Measuring brand loyalty in agribusinesses

MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014Brand loyalty represents an important asset to any business. While a considerable amount of research focuses on brand loyalty, empirical tests on the brand loyalty influences in the agribusiness environment have not been conducted. The primary purpose of this study was to measure brand loyalty in the agribusiness environment by applying a validated model that measures brand loyalty for this environment. The brand loyalty influences were empirically validated, their reliability was determined and they were measured. Adaptions to this model were proposed to fit the needs of the agribusiness environment. Based on-the findings, conclusions and recommendations were presented. The measurement of brand loyalty in the agribusiness environment is based on Moolla's brand loyalty framework for the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) industry. The study aimed to determine whether Moolla's FMCG brand loyalty framework is applicable to the agribusiness environment. The twelve brand loyalty influences identified by Moolla include: customer satisfaction; switching costs; brand trust; repeat purchase; involvement; perceived value; commitment; relationship proneness; brand affect; brand relevance; brand performance and culture. The empirical study was conducted among 100 farmers in the North West region. The methodology included the sampling procedure, data collection, questionnaire development and statistical techniques used. Results were analysed with regard to the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy (KMO), Bartlett's test of sphericity, Factor analysis, Cronbach Alpha coefficients and mean values. The results of this study concluded that the brand loyalty influences as identified by Moolla are important for measuring agribusiness brand loyalty. The importance of this study is the contribution of a brand loyalty framework to measure agribusiness brand loyalty which will aid agribusinesses in the strategic management thereof.Master