THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL FACTORS ON HONEY CONSUMPTION INTEREST AMONG EARLY CHILDHOOD VISITORS AT PT. KEMBANG JOYO SRIWIJAYA MALANG

Abstract

Honey consumption in Indonesia is still relatively low, at only around 10–15 grams per capita per year, far behind developed countries. This low consumption presents a challenge for honey industry players, including PT. Kembang Joyo Sriwijaya, which actively welcomes educational visits from young children. These visits have the potential to shape healthy consumption habits through direct interaction with the beekeeping process and education on the benefits of honey. This study aims to analyze the social factors that influence young visitors' interest in honey consumption, including product appeal, destination image, and knowledge. The study used a quantitative method with a convenience sampling technique on 50 respondents who were parents or guardians of children aged 4–5 years who visited PT. Kembang Joyo Sriwijaya for educational purposes. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, then analyzed using multiple linear regression to test the influence of each variable on consumption interest. The results showed that all three social factors product appeal, destination image, and knowledge play a significant role in shaping young children's interest in honey consumption. Product appeals such as packaging, flavor, and interactive experiences have been shown to increase children's interest. The image of a clean, safe, educational, and child-friendly destination strengthens visitors' positive perceptions. Meanwhile, knowledge about the benefits of honey and its production process increases parents' motivation to introduce honey as a healthy consumption. This research provides strategic recommendations for PT. Kembang Joyo Sriwijaya in developing more effective educational and marketing programs to increase interest in honey consumption in children from an early age.