Exploring Consumer Preferences For Milk Tea 1
Exploring Consumer Preferences For Milk Tea 1
PAPER
“Factors Influencing Consumer Choice for Milk Tea”
Submitted by:
Rationale:
This research aims to explore factors influencing consumer choice for milk tea in
Medina, Misamis Oriental. Understanding consumer choices is crucial for businesses. The
study focuses consumers choice for milk tea. Through a survey of local consumers, the
research seeks to identify key influencers on purchasing decisions. Findings will help milk
tea establishment to improve consumer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to increased sales.
The investigation will also enhance understanding of consumer behavior in specialized
markets for future studies.
1. Independent Variables
Product Attributes
When choosing milk tea, consumers consider a number of important product qualities
before making their choice. Businesses must take these characteristics into account while
developing and promoting their products. The main characteristics of the product that affect
consumer choice are as follows:
Flavor and Taste
o Flavor Variety: Availability of diverse flavors, including traditional (e.g.,
classic milk tea, taro) and innovative or seasonal options (e.g., matcha, fruit-
infused).
o Taste Quality: Balance of sweetness, creaminess, and the overall flavor
profile that aligns with consumer preferences.
Customization Options
o Adjustable Sweetness Levels: Ability to customize the level of sweetness
(e.g., regular, less sweet, no sugar).
o Choice of Toppings: Availability of various toppings such as tapioca pearls,
jelly, pudding, and boba.
Ingredients and Quality
o Ingredient Quality: Use of high-quality, fresh ingredients, including
premium tea leaves and natural flavorings.
o Health-Conscious Options: Availability of healthier options, such as reduced
sugar, low-fat milk, or dairy-free alternatives (e.g., almond milk, oat milk).
Packaging and Presentation
o Packaging Design: Aesthetic and functional packaging that preserves
freshness and appeals to consumers (e.g., eco-friendly materials, visually
appealing cups).
o Presentation: Attractive and Instagrammable presentation of the drink,
including the use of vibrant colors and well-arranged toppings.
Pricing
o Affordability: Competitive pricing that aligns with perceived value, with
options for various budget levels.
o Value for Money: Perception of value based on portion size, ingredient
quality, and overall experience.
Brand Reputation
o Brand Trust: Consumer trust in the brand based on reputation, reliability, and
previous experiences.
o Brand Identity: The brand’s image, including its alignment with consumer
values (e.g., sustainability, ethical sourcing).
Convenience
o Availability: Accessibility of the product through various channels such as
physical stores, online ordering, and delivery services.
o Ease of Ordering: Convenience of ordering, including options for pre-
ordering and pick-up or delivery services.
Innovation
o New Flavors and Trends: Introduction of unique or trendy flavors and
combinations that attract adventurous consumers.
o Product Variations: Seasonal or limited-edition offerings that create a sense
of exclusivity and novelty.
Nutritional Information
o Transparency: Clear labeling of nutritional information, including calorie
count, sugar content, and allergen information.
o Health Benefits: Perceived health benefits or functional ingredients that
appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Customer Service
o Service Quality: Friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable staff that enhances
the overall consumer experience.
o Consistency: Consistent product quality and service standards that ensure a
reliable and satisfying experience.
Milk tea businesses can better satisfy customers, stand out in a crowded market, and
exceed expectations by concentrating on these product features. Comprehending and utilizing
these characteristics allows for the creation of items that attract target consumers and promote
brand loyalty.
.
Marketing Factors
In the milk tea business, marketing factors play an important role in influencing consumer
preferences. Purchase decisions, brand loyalty, and consumer impressions can all be
influenced by smart marketing tactics. Key marketing components that influence consumers'
decisions about milk tea are as follows:
Milk tea businesses may effectively impact consumer decisions, improve brand
visibility, and increase customer engagement by utilizing these marketing aspects. In a
competitive marketplace, a complete advertising strategy that takes these aspects into account
can assist companies in drawing in and keeping loyal customers.
Consumer Experience
Purchasing choices for milk tea are greatly affected by the experiences of the
consumer. It includes the whole process, from first awareness to contentment after a
purchase. The following are the primary aspects of the consumer experience that affect
the decisions made by milk tea consumers: building and maintaining loyal customers in a
highly competitive sector.
In the milk tea business, a satisfying customer experience encompasses not just
excellent goods but also simplicity of use, first-rate customer support, and a brand that
connects with consumers on a social and emotional level. Making sure each interaction in
the customer journey is optimized contributes to the development of sustainable customer
pleasure and loyalty.
2. Dependent Variables
Consumers' preferences for purchasing milk tea are shaped by a variety of personal,
social, and market-driven factors. Here are the key elements that influence a consumer’s
decision to choose milk tea:
Demographic Preference
When it comes to selecting milk tea, different demographic groups have distinct tastes
and behaviors. Numerous factors, including age, gender, money, education, and region,
influence these choices. The following are some significant demographic preferences that
affect users of milk tea:
Age
Teens and Young Adults (Ages 15-24):
o Trendy Flavors and Toppings: Young consumers are more likely to be
drawn to trendy and innovative milk tea options, such as cheese foam, unique
flavors (e.g., taro, matcha), and fun toppings (e.g., popping boba, rainbow
jelly).
o Customization: This age group values customization and experimentation
with different flavors, sweetness levels, and toppings.
o Social Media Influence: They are highly influenced by social media trends
and are likely to choose brands with a strong online presence and visually
appealing products.
Adults (Ages 25-40):
o Health-Conscious Options: As consumers in this age group become more
health-conscious, they may prefer low-sugar, dairy-free, or organic milk tea
options.
o Convenience and Quality: Busy professionals in this age range may
prioritize convenient options (e.g., mobile ordering and delivery) but still
expect high-quality products.
o Brand Loyalty: Adults are more likely to stick to brands they trust and have
had positive experiences with.
Older Adults (Ages 40+):
o Traditional Flavors: Older consumers may prefer classic milk tea flavors,
such as black tea with pearls or jasmine milk tea, over more experimental or
trendy options.
o Health Concerns: They may prioritize health-focused options, such as
reduced sugar or dairy alternatives, and avoid overly sweet or artificial
products.
Gender
Women:
o Health and Wellness: Female consumers may be more inclined to opt for
health-conscious choices, such as low-sugar, low-calorie, or organic
ingredients, as well as dairy-free alternatives.
o Presentation and Aesthetic Appeal: Women may be more attracted to
visually appealing milk tea drinks, especially those that are Instagrammable or
have aesthetically pleasing packaging.
o Variety and Experimentation: Female consumers often enjoy exploring a
wider variety of flavors and toppings, making customization an important
factor in their purchasing decision.
Men:
o Convenience and Efficiency: Male consumers may prioritize convenience
and quick service, opting for stores that offer fast ordering, delivery, and
minimal wait times.
o Simple, Classic Choices: Men may prefer classic flavors, such as regular
black milk tea, and fewer toppings compared to female counterparts who tend
to experiment more.
Income Level
High-Income Consumers:
o Premium Options: Consumers with higher disposable incomes are more
likely to choose premium milk tea brands that emphasize high-quality
ingredients, unique flavors, and luxurious experiences.
o Health and Organic Products: They are also willing to pay more for organic,
fair-trade, or health-focused options.
o Brand Prestige: High-income consumers may prefer brands that are
perceived as trendy or prestigious.
Middle-Income Consumers:
o Value for Money: Middle-income consumers seek a balance between
affordability and quality. They may choose mid-tier milk tea brands that offer
good value without compromising too much on taste or customization.
o Promotions and Discounts: This group is more likely to take advantage of
promotional deals, loyalty programs, and discounts to maximize their
purchasing power.
Low-Income Consumers:
o Affordable Choices: Consumers with lower income are more price-sensitive
and prioritize affordability, choosing budget-friendly milk tea options.
o Smaller or Local Brands: They may opt for smaller or local milk tea brands
that offer lower prices while still providing a satisfying product.
Education Level
Higher Education Levels:
o Health-Conscious Preferences: Educated consumers tend to be more
informed about health issues and may prefer healthier milk tea options, such
as those with natural sweeteners, organic ingredients, or dairy-free
alternatives.
o Ethical and Sustainable Choices: They may also prioritize brands that focus
on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly packaging.
Lower Education Levels:
o Price Sensitivity: Consumers with lower education levels may be more price-
conscious and may focus more on affordability than on the ethical or health
aspects of their purchase.
o Familiar Flavors: They may prefer familiar, classic flavors and are less likely
to experiment with new or exotic options.
Geographic Location
Urban Consumers:
o Trendy and Convenient: Consumers in urban areas tend to have more
exposure to trending milk tea shops and are more likely to prefer innovative
products and brands that offer delivery or mobile ordering.
o Frequent Purchasers: Due to the accessibility and abundance of milk tea
shops in cities, urban consumers may purchase milk tea more frequently and
are more likely to experiment with new flavors and brands.
Rural Consumers:
o Classic and Affordable Options: Consumers in rural areas may have fewer
milk tea options and tend to stick to more traditional flavors and budget-
friendly choices.
o Less Frequent Purchases: With fewer milk tea outlets available, rural
consumers may purchase milk tea less frequently compared to urban dwellers.
Cultural Background
Cultural Preferences: Certain flavors, ingredients, and consumption habits may be
influenced by cultural background. For example, Asian consumers may have a
stronger affinity for traditional milk tea flavors (e.g., oolong, matcha, taro) compared
to Western consumers who may prefer more familiar options like chocolate or
caramel-based drinks.
Cultural Identity: In some cultures, milk tea consumption is deeply integrated into
daily life, making it a more routine purchase. For others, it may be a trendy or
occasional treat.
Milk tea businesses can better satisfy the requirements and preferences of many consumer
groups by customizing their product offers, marketing plans, and service delivery methods
based on an understanding of these demographic preferences. This has the potential to draw
in more customers and improve client satisfaction in a variety of demographic areas.
Businesses Establishments - This study offers helpful information that milk tea
businesses could utilize to better recognize and satisfy customer needs, improving
their position in the market, client happiness, and general success. Businesses can
make wise decisions that support long-term profitability and sustainable growth by
putting the research's insights to use.
Consumers: This study is important for customers because it improves their
knowledge of the variables impacting their decisions and promotes improvements in
the goods and services that milk tea establishments provide. Consumers may now take
advantage of higher-quality, more customized, and value-matched alternatives in the
growing milk tea sector.
Individual who wants to start milk tea business - This study is highly significant
because it gives those who want to launch a milk tea business the information and
understanding they need to make wise choices, develop winning business plans, and
eventually establish a profitable company in a competitive marketplace.
For future researchers - Future researchers will find valuable information in this
study since it offers a strong basis, indicates possible research gaps, and offers
methodological and conceptual insights that might direct and stimulate additional
consumer behavior research, especially in the context of the milk tea market.
Statement of Problem:
This study seeks to address the problem of identifying the key factors that influence
customer preferences and purchase decisions for milk tea in Medina, Misamis Oriental.
1.1 Age
1.2 Sex
1.3 Income
2. What are the key product attributes that influence consumer choices for milk tea?
3. What role does consumer experience play in the decision to purchase milk tea?
4. Does marketing factors significantly impact consumer preference for milk tea?
Research Design:
This study will employ a descriptive research design to explore the factors influencing
consumers choice for milk tea in Medina, Misamis Oriental. A mixed-methods, descriptive
approach and simple random sampling will be utilized, combining quantitative surveys with
qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative component will involve
a Likert-scale and structured questionnaire distributed to a representative sample of local milk
tea consumers, aiming to quantify the importance of various factors and consumers choice for
milk tea. The qualitative aspect will include in-depth interviews with selected participants to
gain deeper insights into their motivations and preferences. Data will be analyzed using
statistical tools to identify trends and correlations, providing a well-rounded understanding of
the factors that drive consumer choice for milk tea in this market.
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