Rethinking Consumer Data and Behavior

Today’s food and agricultural consumers are driven by more than just price―they are influenced by trust, values, and perceptions that are often difficult to measure. Rethinking Consumer Data and Behavior explores what truly shapes consumer choices and how businesses can respond effectively.

This book utilizes research on loyalty, risk, sustainability, and ethical considerations, revealing how these factors influence purchasing decisions in ways traditional data often misses. It examines consumers’ willingness to pay for local and organic products, the impact of food labeling and safety messaging, and the surprising role of sensory cues such as appearance and taste. The book also addresses the behavioral economics behind decision-making and why stated intentions rarely match real-world actions.

Intended for professionals in food and agribusiness, Rethinking Consumer Data and Behavior delivers insights that go beyond the numbers, helping readers interpret consumer signals accurately and adapt strategies to keep pace with a rapidly changing market. By rethinking how we view consumer data and behavior, this book provides a roadmap for building trust, aligning values, and creating lasting connections with today’s consumers.

Nicole J. Olynk Widmar is an agricultural economist specializing in farm businesses and consumer decision-making under uncertainty. She serves as a professor and the head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University.

Michael L. Smith is a research scientist specializing in the human dimensions of resource use, applying cross-disciplinary methods in agricultural economics and the social sciences. He works in Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

Erin Robinson is a communications and marketing professional with experience in agricultural business and academic research environments. As marketing manager for Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business, she develops marketing strategies, creates content and outreach initiatives, drives brand awareness, and evaluates marketing effectiveness.