Organic Food Labels Research Articles

The Mediating Effects of Mass Media and Perceived Knowledge in Shaping Consumer Trust in Organic Food Labels

The Mediating Effects of Mass Media and Perceived Knowledge in Shaping Consumer Trust in Organic Food Labels

A Study on the Customers Perception About Advertisement of Organic Toddler Food

Purpose: This study assesses the impact of organic toddler food labelling on customer attitudes towards advertising, brand loyalty, and purchase intentions as well as consumer perceptions of healthiness and tastiness. Theoretical Framework: These advertisements negative effects on the lower middle class are significantly more severe. Quite frequently, these food products develop snob appeal, and people from less affluent backgrounds are persuaded to buy them as dietary supplements and a means of ascension. Design/methodology/approach: Researcher used Purposive sampling technique This study concentrates on the impact and awareness of advertisement in organic toddler foods. Both ancillary and principal data were used in this study. Researcher has taken 384 as a sample for research study which is greater than the minimum statistically accepted sample size. The data were analyzed using the SPSS_22. Pearson’s Coefficient of Correlation Chi-square Findings: Study reveals that there is no association between demographic variables and legal consideration of advertisement. It depicts that unlike gender and age, qualification has association opinion about legal consideration of advertisement. There exists a high positive relation between attitude toward advertising of toddler organic foods and awareness about legal issues related to toddler organic foods. Research, Practical and Social Implication: Customers should evaluate the value of advertisement and take buying decision. They should be given a clear picture on the myths and reality and identify the source and authenticity of advertisement. They should understand the legality related to advertisement. Originality/value: The importance of health in customers food shopping decisions has increased as their interest in health-related problems has increased.

Development, validity, and reliability of a questionnaire on psychological factors of organic food consumption among Malaysian adults

People believe organic food is safer and healthier since it limits the use of synthetic chemicals as agricultural inputs, which has increased global demand for it. However, it has been reported that Malaysians' actual consumption of organic food is low, despite their great intention to do so. Much previous research has proposed trust in organic food labeling and certification as a potential cause of the intention-behavior gap. However, empirical data to support this view is still lacking. This study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess Malaysians' intention and actual consumption of organic food, along with its factors, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with trust as an additional construct. Before the study, the questionnaire was pre-tested for face validity by five expert panels. This cross-sectional study gathered 119 usable self-administered questionnaires completed by Malaysian adults aged 18 to 64. The construct validity was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal component analysis (PCA), and varimax rotation. There was a three-factor solution for the attitude construct namely health, food safety, and environmental concern, while only one-factor solution for subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, trust, intention, and actual consumption of organic food. Each construct had a minimum Cronbach's alpha of .70. The questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in larger study settings to further understand the psychological factors of organic food consumption among Malaysian adults to promote more sustainable food consumption in this nation.

Overview of the milk and dairy products legislation in the European Union

European Union legislation laying down rules for the dairy sector. The legislation defines the conditions under which milk and milk products intended for human consumption can be imported into the EU. Milk and milk products must come only from third countries that appear on the list of authorized countries. Establishments, where milk and milk products are produced, must be approved for export. The TRACES system is used on imports and the consignment must be accompanied by a certificate. This system ensures product traceability and prevents the introduction of diseases. An important role is delegated to the designated border control posts (BCPs) where the appropriate customs and veterinary inspections are performed by government institutions of the country. The European Union has adopted legislation to ensure the safety of food placed on the market in EU member countries. This legislation sets general hygienic requirements for food production based on the good manufacturing practice and the HACCP system. The criteria for microorganisms, chemicals, and applicable food additives are set. Also, the legislation contains requirements for product labeling. Part of the legislation concerns the common organization of the market in milk and milk products. These regulations contain rules for direct payments, subsidies, define the school milk system, etc. Specific legislation creates rules for organic bio food production, for production and labeling of products with the Protected Geographical Indication, Protected Designation of Origin, and Traditional Specialty Guaranteed. There is also legislation that defines the labeling of products intended for specific populations, e.g. gluten-free foods, lactose-free foods, etc. Areas not regulated by the legislation include the labeling of products with certification marks designed to highlight the suitability of food for religious purposes or quality certification.

The accumulation and substitution effects of multi-nation certified organic and protected eco-origin food labels in China

We conduct a choice experiment to explore Chinese consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for milk with multi-nation organic labels. We also consider the interaction between these labels and the novel Protected Eco-Origin Product (PEOP) certification as well as different brands. Two types of multi-nation organic certification are examined: ‘double certification’ (i.e., carrying both the Chinese and EU organic labels) and ‘triple certification’ (i.e., carrying Chinese, EU, and U.S. organic labels). Compared to the Chinese organic label alone, consumers increase their WTP for double and triple organic certification, but the marginal WTP decreases for an additional organic label suggesting a negative accumulation effect. Meanwhile, organic and PEOP labels are substitutes, with the substitution effect stronger for higher number of organic labels. Welfare changes with various combinations between multiple organic and PEOP labels, as well as consumer preference heterogeneity across labels are analyzed, providing implications on producer decision-making, policymaking, and consumer benefit analysis with respect to organic and ecolabel certification in general.

Milk and diary products – summary of European legislation, hygiene manuals, ISO standards and Codex Alimentarius standards

European Union legislation laying down rules for the dairy sector. The legislation defines the conditions under which milk and milk products intended for human consumption can be imported into the EU. Milk and milk products must come only from third countries that appear on the list of authorized countries. Establishments, where milk and milk products are produced, must be approved for export. The TRACES system is used on imports and the consignment must be accompanied by a certificate. This system ensures product traceability and prevents the introduction of diseases. An important role is delegated to the designated border control posts (BCPs) where the appropriate customs and veterinary inspections are performed by government institutions of the country. The European Union has adopted legislation to ensure the safety of food placed on the market in EU member countries. This legislation sets general hygienic requirements for food production based on the good manufacturing practice and the HACCP system. The criteria for microorganisms, chemicals, and applicable food additives are set. Also, the legislation contains requirements for product labeling. Part of the legislation concerns the common organization of the market in milk and milk products. These regulations contain rules for direct payments, subsidies, define the school milk system, etc. Specific legislation creates rules for organic bio food production, for production and labeling of products with the Protected Geographical Indication, Protected Designation of Origin, and Traditional Specialty Guaranteed. There is also legislation that defines the labeling of products intended for specific populations, e.g. gluten-free foods, lactose-free foods, etc. Areas not regulated by the legislation include the labeling of products with certification marks designed to highlight the suitability of food for religious purposes or quality certification.

Understanding the market potential of products from alternative food networks in a transition economy—a discrete choice experiment

PurposeEthical consumption is on the rise amidst concerns about the environmental and health impacts of industrial agriculture. In light of increasingly complex food choices, alternative food networks have emerged. However, their success depends on a deeper understanding of the product attributes that guide (ethical) consumer decisions. This study focuses on the preferences of consumers when choosing and buying fresh vegetables in Romania.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a discrete choice experiment to determine how consumers make trade-offs across a set of product attributes, such as local origin and production method.FindingsThe study analysis sheds light on the importance of food attributes relevant to ethical consumers. The main barrier to making an ethically driven choice is convenience. While local production remains of lower importance than the production method, the authors show that the Romanian consumers surveyed strongly prefer non-certified “traditional” vegetables over certified organic products.Originality/valueThis study is pioneering with a state-of-the-art discrete choice setting looking at a set of product attributes that reflect the demand of ethical consumers in an understudied transitional context. The authors go beyond the current debate on the trade-off between organic vs local food labels by introducing traditional small-scale production as a separate attribute level. The food attribute preferences of different consumer segments and a market simulation offer relevant insights how to market fresh vegetables to health- and environmentally-conscious urban people.

Third-party certification labels for organic food: consumers' purchase choice and willingness-to-pay

PurposeThe purpose of the present study is to examine the effect of organic food certification labels of different third-party verification institutions on consumers' choice of organic food in terms of willingness-to-pay (WTP) using cue utilization theory.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted an experiment in which organic rice and organic certification labels were presented to 360 valid participants.FindingsWith different organic rice labels issued by various third-party verification institutions, including (1) foundations, (2) associations, (3) university certification centers and (4) private businesses, results indicate that consumers had different preferences and WTP for certain labels. The institutions preferred organic food labels issued by non-profit organizations. In addition, consumers showed different WTP as a result of different purchase motivations (e.g. health vs environmental protection).Originality/valueThese results imply that consumers might not have confidence in the organic labels issued by associations and private institutions. Therefore, different types of certification institutions can have significantly different impacts on consumers' WTP. The study further proposes that the extrinsic attributes of food products (i.e. the cues used in making a purchase decision) must be incongruent with the image of third-party certification institutions in order to develop more efficient communication of product information and to encourage consumers to give positive comments regarding organic food.

P45 Do “Natural” and Other Clean Labels Detract from more Regulated Food Labels?

<h3>Background</h3> "Clean labeling" is a food industry trend characterized by simpler ingredients and front of package marketing statements that attract health-oriented consumers looking for more natural foods. Many clean labels, including "all natural" are not clearly defined, nor regulated, and have the potential to detract from food labels that are regulated by the FDA and/or USDA. <h3>Objective</h3> To compare consumer use of federally regulated (organic) and unregulated (natural) food labels, and to determine whether use of these labels is associated with demographic characteristics. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Computer-aided telephone interviews were collected (in February 2020) in a random, representative sample of Vermont residents (n = 574). <h3>Measurable Outcomes/Analysis</h3> Respondents were asked about their use of food labels, including whether they used organic and/or natural food labels when evaluating food products. Associations between use of each type of food label and demographic variables (age, gender, income, education, having children in the household) were compared using chi-squares, and logistic regression (<i>P</i> < 0.01). <h3>Results</h3> Most respondents indicated that they did use organic (70% of respondents) or natural (64% of respondents) labels when evaluating food products. Use of organic food labels was significantly higher among parents with children in the home (78%), women (77%), and those with a college degree or higher (75%). In contrast, use of natural labels was negatively associated with income, with the highest use (79%) seen in the lowest income category (<$25,000/yr). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The increasing use of unregulated marketing statements on packaged foods (including "natural," "raw" and "minimally processed") could be distracting consumers from using more regulated food labels, especially consumers with limited education or income. Nutrition education programs and federal labeling policies are needed to support consumer use of labels, and to prevent low-income consumers from potentially being deceived by unregulated food labels.

Chinese consumer preferences for organic labels on Oolong tea: evidence from a choice experiment

Repeated food scandals in China have prompted growing consumer consciousness on food safety and health. Organic food, considered to be of higher quality, is being increasingly demanded by Chinese consumers. This study examines preferences for organic labels to provide insight on the sustainable development of the Oolong tea industry. Research was conducted using the choice experiment (CE) method in Fujian and Guangdong Provinces. The results demonstrate that place of origin, organic label, and brand attributes are all significant factors affecting the purchase of Oolong. Also, people demonstrated significantly positive attitudes toward organic labels and preferred Oolong tea from Fujian Province to those from Guangdong Province and Taiwan. Increasing trust can enhance consumer preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic labels. Contrary to previous studies, people have a higher WTP for Chinese organic labels than Japanese and American ones. This is probably because respondents are more familiar with domestic Oolong tea and trust more in Chinese organic certification. This provides an opportunity for domestic producers to tailor their organic food labels and better satisfy consumer demands. These findings suggest that the Chinese government should take more responsibility for reducing food-related fraud and thus improve consumer trust regarding organic food.

Analysis of factors that influenced consumers' decision to online shop organic food during Covid-19

There is a significant amount of research in the world on the factors that influence consumers' decision to buy organic food using traditional sales channels. There is also a lot of research related to the factors that influence consumer decision to online shop groceries. However, to our knowledge, there is an extremely modest amount of research on how and why consumers decide to online shop organic food. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in consumer propensity to shop online, so this topic has gained in importance. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the factors that most influenced consumers' decision to online shop organic food during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The survey was carried out in Serbia by using a questionnaire developed specifically for this purpose, based on questions from 9 relevant surveys in the world. Factor analysis and standard multiple regressions were used to analyze the data obtained from the survey. Four factors have been identified that influenced the online shopping organic food during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The first and most important factor is the Attributes of organic food and deterrents for purchasing. The second important factor is the advantages of online shopping, Covid-19 Pandemic consequences, and organic food labeling. While the third factor (Website characteristics and satisfaction with online shopping) and the fourth factor (Safety of online shopping) are of minor importance. At the end of the paper recommendations for improvement marketing strategy for online selling organic food are given.

Assessing Urban Consumer Intention on Purchasing of Organic Food in Sri Lanka

Purpose : Food consumption patterns are changing as a result of prevailing health and environmental issues. Organic foods are generally believed as safer to consume, nutritious, and environmentally sound production. The main purpose of this study was to recognize how the revealed information on organic food labels and perceived organic knowledge influence attitudes and trust toward organic food purchase intention and how subjective norm drives toward organic food purchase intention among urban consumers in Sri Lanka. Research Method : Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey by means of face-to-face interview from a sample of 300 consumers covering five Divisional Secretariats in Colombo district. Divisional Secretariats were selected randomly. Data were analyzed by using Structural Equation Modeling and AMOS in SPSS. Findings : The results revealed that consumer attitude is the main attribute that influences organic foods purchase intention. Further, results elaborate consumers more concern on the health attributes of the organic foods. Consumers also have low trust on organic food producing companies, farmers, vendors, organic labels and certifiers. The study indicates that organic label does not have a clear profile to consumers. Thus they do not believe organic labeling provides correct and sufficient information. The results show that respondents have low knowledge on organic foods. Research Limitations : Data were gathered only from Colombo district of Sri Lanka. Therefore, future studies should be focused even on other urban areas of the country in order to capture general behavior of consumers on organic food purchase intention. Originality/ Value : Findings of this study are important to policy makers, organic producers, vendors, marketers, certifiers and research institutions to implement better strategies to develop a positive attitude and trust towards organic food in order to promote organic food consumption in Sri Lanka.

THE EFFECT OF DIET HABITS, PACKING, AND PRICE BARRIER ARE IMPACT ON ORGANIC FOOD PURCHASE BEHAVIOR

Consumers purchase environmentally friendly products ‘’Organic food’’. This study is applied in Pakistan a country in which there is concern about safety and quality. The ‘’SEM’’ model is used to support our study. Three independent variables while one dependent variable is taken in that scenario. Data were obtained from 300 respondents, 278 backed us their response. We conclude from the above-mentioned model that the packing factor has much important than that of other variables. This sort of research can conduct in developed countries such as the US, CHINA, CANADA and other geographic areas. Also, green marketing factors can be replaced for future studies. Different independent variables contribute to future research like organic food labeling, lack of knowledge, and availability. We can also use different aspects such as environmental concern, health concern, and food safety concern using them as independent variables we can further use them in new research as a research gap. this research can also be done as longitudinal research.

Why do consumers buy organic food? Results from an S–O–R model

PurposeOrganic food consumption is a complex process that makes it difficult for organic food businesses to develop appropriate marketing strategies. This study thus adopted the stimuli–organism–response (S–O–R) model to create a comprehensive framework to understand consumers' organic food purchase decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected 592 valid samples in organic food chain stores and markets by random sampling method. Meanwhile, structural equation modelling was adopted to test hypotheses.FindingsThe research findings indicate that consumer preference for natural food was the most important factor for enhancing purchase intention, followed by health consciousness, health risk, attitude towards organic food and trust in labelling. Perceptions of nutritional value positively influenced attitudes towards organic food and trust in labelling, followed by perceptions of environmental effects; conversely, attitudes towards organic food labelling had the least effect on increasing trust in labelling. Attitudes towards organic food labelling was the most important factor influencing positive attitudes towards organic food, followed by consumer perception of environmental protection effects.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the relative influence of different variables on organic food purchase intention. Compared with consumer attitude towards organic food and trust in labelling, consumers' individual health was the most important factor influencing their purchase intention. As health and naturalness are attractive factors for consumers, the organic food industry can emphasize health protection in their marketing strategies.

Study of Consumer Perception about Organic Food Labels

One of the fundamental human rights include the right to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. Following the increase in environmental concerns, people especially in urban areas are looking for healthier, sustainable lifestyle alternatives. While the increase in demand for organic food might seem like an up-market fad, for most consumers of organic foods, the market place offers dilemma. There is an almost lack of information about what do organic labels signify, how to interpret these and which organic food actually deliver safety. This paper is a pilot study to understand consumer perception about organic food labels. The study is carried out on sample respondents belonging to different regions of Maharashtra State, India. Results obtained from this study will be used for a bigger study in this regard. It seems to be in line with the consumer behaviour model presented by Kotler and Keller (2012). Consumers’ psychological characteristics influences the way they perceive organic labels. The study focuses only on the fact that, how perception about labels of organic food products, as a standalone factor, influences buying decision of consumers, irrespective of changes in other factors. We consider how personal, cultural and social factors influence integration of label’s meaning for consumers.

Особенности маркировки пищевых продуктов органического производства

Материалы для специалистов молочной промышленности. Технологии переработки молока Оборудование для отрасли. Состояние и тенденции развития рынка молочных продуктов. Новости и события молочной промышленности.

Trust factors for organic foods: consumer buying behavior

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between trust factors and buying behavior among consumers in the organic food market in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers developed a questionnaire using latent variables including the trust factors, utilitarian attitudes, hedonic attitudes, buying behavior and demographic information of consumers of organic foods. Confirmatory factor analysis and the structural equation modeling were conducted using LISREL 8.80 for Windows.FindingsThe empirical results indicated that health content, locally produced products, organic food labels and price premiums positively and significantly affected utilitarian and hedonic attitudes. Both utilitarian attitudes and hedonic attitudes positively and significantly affected respondents’ buying behavior. A series of theoretical implications were identified.Practical implicationsThe researchers concluded that providing consumers with practical information related to organic food, establishing local production facilities, developing content, standardizing labeling procedures and promoting a new organic certification system for small-scale producers will encourage more consumers to purchase organic food.Originality/valueThis study first examines the food trust buying behavior of organic foods and related consumption behavior theory questions. It mainly takes the stimulus–organism–response model as the foundation of its approach. Simultaneously, it also conforms to utilitarian behavior theory, and the process by which consumers become better aware of organic foods’ quality.

Zeleni cinizam – dimenzije i učinci na kupnju ekoloških prehrambenih proizvoda

Brojne kritike kao i nezanemariv broj nepoštenih proizvođačkih praksi u prošlosti, doveli su do značajno prisutne skepse i nepovjerenja potrošača. Ovo, kod nekih potrošača, prilično duboko ukorijenjeno nepovjerenje, skepticizam i nezainteresiranost, može se obuhvatiti pojmom zelenog cinizma. Zeleni cinizam znatno interferira i ometa sve aktivnosti i napore iz domene održivog marketinga s obzirom na to da je zbog izrazitog nepovjerenja znatno teže ili čak nemoguće pozicionirati proizvod ili gospodarski subjekt kao održivi. Ovo dovodi do otežanog prihvaćanja ovih proizvoda od potrošača te sporijeg prihvaćanja održivih marketinških strategija od gospodarskih subjekata, što je nedvojbeno društveno nepoželjna pojava. Iz tog je razloga iznimno važno proučavati i razumjeti čimbenike koji utječu na ovaj oblik cinizma te kako on utječe na određena ponašanja. Cilj ovoga rada je predložiti i objasniti pojam zelenog cinizma i istražiti neke njegove moguće dimenzije te provjeriti njihov utjecaj na namjeru kupnje ekoloških prehrambenih proizvoda. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 411 ispitanika iz istočne Hrvatske koji predstavljaju osobe koje obavljaju kupnju većine namirnica za kućanstvo. Rezultati utemeljeni na regresijskoj analizi pokazali su da na namjeru kupnje ekoloških prehrambenih proizvoda najjači negativan učinak ima nezainteresiranost iskazana kao nedostatak vremena da se o tim pitanjima uopće razmišlja. Također signifikantan negativan utjecaj ima i nepovjerenje prema samim ekološkim prehrambenim proizvodima odnosno oznakama koje ih razlikuju od konvencionalnih proizvoda. U ovom istraživanju utjecaj skepticizma što se tiče problema okoliša nije se pokazao signifikantnim što može biti posljedica činjenice da se radi o značajnoj razlici u širini obuhvata varijable.

A Study of Organic Food Labeling In the United States Compared to Denmark

Organic farming practices produce foods that avoid manufactured fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators (GMOs), and livestock additives. The definition of what is considered organic in the United States is that 95 percent of the ingredient list must be free of synthetic additives and must not be processed using industrial solvents. The goal of the study was to compare organic labeling and certification between the United States and Denmark. The hypothesis is that labeling and regulation will be similar because the food economy is built on a global scale. Researching organic labeling was required in both the United States and Denmark. A study of one food item from each section of the US food pyramid was completed. Then, labeling data was collected in both Danish and American grocery stores. The work required visiting three grocery stores in both countries. The results were organic labeling requirements are different in the US and Denmark. Denmark has a much more stringent level of organic certification, store labels of studied products confirm these differences. The study demonstrated that organic labeling, is very complicated in both the US and Denmark, and there is not a common standard of organic labeling and certification between these two countries.

Awareness and attitude of the population of the city of Varna to organic foods

Introduction There is an increasing tendency towards demand for foods close to the traditional ones. The organic method of food production meets the needs of this growing group of consumers as it uses safe and transparent production methods. The consumers` awareness is a vital prerequisite for the use of organic foods. Aim The aim of the research is to determine the level of awareness of the population with regard to organic foods, which will help to make more conscious choice of environment-friendly products. Materials and Methods The research covered 100 adult users from Varna, randomly selected. A direct anonymous poll was conducted to identify the awareness and attitudes about the use of organic foods. The data are processed using statistical methods. Results and Discussion The research data show that a significant proportion of the population takes into account the positive impact of organic foods on human health (94%) and the environment (88%). The main reasons mentioned as an obstacle to consuming more organic foods are the high price (33%) and the lack of trust about the quality of these products in Bulgaria (21%). The full mandatory information on organic food labels remains completely impossible to understand for a major part of the population (28%). Conclusion The citizens of Varna have insufficient knowledge of organic food. Consumers need additional information on the importance of the data on the labels and how they can be checked.