Investigation Of Consumers' Attitudes Towards Seaweeds and Insects

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine consumers' preferences for the consumption of seaweeds and edible insects and the factors affecting this very phenomenon. Accordingly, face-to-face surveys were conducted with 132 participants in Antalya. The probit model was used to determine the factors affecting seaweed consumption preference. The reasons why consumers do not prefer edible insects, were determined the deploying the fuzzy paired comparison method. The findings show that the society was not inclined to consume insects as food. The reasons for not consuming insects, in order of importance, are disgust, health concerns, appearance, beliefs, taste perception, texture perception, ethical and moral values, perception of hardness and perception of fear. On the other hand, interest in consuming seaweed as food is much higher. In general, It has been found that women and young consumers who are prone to trying new foods are more likely to purchase seaweed. The results show that the recommendations of institutions such as the United Nations on this issue should be reviewed before implementation.