Abstract
Values are lasting beliefs that are at the center of human behavior and not be often changed. Different values make different behaviors, and similar values form similar behaviors. Consumers' values affect not only the cognitive process but also behaviors in a powerful and comprehensive way. There have been many studies regarding prediction of consumer patterns and identification, measurement methods of values. This is because if we can accurately measure the value system, it can be used in many areas of marketing such as market segmentation, new product development, and advertisement. In case of seafood, it is also necessary to make marketing strategies by segmenting consumers based on their value systems. The objectives of this study are as follows: First, it is to find out the connection process from the properties of seafood products that consumers consider important, to the benefits, and finally to the values they pursue by applying the means-end chain theory, using the Laddering method. Second, using a two-step cluster analysis, we aim to segment seafood markets based on consumers' values and investigate characteristics of segmented markets. Based on objectives, it is expected that this study would provide informations on seafood consumers and help to establish seafood marketing strategies for producers and distributors. Analytical results of the value system using a means-end chain theory indicated that there were seven complete links, that is, ladders among fresh seafood products. In case of processed seafood products, there were total 9 complete ladders. The empirical analytical results of market segmentation according to the values showed fresh seafood products were divided into three groups. In case of processed seafood products were segmented into two groups.