Factors Influencing Consumption Behaviour towards Aquatic Food among Asian Consumers: A Systematic Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Consumer Behavior
• Sustainability Studies

Background:

• Asia dominates global aquatic food consumption, yet consumer behaviors and attitudes remain under-researched.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting sustainable food consumption patterns in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing literature on factors influencing aquatic food consumption in Asia.
• To identify key drivers and barriers for sustainable aquatic food choices among Asian consumers.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of 113 studies was conducted.
• Publications were clustered into five main categories: product attributes, willingness to pay, psychosocial factors, sociodemographic factors, and miscellaneous factors.

Main Results:

• Price emerged as a central factor influencing consumption behavior.
• Consumer knowledge and attitudes towards quality and safety are important but mediated by household characteristics.
• Sustainable production practices, origin, and ecolabels had limited influence on consumption.

Conclusions:

• Multiple interacting factors shape aquatic food consumption in Asia, with price being paramount.
• Enhancing consumer awareness of aquatic food quality and safety holds potential for positive behavioral change.
• Further multidisciplinary research is needed to unravel the complex interplay of influencing factors.