Effect of cognitive bias on the consumption of broiler products in China; the role of information acquisition channels

PurposeBroiler meat is the most commonly used meat product worldwide. Although China is regarded as one of the three largest broiler producers, the per capita chicken consumption remains low. Consumers' cognitive bias and the information acquisition channels are believed to be the main factors contributing to this. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned issue.Design/methodology/approachTo explore the phenomenon empirically, the current study uses the survey data of 1,056 consumers from China and analyses them using ordered logistic regression.FindingsThe results revealed that consumers' cognitive bias significantly affects their behaviour toward broiler products, and the order of influence is cognitive bias regarding industry cognitive > product nutrition and taste > food safety. The study further revealed that the more diverse the information acquisition channels, the more likely they are to promote consumer behaviour toward broiler chickens. The order of influence of the channels was self-organising > new media > traditional media.Practical implicationsOverall, the findings suggest that the government and enterprises should strengthen and upgrade information channels to boost both the broiler industry and consumer consumption behaviour regarding poultry products.Originality/valueRather than the usual focus on the impact of consumer cognition on consumer behaviour, this study examines the impact of cognitive bias on consumer behaviour. Further, centring on broiler products with high protein, low fat and feed-to-meat ratios, this study explores the reasons the per capita consumption of broiler products in China is far lower than the national average.