Willingness to pay for traceable pork: evidence from Beijing, China

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the evolution of the food traceability system in China, examine factors that affect consumers' perception of a food traceability system, and determine their willingness to pay for having the system.

Design/methodology/approach

Beijing, one of the largest pork markets in urban China, was chosen and 400 consumers were randomly interviewed using questionnaires and finally a logistic model was employed to analyze consumers' willingness to pay for traceable pork.

Findings

The authors found that consumers' perception of pork traceability system is subject to a comparatively low level. Purchasing of traceable pork is affected by gender, self‐evaluation of health, awareness of the traceability system, concern about food safety, and the stochastic price willing to pay.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to quantify Chinese consumers' valuation for traceable pork and it helps pork producers and marketers understand consumers' willingness to pay a small premium of 4.5 RMB/kg (0.7 USD) for traceable pork. This finding has imperative policy implications that could help the government deal with the high cost associated with the use of a pork traceability system.

Citation

Zheng, S., Xu, P., Wang, Z. and Song, S. (2012), "Willingness to pay for traceable pork: evidence from Beijing, China", China Agricultural Economic Review, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 200-215. https://doi.org/10.1108/17561371211224782