Socioeconomic profile and game theory in potential consumers of functional cheeses with bean flour

Resumen

Objective: To analyze the influence of consumer preferences and socioeconomic profile on the adoption of functional bean flour cheese.

Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted in Zacatecas, Mexico, where a questionnaire was applied to consumers stratified by age. Significant variables were detected using a Kruskal-Wallis test, and three socioeconomic profiles were identified using a post hoc test. In addition, correlations were assessed through Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Game theory was then used to evaluate strategic choices in different scenarios: willingness to purchase a functional food, health awareness, and motives for adoption.

Results: Relationships were identified between socioeconomic variables and consumer preferences, including income, gender, age, educational level, cheese price, consumption expenditure, label, and consumption frequency. Overall, game theory revealed distinct purchasing patterns: “Strong Consumers”, “Conscious Consumers”, and “Cautious Consumers”.

Limitations on study/Implications: The research is limited to a specific geographic region, so caution is required when results are generalized. Key implications include market segmentation, functional food design, differentiated strategies, and consumer education.

Findings/conclusions: The importance of considering socioeconomic variables when analyzing consumption patterns and purchasing choices for functional foods is emphasized. The methodology used can serve as a basis for future research in diverse settings or to focus on different food products.