Researchers at Virginia Tech are researching consumer market data to aid the survival of aquaculture businesses in the wake of the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The study, based on surveys completed in 2022, is examining a wide array of consumer data to analyze the "abrupt changes" in the food supply chain, and how that impacted consumer purchasing of food. In turn, the researchers said they hope to provide information to guide aquaculture businesses in marketing efforts to respond to the changes.
“This project seeks to answer critical questions that are essential for U.S. aquaculture producers to survive by adapting marketing and distribution systems to successfully navigate the uncertainties of the coming months and years,” Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center Assistant Director Jonathan van Senten said. “It is quite likely that market conditions will continue to change rapidly, and previous research shows that not all consumer groups react in the same way to such changes. Thus, it was vital to measure changes in consumer behavior and preferences in various geographic markets.”
The team is working to compile data across all its periodic surveys to find more long-term needs for the aquaculture industry, through consumer behavior and preferences. The team said it will then inform industry members and associations upon its findings to guide in informed decision making, and product development.
The project surveyed consumers across 21 cities across the U.S. in the aftermath of the pandemic. They analyzed ...
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