Certification label and fresh organic produce category in an emerging country: an experimental study on consumer trust and purchase intention. Issue 6 (19th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watanabe, Eluiza Alberto de Morais; Alfinito, Solange; Barbirato, Luisa Lourenço
• Is Part Of: British food journal. Volume 123:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2258
• Page End: 2271
• Publication Date: 2021-02-19
• Subjects: Sustainable food consumption -- Different labels -- Organic food -- Consumer preferences -- Brazil; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Marketing -- Periodicals; Food adulteration and inspection -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; 381.456413
• DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-09-2020-0808
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-070X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Organic food consumption is growing, increasing the need for studies investigating the importance of organic certification labels in emerging countries. The research aims to identify the influence of certification labels and fresh organic produce categories (greenery, vegetable or fruit) on consumer trust and purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach: An online experimental survey 3 × 3 was administered among 349 Brazilian consumers. Certification label and fresh organic produce category were designated as independent variables and manipulated to explore consumer trust and purchase intention. The authors performed a multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) to analyze the data. Findings: Results show that the certification label does not directly affect the dependent variables. It acts as a moderator and indirectly affects both consumer trust and purchase intention. Moreover, depending on the fresh organic produce category considered (greenery, vegetable or fruit), consumer trust changes. Sociodemographic characteristics, age and household income are also important. Finally, the greater the purchase frequency (the main predictor of the model), the greater the purchase intention and consumer trust. Originality/value: The study contributes to deepen and expand studies involving organic food and to pave the way for future studies that aim to investigate the importance of certification labels of organic foods for consumers.