Publication Search

This study aims to determine the production process and the level of consumer acceptance of Bandung nagasari cake utilizing stevia as a natural sweetener and butterfly pea flower extract (Clitoria ternatea) as a natural coloring agent. The research employed a quantitative approach with an experimental method through organoleptic testing involving 20 panelists. Data collection techniques consisted of literature review, questionnaires, and organoleptic evaluation covering taste, texture, aroma, and appearance. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis with percentage calculations. The findings indicated that the Bandung nagasari formulation containing stevia and butterfly pea flower extract was more preferred than the formulation using granulated sugar. Approximately 90% of panelists preferred the taste attribute due to its healthier perception, while 80% of panelists favored the texture, aroma, and appearance attributes because of the softer texture and the attractive natural coloration produced by the butterfly pea flower extract. Furthermore, the product demonstrated a shelf life of 12 hours at room temperature and up to 3 days under refrigerated storage conditions. The study concludes that the incorporation of stevia and butterfly pea flower extract may serve as an innovative development of traditional Bandung nagasari cake without eliminating its traditional characteristics and shows favorable consumer acceptance.

Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita spp.) are a byproduct of pumpkin that has great potential to be developed as a functional food ingredient due to their high nutritional content and bioactive compounds. This article aims to examine the valorization (utilization) of pumpkin seeds in various food products and their potential as a functional food. The method used was a narrative literature review through a search of the Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and MDPI databases for the period 2016–2026. The results of the study indicate that pumpkin seeds have been applied in various food products such as cookies, crackers, bread, biscuits, cakes, muffins, and snack bars. The addition of pumpkin seeds generally increases the content of protein, fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and bioactive compounds that contribute to antioxidant activity. However, increasing the proportion of pumpkin seeds also affects the physical and sensory characteristics of the product, such as darker color, decreased volume, and changes in texture due to reduced gluten content in the dough. Therefore, formulation optimization is needed to achieve a balance between increasing nutritional value and consumer acceptance. Overall, pumpkin seeds have the potential to be used as an ingredient in the development of functional foods.

This study aims to explore the extent to which brand image, product quality, and trust influence purchasing decisions for Pixy two-way cake through the Blibli platform in Batam City. The approach used is quantitative descriptive, involving 100 consumers who previously purchased Pixy two-way cake on Blibli, selected through purposive sampling with Lemeshow calculation guidelines to ensure sample representativeness. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire, then analyzed through validity and reliability tests, classical assumption evaluation, multiple linear regression, and hypothesis testing using t-tests and F-tests. The results of the regression analysis indicate that brand image has a 24.7% influence on purchasing decisions, product quality contributes 34.0%, and trust plays a role of 29.2%. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R²) shows that these three variables collectively explain 74.0% of the variation in purchasing decisions. The t-test and F-test confirm that the influence of each variable is significant and positive, both partially and simultaneously, on consumer purchasing decisions at Blibli in Batam City.

This study aims to comprehensively examine the role of brand image, trust, and promotional intensity in shaping purchasing decisions for Maybelline two-way cake cosmetic products in Batam City. The implemented research design adopted a descriptive quantitative approach involving 204 participants who had actual experience in purchasing the product in question. Respondents were determined through purposive sampling technique based on Jacob Cohen's calculations to ensure empirical representativeness of the research sample. Primary data were collected through the distribution of structured questionnaire instruments, then processed and analyzed using hierarchical statistical stages that included testing the validity and reliability of the instrument, verification of classical assumptions, multiple linear regression modeling, and hypothesis testing through partial (t) and simultaneous (F) tests. Empirical findings indicate that brand image contributes 23.9% to purchasing decisions, trust influences 39.1%, while promotion contributes the most dominant influence at 14.7%. The coefficient of determination (R²) value of 82.9% indicates that the three independent variables are simultaneously able to explain variations in consumer purchasing decisions in a substantial proportion. The results of both partial and simultaneous tests confirm a positive and significant influence between brand image, trust, and promotion on purchasing decisions for Maybelline cosmetics in Batam.

Ramadan brings significant changes in the shopping and consumption patterns of Indonesians. There is an increase in demand for various types of food and beverages, both for sahur and iftar. The purpose of this study is to map the characteristics of food and beverage purchasing and consumption patterns in a seasonal context (Ramadan): strategic implications for UMKM in the Greater Jakarta area. The research design used is descriptive quantitative with data collection techniques implemented by distributing questionnaires. Then, the questionnaire answers are summarized to obtain the frequency distribution of each item in the questionnaire. The population of this study is people domiciled in the Greater Jakarta area. The sample size was determined using the Lameshow formula, resulting in a sample of 100 respondents spread across the Greater Jakarta area. The majority of respondents, namely 92%, stated that they experienced changes in their shopping patterns during Ramadan. The type of food purchased changed (34%) was the most dominant change. The most dominant consumption purchasing decision during Ramadan was the practicality in preparing food (40%), with favorite shopping places being traditional markets (24%) and street vendors (24%). In a consumption analysis, 83% of respondents experienced changes in their consumption patterns during Ramadan, with the most dominant change being in the amount of food consumed (29%). During sahur (pre-dawn meal), respondents tended to consume vegetables (36%) and chicken (22%). Meanwhile, fried foods (38%) and rice cakes (rice cakes) were the favorite dishes for breaking the fast.

 This study aims to analyze the social media engagement strategy of Instagram @kumocake.co in its efforts to maintain its product image as ‘Japanese Halal Cake for 25,000 Rupiah’ amid fierce competition in the culinary industry. The method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection through in-depth interviews with social media specialists, observation, and documentation. The results show that the engagement strategy is implemented in a structured manner through a monthly content plan with weekly execution, as well as consistent uploads every two days in alternating Reels and feed formats. The most effective Instagram features are Stories for direct interaction and Reels for expanding audience reach, which consistently meet audience gratification needs in accordance with Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT). The product image is maintained through eye-catching, neat, and minimalist visual highlights of the cake in each content, in line with the principles of Brand Image Theory. The highest level of engagement is achieved through endorsement and giveaway content, where save and share metrics are considered the most significant indicators of engagement. Despite facing challenges with the quality of non-preservative products, Kumocake.co manages them with a relaxed and fast response interaction strategy. This research contributes to the development of Digital Public Relations studies, particularly regarding the strategic role of social media engagement in the process of maintaining the image of contemporary culinary products.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) complaints in muscles, joints, and soft tissues can be caused by poor posture, repetitive movements, and excessive physical load. In the wet cake-making industry, workers often sit or stand for long periods, bend, and perform monotonous hand movements, which increases the risk of MSDs. The impact includes decreased work comfort, productivity, and quality of life. This study aims to assess the ergonomic risk level in wet cake-making workers and identify the relationship between work activities and MSD complaints. The method used is descriptive quantitative research with a cross-sectional design, involving 45 workers at Kue X Silaberanti. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the REBA method, while MSD complaints were measured using the Nordic Body Map questionnaire. The results show that in the mixing process, 58.8% of workers experienced a very high risk of MSDs. In the molding and baking processes, 52.9% and 68.8% of workers, respectively, were at high risk. The most frequent complaints were pain in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and wrists due to poor posture and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of MSDs, workers need to improve their posture, use ergonomic aids, rotate tasks, and undergo training in safe working techniques.