Fair Trade Research Articles

International business education experiences through temporary learning environments: evidence from Atlantic Canada

Purpose International environments introduce a number of learning-related barriers for students endeavoring to understand global business practices. One way in which these obstacles can be addressed is through participation in temporary learning environments (TLEs), such as trade fairs and similar events. This paper aims to examine how international trade missions (ITMs) – a type of short-term, study-abroad experience – were used as TLEs by students at an Atlantic Canada university as part of their EMBA curriculum to gain practical experience in international business environments. Design/methodology/approach This study explores the ways in which students benefitted from participation in the ITMs and resulting TLEs. Accordingly, an online survey that explored export-related issues and learning outcomes was administered to EMBA students who participated in this program to ascertain the ways in which these events furthered their educational experience and how the ITMs enabled them to perceive challenges and strategies related to international market expansion. Findings A survey of ITM participants revealed that students gained insights into firm-level barriers to internationalization in addition to a practical understanding of general challenges in international trade. At the same time, some observations suggested that more emphasis could be placed on pre-trip preparations and post-trip networking. The paper concludes with discussions on how short-term study abroad opportunities can serve as TLEs, in addition to proposing future ways in which the ITMs could provide even more experiences for the students. Originality/value The value-added from this paper is found in two ways. The first is to illustrate how ITMs can be a form of a TLE for students. The second, linked contribution, is to reinforce and to provide further evidence on how the TLEs – a short study-abroad opportunity – can be an environment in which students obtain valuable, hands-on international business experience.

ANÁLISE DAS CERTIFICAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS E O NÍVEL DE CONFORMIDADE DOS PRODUTORES DO VALE DO SÃO FRANCISCO: DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM CÓDIGO DE MELHORES PRÁTICAS PARA EXPORTAÇÃO SUSTENTÁVEL DE FRUTAS

The São Francisco Valley is a major fruit production hub in Brazil, especially for grapes and mangoes, supported by an efficient irrigation system. This study analyzes the compliance of local producers with international certifications such as GlobalG.A.P., Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance, and proposes a code of best practices for sustainable export. The literature review highlights the importance of certifications for sustainable practices and social responsibility. The diagnosis reveals that less than half of the producers are certified, facing barriers such as high costs and lack of financial support. The proposed code covers environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and quality management, aligning with the principles of the Graduate Program in Agroecology and Territorial Development (PPGADT). It concludes that there is an urgent need to support producers in obtaining certifications to promote sustainability and competitiveness, recommending partnerships between producers, educational institutions, and NGOs.

The Customer Experience is a Key Factor at Every Stage of the Transaction: Before, During, and After

This study analyses the influence of three dimensions of customer experience — sensory, cognitive, and emotional — on purchase commitment to Fair Trade products. In addition, the influence of commitment on word of mouth, repurchase intentions and willingness to pay more for Fair Trade products was measured. A theoretical model estimated data obtained from 345 Spanish Fair Trade buyers, using CB-SEM. The seven hypotheses proposed were accepted, which reaffirms the importance of the sensory, emotional, and cognitive dimensions for forming commitment and positive behavioral responses. The study raises theoretical and managerial implications for Fair Trade marketers, which can strengthen it to meet consumers´ needs. Finally, limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Civil Liability of Business Actors for Reverse Passing Off as an Unlawful Act

This research aims to determine the civil liability of business actors who commit Reverse Passing Off by analyzing the legal arrangements regarding Reverse Passing Off from the perspective of Indonesian positive law. This research uses a normative juridical method focusing on legal issues relating to Reverse Passing Off. This research uses a statutory and conceptual approach with data collection techniques, using literature study through normative qualitative analysis methods. The results show that the Trademark Law in Indonesia does not explicitly regulate legal arrangements related to Reverse Passing Off. Still, the principles of consumer protection and provisions on unlawful acts can be used as a basis for handling this practice. Business actors who commit this act must be legally responsible, and the original trademark owner has the right to claim both material and immaterial damages. Alternatively, the resolution of this problem can be done through mediation with the results of mediation in the form of a written agreement that contains legal responsibility and protection for the trademark owner. Therefore, there is a need for regulatory reform, especially in trademark law, by adding reverse passing off as a trademark infringement to protect the aggrieved party and ensure legal certainty, fairness, and transparency in trade.

Training in Marketing Skills Associated With The Fair Trade System For Sustainable Economic Development in Artisanal Fishermen in The Rural Area of Manta Canton, Ecuador

Objective: This article proposes a methodology for training in marketing skills, associated with the fair trade system for sustainable economic development in artisanal fishermen in the rural area of Manta canton, Ecuador. Theoretical Framework: The presented text offers a comprehensive vision of the training of marketing skills, with a particular focus on the context of artisanal fishermen and the application of fair trade. Method: The type of research assumed is quantitative, explanatory, experimental, and within it, the pre-experimental type, since it first explains the logic, the path, and the way to follow for the training of marketing skills in fishermen in the rural area of Manta canton, Ecuador. Likewise, the results that were achieved from a quantitative point of view with the implementation of the methodology are presented. Results and Discussion: This research represents a valuable contribution to the field of education and rural development, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive and contextualized training for the empowerment of producers and the construction of a more just and sustainable future. Training in marketing skills, based on fair trade, is revealed as a key tool to improve the living conditions of artisanal fishermen and promote more equitable and sustainable economic development. Implications of the Research: The results of this research have important implications for the formulation of public policies, education, and international cooperation, and can serve as a basis for future research that promotes sustainable development and equity in the fishing sector. Originality/Value: The research presented stands out for its originality in focusing on a little-studied sector such as artisanal fishermen and linking marketing training with fair trade. Its value lies in its ability to improve the living conditions of fishermen, strengthen local development, and promote fairer trade practices.

Kebijakan Moneter dalam Perspektif Islam

Monetary work in the context of Islamic economics which considers social justice and fraternity, in Islamic economics, monetary work does not only focus on supply and demand for money, it is also focused on the principles of fair trade and inclusion. Irnir is based on a conventional approach that often only considers price stabilization and economic growth. In the context of economics, monetary work in Islamic economics is intended to create economic stability in a way that considers the distribution of wealth and income in a balanced manner I'm here. This is not an important thing to prevent economic imbalances that can disrupt the social and economic balance in society. An artillery analysis methodology that uses a qualitative analysis approach with an integrated analytical analysis method helps to explain scientific concepts in depth. Derscrirptirf analysis allows authors to describe and explain the phenomena or concepts of dertairl based on the findings of the analysis. By implementing monetary work that takes into account the inequalities of justice and brotherhood, it is hoped that a country's economy can achieve stability sustainable paper, by considering the balance between circulating money and the number of goods and services available. Disbalance in environmental matters can cause serious economic disruptions. Jadir, it is important to understand that in an Islamic economic context, monetary work is not only about traditional macroeconomic stability, it is also about creating conditions that support social and economic stability the wider one

Fair Pricing Formulation for Palm Oil Fresh Fruit Bunch Produced by Smallholder Farmers: A Development Method to Form a More Effective Formula for Palm Oil Fresh Fruit Bunch Pricing to Achieve a Fair Price for Smallholder Farmers

Objectives: The study aims to address the disparity in pricing received by smallholder farmers for their palm oil fresh fruit bunches (FFBs). It seeks to establish a fair pricing formula that balances the interests of smallholder farmers and crude palm oil (CPO) mills, ensuring the sustainability of smallholder farming practices and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods: The research models the cost structures of palm oil smallholder farmers and CPO mills over a 30-year investment horizon. Using profitability analyses and the constraint that the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for smallholder farmers is greater than or equal to the IRR of CPO mills, the study derives a pricing formula. The proposed formula calculates the price of FFBs (PFFB) as a function of the price of CPO (PCPO) and oil extraction yield (OER), supported by statistical simulations. Results: The study presents a pricing equation, PFFB = -2438.7971 + 0.1784 PCPO + 10219.2072 OER, which is transparent and based on significant parameters. The formula provides a practical approach to determining a fair price for FFBs, ensuring equitable profit distribution between smallholder farmers and CPO mills. This eliminates the need for prolonged negotiations while fostering sustainability and financial stability for smallholder farmers. Conclusion: The proposed pricing formula offers a straightforward and equitable method for determining FFB prices, aligning the profitability of smallholder farmers and CPO mills. This approach supports the palm oil industry's sustainability objectives and contributes to achieving the SDGs by empowering smallholder farmers and promoting fair trade practices.

D. I. Mendeleev on the unity of measures, weights and money: an analysis from the point of view of modern metrology

The article analyzes the validity of D. I. Mendeleyev's statement made in 1867 about the need to maintain the unity of measures, weights and money to ensure fair trade and rapprochement between nations. It is shown that under the conditions of the monetary system and the “gold standard” monetary system, it was the observance of the unity of measures, weights and money that allowed states to sovereignly establish and maintain a stable value of their money for a sufficiently long time. This, in turn, ensured confidence in the stable value of money, equality of trading parties, and fair trade in states that supported the unity of measures, weights and money. The global financial and market system created in the 21st century abandoned the observance of the metrological principles of the unity of measures, weights and money, replacing the stable “material” value of national money with its market price. The negative consequences of this step became apparent quite quickly. The value of national currencies ceased to be stable, the international market became unequal. It is shown that in the conditions of the modern global financial and market system, fair international trade is impossible in principle. The article proposes and substantiates the need to return to the unity of measures, weights and money, which allows ensuring the stability of means of payment, equality of trading parties.

Financial Literacy of Women: Insights from Fair-Trade Craft Producers, Kathmandu, Nepal

The study emphasized on the critical role of fair-trading practices in promoting women’s economic empowerment in the handicraft sector of Nepal. The aim of this study is to assess the financial literacy of women working in fair trade activities led by Association for Craft Producers. This study anchored on human capital theory. Methodologically the paper looks at the phenomenon objectively and employed scientific methods to generate knowledge. For this, natural data were gathered through administered self-questionnaires from 101 employed women involved in fair-trade economic ventures under association of craft products in Kathmandu valley including home-based and in-house producers. Descriptive statistical tools, such as frequency distribution, tabulation, percentage and diagrams were used for data analysis. The finding indicate that that financial literacy positively affects economic entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, household decision making process, and overall women economic empowerment. This paper has approved the notion of both empowerment and capability approach to development. For women economic empowerment, the supporting key factors such as, entrepreneurship, employment, training, educating, family support, and organizational backing can escalate the financial literacy and economic empowerment. Acquiring the essential skill, training, knowledge, and support in terms of financial issues enable women to meet their socio-economic needs and influx the individual capacity. The finding could be very useful to planners, policy makers, and women centric development practitioners to escalate the financial knowledge and support the women economic empowerment. This study suggests subsequent researchers to conduct similar issues considering longitudinal studies and comparative study between rural and urban areas.

Path Analysis of The Carbon Market's Impact on Corporate Carbon Emission Reduction

The focus of this study is to explore how carbon markets have been effective in motivating companies to reduce carbon emissions globally. Through the setting of emission quotas and a series of fair and strict trading rules, the carbon market not only stimulates the intrinsic motivation of enterprises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also pushes forward climate governance on a global scale. This paper elaborates on the theoretical basis and operational mechanism of the carbon market, especially its key role in facilitating enterprises to reduce emissions through economic incentives, improving their ability to comply with environmental regulations, creating more market access opportunities, promoting innovation in environmental technologies, and enhancing the green brand image of enterprises in the eyes of the public. This study aims to provide insights for business managers to help them optimize their carbon reduction strategies and references for policymakers to promote corporate emissions reduction more efficiently and accurately when formulating relevant policies to jointly address global climate change challenges.

Research on the Connection Market Trading Issues of Green Certificates and CCER Based on Contribution Degree and Social Welfare

The connection between the green certificate market and the CCER market can further achieve the dual carbon goals, so it is imperative for the green certificate market, CCER market, and the connection market to coexist. it is necessary to convert green certificates into CCER in the connection market to achieve transactions between the two. The research is aimed at exploring the interface between green certificates and CCER, with the main objective of finding trading mode and trading method to address the interface between the two. This paper firstly proposes a concept of contribution degree that assists fair trading in the market, based on the different ways in which contribution degree is introduced in the trading of green certificates, CCER markets, and connecting markets, and establishes basic trading mode, unilateral contribution trading mode (UCM) and bilateral contribution trading mode. Then, the rolling matching trading model with the goal of maximizing total social welfare, the contribution degree model and the effect test model are established to realize the implementation of the above three modes through different combinations of the models. Finally, the quantitative results are obtained by simulating the trading situation of the three modes, and CCER offset ratio and contribution degree indicator weight are discussed. The results show that it is feasible to build a bridging market between green certificate and CCER by using the contribution degree, in which the UCM is the optimal solution to achieve the dual-carbon goal and market development. The setting of CCER offset ratio can be based on the difference of enterprise types, and the weight of indicators affecting the contribution level should be adjusted with the policy. The research in this paper has the following contributions: (1) a new criterion to satisfy fair trade—contribution degree is proposed to provide ideas for mutual recognition of products in the bridging market, and proposed a contribution degree calculation model for the green certificate and CCER markets, as well as the bridging market; (2) from the perspective of the contradiction between supply and demand in the market and fair trade, different schemes to build a bridging market are given in a fixed context and compared and analyzed; (3) from the market level, the quantitative analysis of the indicator settings affecting emission reduction, providing suggestions for the differentiated evaluation of warrants and the formulation of carbon reduction policies.

Coffee: Lighting Its Complex Ground Truth and Percolating Its Molecular Brew

Coffee is one of the most widely traded commodities worldwide and its popularity is only increasing. The International Coffee Organisation (ICO) reported a 6% increase in global production in 2020 to 10.5 million tonnes. Coffee production is quite involved (from sowing to harvesting, processing, packaging, and storage); consequently, the industry faces major challenges in terms of the assessment of its quality, flavour, and the components which contribute to coffee’s characterisation, as well as the sustainability of coffee production and global trade. This has prompted multiple studies on the nature of the aroma and taste of the many varieties of coffee around the world, which has resulted in the identification of approximately 1000 volatile compounds and the development and implementation of upwards of 100 lexicons to describe the specific sensory characteristics of coffee. The complex nature of coffee has necessitated the development and incorporation of new analytical methodologies, such as multidimensional separation technologies and spectroscopy coupled with multivariant analysis, to qualify the essential characteristics of coffee’s flavour. This work aims to review the research on coffee’s flavour, covering the roasting process of coffee beans, the volatile and non-volatile components generated by this process, and the chemical reactions responsible for their formation, as well as coffee’s sustainability, the coffee value chain, and various forms of regulation, particularly the current emphasis on ‘fair trade’.

ARMAZÉM DE ECONOMIA SOLIDÁRIA E EDUCAÇÃO POPULAR: OUTRA FORMA DE CONSUMIR

This work constitutes a part of the research carried out for the preparation of the master's thesis, which aims at a theoretical debate on the practices of Fair and Solidarity Trade (CJS), developed in the incubation of the Responsible Consumption Group (GCR) called Armazém de Economia Popular Solidária - Armazém de EPS. This economy, which is intended to be egalitarian, self-managed, cooperative and which has the human being as a collective and nature at its center. The GCRs are groups made up of consumers and producers concerned about their health, that of others and environmental quality, as well as seeking to develop Fair and Solidarity Trade and Responsible Consumption, in which their practices and reflections contribute to transforming the act to consume in a political and citizen act. The EPS Warehouse is incubated by the Nucleus of Social and Economic Development of the Federal University of Rio Grande (NUDESE/FURG) and aims at the disposal of products from solidary economic enterprises. This research aims to present a distinct production, commercialization and consumption experience, as well as discuss the pedagogy developed in the training of the subjects involved.

Unravelling the success factors of Latin-American Fair Trade projects

This investigation seeks to identify the success factors of Latin-American Fair Trade projects through a systematic literature review with the Kitchenham and Charters method. Through a data extraction and its evaluation from selected literature, to the online libraries Scopus, Web of Science, Redalyc, Springer Link and Science Direct in the range from 2018 to 2023 it determines that the success factors are government support, production increase, capacity building and skills promotion, and international market outreach. It also identifies that these factors depend on complementary factors related with the capacity of producers and workers to implement these Fair Trade certifications and practices in their production, mainly in agriculture. These factors benefit community-based projects from vulnerable groups in rural areas while correlating to exports and Fair-Trade principles. Meaning, certification is not compulsory, so its principles can be implemented in a variety projects, generating a series of benefits and limitations for their development.

Society, Design, Communication: Prolegomenon to a Great Problem

The article “Society, Design, Communication” examines the intersection of contemporary societal challenges and environmental design practices. It contextualizes these challenges within the pressing global environmental crisis, highlighting critical perspectives that caution against unchecked technological and industrial advancement often disregarding natural ecosystems. The study explores how sustainable design, when integrated with innovative communication strategies, can address these concerns and foster awareness and action. The article delves into the role of sustainable design in commercial and public communication, focusing on word-of-mouth strategies and immersive presentations at trade fairs and exhibitions. Using the Milan Design Week as a case study, it highlights the BioWoodesign project led by the Technical University of Zvolen, which exemplifies a biomimicry-inspired approach to design. This initiative underscores the synergy between nature and human creativity in addressing sustainability while fostering meaningful audience engagement. Furthermore, the discussion expands on emerging trends in sustainable communication, such as systemic design and circular economy principles. These approaches enhance both the functional and experiential dimensions of design exhibitions, creating immersive narratives that resonate with modern audiences. The article also critiques the prevalence of “greenwashing”—the practice of overstating environmental credentials—emphasizing the importance of transparent and credible strategies for fostering trust. By examining the intersections of society, design, and communication, the article contributes to the discourse on sustainable practices, demonstrating their potential to influence meaningful behavioral and systemic change in a rapidly evolving world.

Decentralized Fair Data Trading Scheme based on mCL-ME Primitive

The Internet of Things (IoT) is now used by people, homes, transportation, hospitals, and more, and the data collected from IoT devices is more diverse and vaster. Online data trading or sharing systems are evolving to use this data to create new value or utilize it for financial gain. Traditional online data trading systems rely on trusted third parties to ensure fair trading. However, these centralized trading systems suffer from various problems such as single point of failure and data leakage. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a blockchain-based fair data trading model that does not rely on a fixed trust factor and supports bilateral access rights management. The proposed model is designed in a hybrid way that combines on-chain and off-chain processes to minimize the storage space and performance limitations of the blockchain. Instead of relying on a fixed trust factor such as a trusted third party, we randomly select arbiter nodes during each data trading process, which provides higher decentralization than existing approaches. It also provides data confidentiality by ensuring bilateral access control and provides security in the dispute resolution process. Finally, smart contracts in the proposed model perform only simple computations, resulting in lower overhead and higher efficiency than existing models.

Voluntary sustainability standards, employee ownership, and the sustainable development goals: can VSS leverage EO to accelerate progress towards the SDGs?

ABSTRACT Employee ownership (EO), broadly defined, refers to business models that distribute power and/or profit more widely than conventional firms. EO aims to foster a more equitable distribution of income and wealth. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 social, economic, and environmental objectives. In 2015, all 193 United Nations member countries agreed to work towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. This article explores the connection between EO and the SDGs It addresses two questions: 1) Could the benefits of EO support the SDGs, and if so, which specific targets? 2) Is EO promoted by voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), also known as ‘sustainability certifications’ or ‘eco-labels’ (e.g. Fairtrade)? This study suggests that EO has the potential to support the implementation of five SDGs. More specifically, the benefits of EO may catalyse progress towards nine targets, none of which is currently on track for achievement by 2030. This study also finds that only 26% of VSS organisations encourage companies to engage in or support EO. Removing the two VSS that focus specifically on fair trade, this figure falls to 18%. Overall, this article suggests that employee ownership may be an underutilised tool for accelerating progress towards the UN SDGs.

The halo effect of PDO labeling on sensory experience and consumer perception of bergkäse

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label is awarded to foods exclusively produced within a designated area. Austria has eleven registered PDO foods, seven of which are cheeses, including the hard raw milk cheese Tiroler Bergkäse PDO. Some manufacturers in Tyrol produce their cheeses according to the PDO specification but hesitate to commercialize them as such. However, foods bearing a seal (PDO, organic, fair trade) can be perceived as possessing superior taste, quality, and health benefits, and can influence consumers’ willingness-to-pay. This study examines the effect of PDO labeling on the sensory experience, the purchase criteria for cheese, overall liking, perceived quality, perceived healthiness, purchase intention, and willingness-to-pay of Bergkäse, a hard raw milk cheese. In a one-way (PDO label vs. control) between-groups experiment, 165 participants tasted the same cheese and completed a questionnaire, with only the informational text differing between groups. Results show that many taste descriptors (e.g. high-quality flavor), overall liking, perceived quality, the purchase criterion quality labels (AMA, PDO etc.), and purchase intention were rated significantly higher in the PDO group. This suggests a halo effect, where a positive impression of one attribute favorably influences the consumer's overall opinion. In this study, the PDO label did not affect the willingness-to-pay. The effects of the tested moderators were almost entirely absent. This research implies that Tyrolean cheese manufacturers producing Bergkäse according to the PDO specification may consider retailing their products with the PDO label to enhance the taste experience, perception, and purchase intention of consumers.

Assessing information exchange among competitors in financial services markets

The exchange of certain types of information among competitors can trigger competition law concerns, as it may heighten the risk of market coordination or lead to the exclusion of competitors not involved in the exchange. Yet, under certain conditions information sharing may also offer benefits. This article discusses two key examples in financial services where evaluating information exchange requires a detailed understanding of the unique dynamics within those markets: the 2010 Office of Fair Trading investigation into information sharing among motor insurance companies which serves as a landmark for assessing the pro-competitive benefits of information exchange in financial products, and the 2019 Financial Conduct Authority competition investigation into information exchange among asset managers during initial public offerings. The IPO case is an important case that highlights the complexity involved in determining the boundary between beneficial and harmful information exchange.

Greek consumers' perspectives on sustainable food: a cluster analysis approach

PurposeSustainable development has become increasingly urgent due to significant environmental and social challenges, and sustainable food consumption has emerged as a critical component of this development. This study examined Greek consumers’ sustainability preferences and explores consumer segments related to demographics and food choices.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey of 285 consumers from Attica, Greece, reported on a wide range of factors: environmental and health-related attributes, food waste, food miles, fair trade and sustainability perceptions.FindingsFive factors affecting food sustainability preferences were identified: environmental attributes, unhealthy preferences, organic qualities, local and seasonal attributes, and sustainability attitudes. Based on these factors, three consumer segments were discovered. Ecocentrics displayed strong attitudes towards sustainability; conformists exhibited a higher preference for conventional, Western-type diets; and convenientarians showed a preference for quick and affordable meals with limited concern for sustainability. Demographics (gender and age) and food consumption were associated with food sustainability preferences. Despite the financial constraints faced by most Greek consumers, food preferences and consumption patterns were consistent with sustainability principles, which may be explained by the long-standing tradition of the Mediterranean diet.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is not without limitations. The cross-sectional design prevents establishing causal relationships between demographic factors and sustainability preferences. Future research should explore longitudinal studies to assess how consumer preferences and sustainability behaviours evolve over time, particularly in response to environmental and economic changes. This would provide deeper insights into the durability and evolution of sustainability preferences. The sample used in this study was drawn from the Attica region, which is largely urban. Therefore, the findings may not be generalisable to other parts of Greece, especially rural areas where sustainability practices and food choices might differ. Future research should include more diverse geographic samples to better understand regional variations in consumer behaviour, particularly in rural settings.Practical implicationsThese findings strongly suggest the necessity of raising awareness regarding sustainable fast-prep meals, meat-substitute products and plant-based options that are local and organic.Social implicationsFurthermore, the recognition of gender and age as significant determinants of sustainable food behaviours challenges traditional assumptions and stereotypes about consumer behaviour, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and diverse approach to sustainability, that takes into account the varying perspectives and experiences of different demographic groups. This alignment between demographic characteristics and sustainable food behaviours underscores the need for targeted interventions and strategies to promote sustainability across diverse demographic groups. Ecocentrics have higher rates of marriage and parenthood, indicating that family dynamics might encourage more sustainable food choices.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study is twofold: (1) it provides data on consumer perceptions in an economically challenged Mediterranean country and (2) it offers new evidence on the actual size of sustainable/non-sustainable consumer segments in Greece. Understanding these consumer behaviours is crucial for developing targeted strategies that support sustainable practices and address the specific needs of low-income Mediterranean countries. By investigating these dynamics, this study provides valuable insights into the broader Mediterranean region, offering a framework for policymakers and businesses to address the evolving preferences and constraints of these consumers.