Lifestyle segmentation of Czech food consumers: how sustainability and listening to music correspond to consumer lifestyles

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to segment Czech consumers based on their sustainable food consumption and their relationship with listening to music. Specifically, the authors attempt to answer the following question: is the relationship to music a segmentation difference for young consumers in the case of sustainability? The food-related lifestyle (FRL) concept is used as a framework; little attention has been paid to the FRL profile in the context of certain types of consumer orientations toward sustainability as a social value among consumers in Czechia.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the authors used 22 items related to sustainability (identify sustainability-oriented and health-oriented variables and socially and ethically oriented variables). The statistical data analysis techniques included factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results of the cluster analysis are the market segments. The total sample consists of 331 university students from Czechia. These data are from a continuous research project. A factor analysis identified six factors with satisfactory reliability coefficients. Using factor scores, a cluster analysis was run, resulting in four segments. These segments were further analyzed and described toward their sustainability orientation.

Findings

FRL concept was used to evaluate whether there are differences in the profiles of consumer orientations. Results emphasize the importance of personal characteristics and attitudes toward music, which in turn affect strategies to communicate with different segments to promote sustainable foods. Each segment has statistically significant differences in terms of its FRL.

Originality/value

This study explores the link between attitudes and behavior and suggests strategies to better understand the effect of information on consumer behavior. The results can help practitioners develop labeling strategies for fair-trade and sustainable foods to better focus on specific segments of consumers. This can be relevant when a sustainable food market is just starting, but hopes to reach more maturity in Czechia should be of the utmost importance for investors making long-term investments.

Citation

Hrubá, R. and Sadílek, T. (2021), "Lifestyle segmentation of Czech food consumers: how sustainability and listening to music correspond to consumer lifestyles", British Food Journal, Vol. 123 No. 11, pp. 3448-3470. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-11-2020-1001