Articles

• Integrating QFD and Kano Model for the Introduction of Dietary Supplement Tablets

  3-18

  Ágnes Kotsis

  Balázs Darnai

  Views:

  249

  The University of Debrecen (UD) is aiming to enter the dietary supplements market with its own branded and self-manufactured products. The goal of our research is to determine the product characteristics which provide a competitive advantage for a dietary supplement capsule about to be launched and translate them into technological parameters of manufacturing. In this research, we aim to find out (K1) which product characteristics contribute the most and (K2) which technological parameters need to be focused on during production. To answer these questions, we integrated the Kano Model was integrated into the "House of Quality" (QFD) model and cluster analysis was conducted. By applying these methods together, we can get a clearer picture of which product characteristics to focus on in product development to achieve the highest increase in customers’ satisfaction. The responses of 298 individuals were analysed based on their consumption habits. According to our results, natural ingredients, scientific background of the University of Debrecen, and safety were attractive factors for identifiable target groups, moreover, the first two attributes contributing the most to customers’ satisfaction. Therefore, we also recommend indicating these on the packaging. Based on the House of Quality analysis, bioactive ingredients emerged as the most important technical parameter, so we recommend its adaption in production.
  
  JEL codes: I12, L11 L66

  PDF (Hungarian)

  154

• Giving Fruit as a Gift? Possible Aspects of Fruit and Vegetable Gift Giving

  21-29

  Imola Szabó

  Views:

  213

  Giving fruit and vegetables as gifts is not a widespread custom in Hungary, while a healthy lifestyle is always considered a good buzzword. While abroad, special vegetable and fruit baskets already offer unique gift options, at home the classic books, chocolates, flowers, and the provision of services and experiences are preferred. Some special fruits are sold for millions on the market, but there are also cheaper, yet unique products. Although the gifting of fruit and vegetables has historical traditions all over the world, nowadays their sale as gifts has declined. Consumers who are environmentally and health-conscious, open to a green lifestyle, or just curious could be realistic target segments for this niche area, which could be brought to success with an appropriate marketing strategy.
  
  JEL codes: I12, M31, Q13

  PDF (Hungarian)

  115

• Introduction of the Current Situation of Food Waste in Hungary

  31-42

  Nóra Varga-Karádi

  Virág Ágnes Kiss

  Viktória Vida

  Views:

  533

  Our research focuses on food waste, one of the global problems of our time. Food waste has not only economic but also significant environmental and social consequences. Our aim is to highlight the importance of sustainable food consumption and production in the light of relevant figures, to provide a comprehensive picture of the current situation of food waste in Hungary and to serve as a starting point for other similar research closely related to this topic. In order to achieve this, the background to the topic and existing good practices will be examined. Based on the literature, it can be concluded that there is a significant amount of food waste in households, which could most likely be prevented. A collection of good practices that companies and businesses have launched to reduce food waste has been compiled. It would be worthwhile to raise awareness of these food waste reduction opportunities, alternative uses for food leftovers and composting, through a targeted marketing campaign to raise awareness of the issue.
  
  JEL code: Q56

  PDF (Hungarian)

  585

• Environmental Awareness of Generations and Sustainable Product Development: The Way towards a Green Future

  45-57

  Elektra Tóth

  Ildikó Czeglédi

  Zita Popovicsné Szilágyi

  Anetta Müller

  Views:

  411

  Environmental protection is one of the most significant challenges of our time, becoming increasingly urgent due to the growing population and consumption. This study examines the environmental awareness of different generations, particularly Generation Z, and highlights gender differences. The online questionnaire survey analyzed the opinions of 427 respondents living in the Northern Great Plain region, of whom 367 belonged to Generation Z (148 men, 219 women) and 57 to Generations X and Y. The study also investigated Generation Z's attitudes toward activities aimed at mitigating climate change, with comparisons across genders and generations. On a 1-to-5 Likert scale (1 = not important at all, 5 = extremely important), Generation Z ranked selective waste collection (average = 4.37), avoiding food waste (average = 4.21), and conscious energy use (average = 4.17) as the most important. Women rated environmentally conscious activities, such as using recycled paper and choosing products with less packaging, significantly higher than men (p ≤ 0.05). Comparative analysis showed that Generations X and Y considered nearly all climate protection activities more important than Generation Z (p ≤ 0.05), likely due to higher levels of knowledge about energy-saving solutions. Education and family environment play a key role in shaping environmental values. Despite generational differences, Generation Z also prioritizes waste reduction and considers climate protection aspects in their purchasing decisions. The study additionally presents the development of a sustainable soft drink that incorporates environmental considerations and offers an innovative packaging solution to minimize waste.
  
  JEL code: Q01

  PDF (Hungarian)

  249

• The Most Expensive Bites – Food Waste among University Students in Debrecen

  59-75

  Beáta Bittner

  Viktória Vida

  Sándor Kovács

  Tünde Zita Kovács

  Gyula Kasza

  Adrián Szilárd Nagy

  Dávid Szakos

  Views:

  270

  The scale, importance and consequences of food waste are a much-studied topic, as they contribute greatly to resource wastage and environmental damage. Research at the University of Debrecen aimed to explore the factors behind food waste, with a particular focus on the habits of university students. While the overall level of food waste is well documented worldwide, research on specific population groups, such as university students, has only recently received attention. University students represent a unique demographic group due to their particular life rhythm, limited financial means and more in-depth knowledge. In the framework of the research, a survey was conducted among the students of the University of Debrecen in the academic year 2023/2024 to find out their knowledge and habits related to food waste. The aim of the survey is to highlight opportunities to reduce waste and contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns. The survey was voluntary and consisted of 133 questions in several groups of questions. After data cleaning, the present study is based on the responses of 618 students. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test were conducted and Chi-square test was used at 5% level of significance. K-means clustering algorithm was used to group respondents based on their estimated individual food waste in kilograms and their household or national average food waste. In addition to this, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis was applied. There was a significant difference between genders, with women typically wasting less food than men, there was no difference in wastage between income groups, but there was for the principal components based on attitudes, with those of modest income typically being more financially conscious, while those of above average income were less characterized by planning and more characterized by environmentalism. There was also a significant difference by education level, with lower educated individuals being more receptive to discounts and higher educated individuals scoring higher on the environmental principal component.
  
  JEL Codes: D12, Q18, Q 53, Q56

   

  PDF (Hungarian)

  218