Consumer preferences for medicinal and aromatic plant products: Surveys of urban consumers and sellers in western mediterranean region of Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the consumer preferences for medicinal and aromatic plant products in three city centers located in the Western Mediterranean Region in Turkey. The consumer preferences were considered together with the consumption purposes, factors that constitute the consumption habits, the plants preferred in consumption and how they are consumed, how such products are provided and in means of the seller and preferences in purchasing. Survey method used to obtain data. In such scope, a number of consumers (N = 408) and sellers (N = 48) were surveyed. Data was evaluated through the percentage evaluation and the chi-square test to determine whether there were any relationships between the socio-economic and demographic variables in statistical means in consumer preferences. According to the results of the study; (1) consumers benefit from such plants in order to gain health, to provide treatment and for their pleasure; (2) the way of consumption is generally as in infusion and decoction, (3) there is a great lack of conscious about the dosages and side effects of these products consumed, (4) the products are preferred to be consumed in the natural way as they are collected from nature, (5) the effective factors that constitute consumption habits are mainly due to the advises received from relatives and close friends. There were no statistical differences found about the age, gender, educational status and income levels of consumers and their purpose in consuming and habits (Chi-square test, p>0.05). The level of consciousness about the poisonous matters that is included in the products increase in parallel with the rise seen in the level of educational status (Chi-square test, p<0.05). Additionally, women and those with higher incomes are more conscious about the side effects of the products (Chi-square test, p<0.05). Key words: Non-wood forest product, medicinal and aromatic plants, consumer preferences, Turkey.