Toward a Quality Framework: Exploring Consumer Perceptions of Barramundi

Abstract

Consumers are increasingly relying on quality assurance indicators when purchasing agriproducts like fish, where they lack the confidence and ability to judge quality. Any industry quality scheme should start with an understanding of the product attributes consumers value. This paper explores Australian consumers’ perceptions of quality in relation to fish in general and barramundi specifically, using data from a national online survey of 2,061 consumers. Analysis of two open-ended questions and a perceptual mapping exercise indicate consumers value both intrinsic attributes such as freshness, color and smell, and extrinsic attributes such as origin and price. These results present the Australian barramundi industry with a starting point to develop a consumer-based quality framework and ensure consistent quality as valued by consumers.