• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.372-388
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• 2013

A series of coffee middlemen has come to be regarded as an exploitative force in the lives of small and poor coffee farmers, which is called 'coyote', controlling production, paying unfair prices for labor and goods, and participating in fraudulent practices to maximize their own profits. However, the reality of gains captured by coffee middlemen in the value chain might be exaggerated and even unfair. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to reconsider the implication of coffee middlemen for the development of coffee value chain in Vietnam. It also attempts to identify their characteristics by investigating relations among coffee farmers, middlemen and processing/exporting firms. In terms of middlemen's margin in the coffee sub-sector, their margin is quite small when compared to other actors higher in the value chain. Rather, coffee middlemen in Vietnam have played a critical role as an intermediary of change in local economies. More specifically, coffee middlemen in Dak Lak has played a significant role as a market facilitator by stimulating the access of farmers to markets by providing buyers for farmers thanks to changes in institutional environment. Also, they have played a critical role as an agent of sustainable coffee production by encouraging sustainable coffee production in accordance with the demand of processing and exporting firms.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.415-430
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• 2015

Since the late 1990s Vinacafe has gone through strategic changes in corporate governance and managements due to an increase in the introduction of coffee MNCs, a growth of global demands in sustainable coffee, aging coffee tree, and the deterioration of coffee production with climate changes in Vietnam. Vinacafe has attempted to cope with these kinds of changes through strategies for equitization. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to identify strategies for enhancing the competitiveness of the Vietnamese coffee industry by investigating changes in corporate governance and processes of coffee production and distribution. The equitization of Vinacafe has led to the enhancement of coffee competitiveness in two perspectives. Firstly, as it has decentralized decision-making from headquarter, subsidiaries have become able to strength their competitiveness themselves by introducing new technologies, improving coffee quality, and encouraging the introduction of eco-friendly production methods through cooperative relationships with stakeholders involved in coffee production and distributions in Vietnam. Secondly, it has also enhanced competitiveness through the diversification and effectiveness of coffee managements by intensifying the flexibility of contract with coffee farmers and diversifying coffee sales and supply chains in Vietnam.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.195-203
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• 2016

This study examined customer's purchase decision-making processes in a coffee chain context. We posit customer satisfaction, brand image, and perceive value as key drivers of forming customer's repurchase intention. From the perspective of multidimensional perceived value concept, the effects of utilitarian, hedonic, and social value on customer's decision-making processes were investigated. The proposed model was empirically tested by using survey data collected from 232 university students who often visit several coffee chains. LISREL has been used to perform these analysis. The proposed theoretical model accounts for 67% of the variance in repurchase intention and 73% of the variance in customer satisfaction. The analysis results indicate that customer satisfaction and brand image play an important role in forming customer's repurchase intention. Further, utilitarian and hedonic values significantly affect customer's repurchase intention, whereas social value negatively influences it.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.159-173
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• 2022

This study examines the impact of CSR and its authenticity on customer loyalty through the brand image in the chain coffee shop industry. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, 601 survey questionnaires were distributed, of which 491 were analyzed. The results show that CSR has a positive impact on brand image and customer loyalty. In addition, authenticity does not moderate the impact of CSR on brand image and loyalty, as it is difficult for customers to verify the authenticity of CSR action programs. This study emphasizes the importance of CSR action programs and authenticity for businesses to sustainably enhance their distinctive brand image and customer loyalty. Therefore, for sustainable development in the future, managers of coffee shop chains need to focus on the following issues. First, the most important thing is the right awareness of businesses regarding CSR and CSR authenticity. Third, businesses should strengthen the transparency of CSR action programs in various media so that consumers can easily verify authenticity, to increase brand image and improve customer loyalty.

• Knowledge Management Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.69-88
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• 2022

Omni-channel enables businesses to provide a seamless customer experience by organically integrating data from multiple channels. Customers have increasingly used mobile applications to place orders and make payments in offline stores. In such context, this study investigated the effects of customer experiences on brand loyalty via offline and mobile channels. Additionally, it examined the role of habit in establishing brand loyalty in a daily service environment. This study confirmed the importance of functional, human, and mechanical cues on perceived value in the offline channel. Additionally, differences in the influence of customer experiences via offline and mobile channels on brand loyalty were examined at based on the age and gender. The research model was empirically validated using survey data collected from 365 customers who visit coffee chains via mobile applications. The analysis results found that both perceived value of offline stores and loyalty to mobile applications have a significant effect on brand loyalty. Habit plays another critical role in enhancing brand loyalty. The findings of this study help service providers better understanding of the formation mechanism of brand loyalty in the context of omni channel and will be able to develop more effective marketing and operations strategies.