Consumer Demand For Organic Foods Research Articles

Effectiveness of real-world marketing of organic foods and beverages: A systematic review of recent evidence

Increasing consumer demand for organic foods and beverages is critical to boost sustainable agricultural production. Marketing interventions can be an effective way of influencing consumer preferences, but little is known about the effectiveness of these interventions at increasing demand for organic foods and beverages. This review synthesises recent evidence from studies evaluating real-world marketing interventions that aim to increase consumer demand for organic foods and beverages. Five databases were systematically searched and 18,743 titles and abstracts were screened against eligibility criteria. 21 studies covering 29 marketing interventions were included and assessed for risk of bias using the Evidence Project risk of bias tool. We found that price premiums had negative or no effects on overall consumer demand, although a subset of customers were willing to pay higher prices. Price promotions had mixed effects depending on product and customer type. Some place-based interventions–such as arranging organic products in a cluster and ensuring ready availability of these products–had positive and statistically significant impacts on consumer demand. Some promotional interventions–such as including organic messaging near product displays and securing newspaper coverage–were generally effective at increasing consumer demand. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these interventions differed across product categories, message framing, and the type of store and customer, necessitating strategic targeting of organic marketing interventions to promote more sustainable consumption.

Drivers of smallholder farmers’ organic farming adoption and the organic share of the total cropland in Northern Ghana

Organic agriculture (OA) claims to have the potential to address future ecological challenges in food production. However, there is a need to scale up OA in order to meet increasing consumer demand for organic foods. Against this background, this study examined the factors driving farmers to adopt organic vegetable production (OVP) and how much acreage they commit to it. We used structured questionnaires to gather data from 400 farmers in the northern regions of Ghana. To analyze the data, we used Heckman selection model in comparison to Cragg’s double hurdle regression and standard Tobit regression models. The results show that sex, age, education, extension visits, farmer association membership, the timing of production, and access to marketing information are the key factors influencing farmers to adopt OVP. The farmer's age, land ownership, economic status, and farmer association membership are the key factors influencing how much acreage farmers commit to OVP. In order to expand OVP adoption and the organic share of total cropland, strategies are needed to support farmer associations and encourage farmer participation.

FORMATION AS A FACTOR IN CONSUMER DEMAND FOR ORGANIC FOOD

This article identifies and assesses the importance of informational factors in shaping consumer demand for organic food in Poland, using demographic segmentation criteria, including gender, age, education, place of residence, and wealth. The empirical data came from a survey conducted among 850 randomly selected organic food consumers in Poland in December 2020, using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) method, accessed via an internet panel. The collected and structured empirical data are presented in descriptive, tabular, and graphical form, using comparative analyses. The results of the research have allowed for the construction of three original models of organic food consumers, with regard to information credibility and reliability. Additionally, the results confirmed the research hypothesis, which assumes that consumers who recognize the credibility and reliability of information concerning organic food products purchase them more often and spend more on them. Thus, in the case of organic food, the impact of credible and reliable information on the process of shaping consumer demand is clear: it constitutes a significant factor that triggers demand.

The Swedish consumer market for organic and conventional milk: A demand system analysis

AbstractIncreasing the production of organic food is becoming an important environmental target for many governments, and consumer demand for organic food is pivotal in reaching these targets. This paper studies consumer demand for organic and conventional milk, using weekly scanner data from the Swedish retail market for the years 2011–2017. Own‐ and cross‐price elasticities of demand are estimated using a quadratic almost ideal demand system. While previous studies on this topic show that demand for organic milk is commonly more price elastic than for its conventional alternative, this paper complements previous literature by (i) studying a market with relatively small organic price premiums, (ii) using a highly representative sample of retailers, and (iii) differentiating between private labels and brands. Results show that demand for organic milk is relatively elastic, despite relatively small organic price premiums in the Swedish milk market. Results also show that demand for branded products is, generally, less elastic compared to private label products, suggesting that consumers have strong preferences for traditional, regional brands. [EconLit Citations: D12, Q11, Q18].

Organic farming practices utilizing spent microbial biomass from an industrial fermentation facility promote transition to copiotrophic soil communities.

Organic farming has become more prevalent in recent years as consumer demand for organic food and fiber has rapidly grown. Until recently, organic fertilizers and soil amendments have largely been based on the practices of returning crop residues, manures and related agricultural wastes back to crop production areas. One rapidly growing segment in commercial organic fertilizer development is the use of spent microbial biomass (SMB) from industrial fermentation processes. While SMB is widely accepted in many organic farming systems (OFS), little is known concerning the effectiveness, environmental impact, and influence on prokaryotic communities in soils receiving this treatment. In this study, a comparative analysis of bacterial communities associated with OFS and conventional farming systems was performed over a growing season for a field containing yellow dent corn (Zea mays). A statistically significant increase in microbial population α-diversity, along with a strong recruitment of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria populations, was observed in soils treated with SMB when compared to areas in the field that utilized conventional farmer practices. These phyla are members of the copiotrophic subgroup, and considered a signature for the use of traditional organic fertilizers. These results provide valuable new information that SMB functions similarly to traditional organic fertilizers in promoting a high level of functional prokaryotic diversity and plant growth-promoting bacteria, but in contrast do not contribute directly to viable microorganisms in the soil due to the sterilization of SMB prior to land application.

Assessment of the impacts of the consumers’ awareness of organic food on consumption behavior

Abstract Consumer demand for organic foods has increased significantly in recent years in the world. Consumers are influenced by various internal/external factors when purchasing food products. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of knowledge variable on consumers’ purchasing or consuming behavior for organic foods together with other factors in Turkey (Hatay City). For this purpose, the effects of consumers’ organic product knowledge levels are examined within the frame of Theory of Planned Behavior. The data of 431 consumers analyzed in the model were collected in 2017 with a 21 scale questionnaire and analyzed with Structural Equation Model. According to the results of the model analysis, a significant part of the variance in consumers' organic food demand (61%) was explained by the organic food knowledge variable. Reducing consumption obstacles, along with efforts to increase the organic food knowledge of consumers, will increase organic demand. While trying to increase the supply of organic products especially in regions where consumers are concentrated, the food production sector should also focus on informing, raising awareness and promoting. The actual buying behavior in organic food products should be examined in more detail in terms of motivation sources and obstacles.

Private sector support of the farmer transition to certified organic production systems

Certified organic handling firms, situated between the farm and the consumer along the supply chain, rely on a predictable supply of organic ingredients and commodities to meet consumer demand for organic food. Yet organic firms often incur high transaction costs related to locating certified organic products. The transaction costs may be one reason that growth in organic farmland fails to keep pace with consumer demand for organic food. When costs are sufficiently high, certified organic handling firms may choose to directly support farmers as they undergo the 3-year transition process; support may take the form of providing advice or providing financial assistance. Analyzing primary data collected in 2017, we find that approximately 20% of certified organic firms in the sample assist farmers with the transition. The most common types of support focus on reducing technical barriers to organic farming and include providing advice on the organic standards and organic farming practices. Factors influencing the likelihood of a firm assisting with the transition to organic include firm size, function, share of procurement made locally, and the importance of organic to the firm’s business.

Organic consumption behavior: A social identification perspective

Consumer demand for organic food and non-food products has been growing dramatically. This study examines organic consumption behavior from a social identification perspective. Focusing on the central role of organic consumer identification (OCI), or the extent to which individuals categorize themselves as organic consumers, this study theorizes and empirically establishes environmental consumer identification, organic product-related cognitions (i.e., organic product familiarity and trustworthiness), and their interactions as key antecedents of OCI. As importantly, we show that the positive effect of OCI on consumer loyalty to organic products is contingent upon both prevailing social norms of organic consumption and the perceived price of organic products. In establishing these relationships, this study paints a more nuanced, comprehensive and generalizable picture of what drives consumer social identification and what are its consequences in the domain of organic consumption. It offers several important implications for theory and practice.

Editorial: Improving Animal Welfare through Genetic Selection.

Editorial: Improving Animal Welfare through Genetic Selection.

Redefining the Farmer-Processor Relationship: The Story of Organic Cow

This article examines, from the viewpoint of a core group of Vermont milk producers, the period in the mid-1990s when organic dairy became mainstream. We look at the rise and subsequent takeover of one of the first organic milk-processing companies, The Organic Cow of Vermont, through the eyes of the farmers involved. In so doing, we provide needed perspective on the role of food producers working in industries subject to growth and consolidation. As producers of a commodity that grew out of the conventional system, organic dairy farmers faced unique choices that set them apart from other organic producers at that time. We demonstrate that the market for organic milk and dairy provided the opportunity for a new kind of farmer-processor relationship in which producers were supported through stable pay-prices and an intimate business relationship with processors. This article challenges the idea that the organic dairy industry was built by corporations trying to profit from booming consumer demand for organic foods and offers important contributions to debates surrounding the growth and conventionalization of organic food systems.

Effect of organic fertilizers on physical and chemical quality of sugar loaf pineapple (Ananas comosus L) grown in two ecological sites in Ghana.

Pineapple has a large demand for plant nutrients and for this reason; fertilization is almost mandatory where the fruit is destined for sale. As consumer demand for organic food grows, organic production and certification is seen as a valuable alternative for smallholder farmers in developing countries. This study sought to investigate the effects of different organic fertilizers on the physical and chemical quality of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cultivated in two different ecological zones in Ghana. Organic fertilizers treatments were POME (Palm oil meal effluent), Phos-K (PH), Yara (Y) and combination of Phos-K and POME (PH+P) and Yara + POME (Y+P) in the ratio of 1:1. Soil without fertilizer was control. A farmer field demonstration and an on-station experimental trial were conducted parallel at Nsakyi and at the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) research farm, respectively. The experiment was laid out in the Randomised Completely Block Randomized Design (RCBD) with five fertilizer treatments and four replications. Sugar loaf pineapples were harvested at 17 months upon maturity, washed, peeled, and juice extracted for analyzing vitamin C, Total Soluble Solids, pH, Titratable acidity, juice yield and colour. Fruits were weighed with Sartorius scale and percentage weight loss estimated over 15 days. The weight loss of pineapples treated with POME (25.56 ± 0.62 %) from BNARI farm was significantly (p<0.05) higher than all the other pineapple treaments. pH of all pineapple samples significantly (P<0.05) differed for all the different fertilizer treatments for both farms. Phos-K significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the vitamin C content of pineapples from both ecological sites Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) for juice of pineapple treated with Phos-K from BNARI farm was significantly (p<0.05) higher, than samples from Nsakyi farms indicating desirable visual appeal for sugar loaf pineapples. Organic fertilizers significantly (p<0.05) influenced the pH, vitamin C and juice yield of pineapples grown in the two different ecological zones. Irrespective of the ecological differences in Nsakyi and BNARI farm sites, the application of Phos-K to pineapple significantly (p<0.05) increased the juice yield which is a desirable quality of pineapple. Thus the application of Phos-K organic fertilizer, better improved the physical and chemical quality attributes of pineapple. However, there is the need to conduct further work on application rate and utilization efficiency of organic fertilizers that will produce maximum pineapple quality and yield.

Quality and availability of organic foods by Slovak consumers

The increasing consumer demand for organic products caused that the organic food market has expanded in all continents of the world. Organic foods represent a specific segment of the food market. Currently land area farmed organically in Slovakia represents 9% of the total agricultural land. In this work we identified organic foods purchase by Slovak consumers, the availability, reasons of purchase and quality assortment of organic foods at the Slovak market. Questionnaire survey involved 271 respondents. The Hierarchical multiple factor analysis was used for the segregation and classification of consumers into representative groups. The group of respondents was based on algorithms divided into three groups. In the first group of respondents, prevalent are responses that assortment is not sufficient and no answer, in the second group think that organic food assortment is not sufficient, and in the third group of respondents also dominates opinion that is not sufficient. At the question of organic food quality in all three groups is prevalent opinion that it is rather high, in the first group nearly the third of respondents considered the quality of organic foods as rather low, in the second group of respondents is rate: „rather low“ response and „rather high“ almost equal. In the third group of respondents strongly dominated response that the quality of organic food is rather high. Regarding the availability of organic products at the Slovak market, 16% of respondents considered it to be sufficient, 54% of consumers considered assortment as not enough available for all. We also analyzed the reasons of buying organic food. 42% of respondents reported that the main reason for buying organic food is a concern for the environment and landscape, 33% of respondents state it is a pleasure and the opportunity to try something unusual, 11% reported confidence in the quality of organic food and 7% their health care. Environmental education in the family since childhood and the opinions of friends significantly influence consumers when buying food and organic food. We assume that, organic food will be processed minimally in the future. Consumer demand for organic food we recommend to increase by increased support of the direct sales, informing about quality of organic foods and their beneficial effects on the human body at basic and secondary schools, organizing of excursions to organic farms and processing companies.

Effect of thermal treatments on phytochemicals in conventionally and organically grown berries

Consumer demand for organic foods is increasing despite a lack of conclusive evidence of nutritional superiority of organically grown produce. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of thermal treatments on phytochemicals in conventionally and organically grown berries. Two cultivars of conventionally and organically grown red raspberries and blueberries were analysed for total anthocyanins, total and specific phenolic compounds and total antioxidant activity. Fresh berries were thermally processed into cans and juice/puree with and without blanching, and the changes in phytochemicals were monitored. Total anthocyanin and phenolic contents of berries were not influenced by the agricultural production system. Total antioxidant activity of berries was also not influenced by the production system, but antioxidant activity varied significantly between cultivars. After canning, total anthocyanins decreased by up to 44%, while phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of both berries generally increased by up to 50 and 53% respectively. The level of changes in phytochemicals during berry puree/juice processing was influenced by blanching and type of berries. Phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of berries increased while total anthocyanins decreased during canning. Blanching prior to puree/juice processing improved the retention of phytochemicals in blueberries.

Turkish academic staffs' perception of organic foods

PurposeThis study was planned and carried out among the academic staff working in Ankara (Turkey) in order to determine their perception of organic foods.Design/methodology/approachA total of 240 academicians from three institutes at the Ankara University were selected to participate in the research. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire, in which a Likert type scale was used to determine the perception of organic foods. The institutes where the academic staff work are considered as the variables in the study (science, health sciences, and social sciences).FindingsThe research results indicated that there was a significant correlation between the institutes and academicians agreement with 12 statements in the survey questionnaire. Considering the institute variable, no significant difference was found in the organic foods perceptions of individuals from different institutes.Originality/valueOrganic products are widely on the market today. Consumer demand for organic foods has been steadily rising worldwide. Organic food consumption has slightly increased in Turkey in recent years, too. Still, many Turkish consumers do not have enough knowledge about organic foods yet. This study is valuable in that it explores at least some of the Turkish consumers' perception of organic foods whose consumption in the world is increasing fast.

Effects of Organic Fertility Management on Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Quality of Diverse Rice Cultivars

ABSTRACTThe demand for organically grown rice has increased with consumer demand for organic foods. The objective of this research was to determine whether there are physicochemical differences in organically and conventionally grown rice that contribute to flavor and texture differences, as determined by descriptive sensory analysis, an objective tool. Five diverse cultivars (four nonwaxy and one waxy) were grown at Beaumont, TX, with 100 or 50% recommended nitrogen fertilizer using conventional management or with chicken litter using organic management. Mean protein content differed significantly (P < 0.05) with fertilizer input, whereas mean apparent amylose and mineral contents (with few exceptions) did not differ. The mean protein content of each cultivar grown with the 100% N rate typically used was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the cultivar grown organically or at the 50% N rate. The mean protein contents of the cultivars grown organically and at the 50% N rate did not significantly differ (P > 0.05). Slickness, which correlates negatively with protein content, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in four of the five organically grown rice cultivars than in the same cultivars grown conventionally using the 100% N rate. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the slickness of the cultivars grown organically and conventionally using the 50% N rate. Roughness and hardness, which have a weak positive correlation with protein content, also differed significantly (P < 0.05) with fertilizer input in some of the cultivars. Observed differences in pasting and cooked textural properties of cultivars grown with different fertilizer types and input were the result of differences in protein content and not organic management, per se. In addition, no differences in flavor were observed due to management method. These results demonstrate that rice grown on land that is being transitioned into organic production is not expected to have significant differences in cooking or processing quality. The organic management method resulted in reduced protein content and a change in texture that may positively affect consumer acceptance of organically grown rice in markets that prefer rice that is more slick.

Market potential for organic foods in Europe

Examines the potential of organic foods in European markets, focusing on consumer demand for organic foods and the possibilities for market expansion. Aims to assess potential sales, to identify the factors determining buying propensity, and to identify the main market barriers. Identifies the types of consumers who purchase organic foods, classifying them according to socio‐economic and demographic characteristics. Elucidates the motives for purchasing and the willingness to pay. Identifies the main market barriers and bottlenecks, and examins the potential for future expansion.

Retailing organic foods

During the past five years consumer demand for organic food has risen dramatically in the wake of a series of high profile scares about food safety. This paper provides a case study of the retailing of organic foods. The case study includes an outline of the characteristics and development of the organic food market, an examination of the different players within the retail market place and a discussion of pricing, supply and marketing issues.

Forces impacting the production of organic foods

Roughly 20 percent of organic cropland wasdevoted to produce compared to only 3 percent forconventional agriculture in 1995. At the otherextreme, only 6 percent of organic cropland was incorn production while 25 percent of all croplandproduced corn. Only 30 percent of all organicfarmland was in pasture and rangeland compared to 66percent of all farmland. Clearly, these differencesreflect the greater importance of meat and dairyproduction in agriculture overall than in the organicsubsector. In recent years, the organic industry hasgrown not only in volume but in products offered,moving well beyond fresh produce into dairy, snacks,and frozen foods. The estimated growth in retail salesof organic foods averaged over 20 percent a year forthe last eight years compared to only two percent inthe food industry overall, reaching an estimated $4.5billion in 1998. The mix of commodities produced atthe farm level have and will continue to change inresponse to several dynamic forces, including consumerdemand, regulation, and consolidations, mergers, andmainstream entrants at the farm, manufacturing, andretail levels. Consumer demand for organic foods hasbeen spurred by a number of factors including concernsover pesticide residues on foods, food produced usinggenetically modified organisms (GMOs), and hormones indairy and meat products. These concerns coupled withthe overall increase in demand for convenience foodsexplain the phenomenal recent growth of over 70 percent in sales of organic snacks, candy, and frozenfoods. The result has been increased demand forGMO-free grains for snacks, cereals, soy products, andfeed for dairy cows. The recent allowance by USDA forthe labeling of meat and poultry as organic willaccelerate already heightened demand for organic grainand feed from the organic dairy industry. Although thefastest growth in organic foods has been in categoriesother than produce, clearly produce plays an importantrole in the consumers decision on where to shop, anddemand should increase with the overall increase inthe number of organic consumers. Market outlets nowinclude sophisticated natural food store chains,gourmet specialty stores, and e-commerce, allowing fora broadened array of products. Mainstream agriculturalproducers, manufacturers, and supermarket chains haveentered the organic marketplace at a time of lowprices for commodities at the farm gate, fiercecompetition for retail shelf space, and increasinglysophisticated targeting of consumers. Inevitably,these changes in food products offered and in retailoutlets will lead to an organic agriculture thatincreasingly resembles the conventional foodindustry.

Consumer Demand for Organic Foods: What We Know and What We Need to Know

American Journal of Agricultural EconomicsVolume 80, Issue 5 p. 1113-1118 Principal Paper Session Consumer Demand for Organic Foods: What We Know and What We Need to Know Gary D. Thompson, Gary D. Thompson associate professor Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of ArizonaSearch for more papers by this author Gary D. Thompson, Gary D. Thompson associate professor Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of ArizonaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 December 1998 https://doi.org/10.2307/1244214Citations: 147AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume80, Issue5December 1998Pages 1113-1118 RelatedInformation

Acides aminés. 2. Acides aminés basiques : Lysine, Arginine, Histidine

Consumer demand for organic food is mostly based on the belief that organic products are healthier because they are less contaminated with pesticides. We explain why health benefits from a decreased exposure to pesticides through organic food consumption remain unsubstantiated. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that nonorganic food products contain higher levels of synthetic pesticides. However, a link between the consumption of an organic diet with health benefits is confounded by a number of lifestyle and demographic covariates. We recommend dietary intervention studies be conducted such as randomized double-blind placebo-controlled investigations to determine if a group of individuals consuming an organic wholefood diet or an equivalent nonorganic diet present any differences in health status.