How health consciousness and social consciousness affect young consumers purchase intention towards organic foods

Abstract

PurposeThis current research investigates antecedents affecting young consumers' purchasing intention of organic foods in a developing nation’s (Pakistan) context utilizing Theory of Planned Behavior. For this purpose, theoretical framework comprising characteristics of a product, concerns of consumers and consciousness were proposed.Design/methodology/approachResponses were collected from a sample comprising 418 young consumers through the convenience sampling technique. The data has been evaluated through Structural Equation Modeling.FindingsFindings demonstrate that characteristics of products and concerns of consumers significantly affect young consumer's health and social consciousness. However, such health and social consciousness were found to have an insignificant effect on young consumers' attitudes. Moreover, findings also show that attitude is positively linked with young consumers' purchase frequency towards organic foods. Outcomes also approve moderation of environmental awareness between attitude and organic food purchasing intention.Practical implicationsThe present study offers numerous implications for marketers, policymakers and socio-ecological organizations regarding development of intervention strategies to promote the purchase of organic foods. The study provides implications regarding making organic foods more accessible to all consumers in order to increase organic food consumption in developing countries.Originality/valueAlthough young consumers are aware of organic food products, their knowledge about the concept is limited. Therefore, this study provides an understanding of consumer's perspective regarding their purchase intention of organic foods, which will help marketers, researchers and food producers to achieve marketing strategies for the development of these products.