines variations in consumer preferences and their willingness to pay for yogurt and ice cream, which serve as stand-ins for processed milk products. The analysis is based on a discrete choice experiment involving 400 participants in Dar es Salaam. A random parameter logit model was utilized to account for preference heterogeneity, while latent class models (LCMs) were applied to uncover the underlying factors driving these differences in preferences. Our findings reveal three distinct consumer classes: processed milk sceptics (who prefer unprocessed dairy products), processed milk advocates (who prefer processed products), and neutral consumers (indifferent between processed and unprocessed milk). Preferences are influenced by product attributes, socioeconomic characteristics, and attitudes towards processed foods. The results indicate that Tanzanian consumers place the greatest value on sensory attributes, packaging, and the product's origin (local versus imported). This research offers fresh perspectives on the intricate preferences of dairy consumers in Tanzania, a topic that has been relatively underexplored. The findings suggest that producers and marketers must adapt to the dynamic market by balancing intrinsic and extrinsic factors against price. Understanding consumers' socioeconomic and product attributes is essential for increasing market share and effectively segmenting markets. These findings would be useful incorporated into strategic planning to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Tanzania's dairy industry.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166972Consumer preferenceHeterogeneityYoghurtIce creamAttributesMixed logit
spellingShingle Michael L. Kadigi
Damas Philip
Gilead I. Mlay
Ntengua S. Mdoe
Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit model
Heliyon
Consumer preference
Heterogeneity
Yoghurt
Ice cream
Attributes
Mixed logit
title Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit model
title_full Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit model
title_fullStr Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit model
title_full_unstemmed Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit model
title_short Econometric analysis of consumers’ preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in Tanzania: A latent class model and mixed logit model
title_sort econometric analysis of consumers preference heterogeneity for yoghurt and ice cream products in tanzania a latent class model and mixed logit model
topic Consumer preference
Heterogeneity
Yoghurt
Ice cream
Attributes
Mixed logit
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024166972
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