TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore consumer views on different aspects of packaging, exemplified by a common product in the fruit and vegetable category and to identify advantages and disadvantages perceived by consumers purchasing packaged or unpackaged products. Design/methodology/approach– Three focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis based on theory was performed. The findings were categorised into nine themes. Findings– Consumer views on packaging aspects were revealed, covering: packaging material; pack size; protection and preservation; convenience; price; communication and information; ethical perspectives; novelty and innovation; and advantages and disadvantages of packaged and unpackaged products. Research limitations/implications– The study adds to present knowledge on the role of packaging in consumers’ food choices. The qualitative analysis identified areas for further research through quantitative methods. Practical implications– Challenges in communicating the consumer benefits of packaging and ways to improve the attractiveness of items in the fresh produce category were identified. The results can potentially assist in improving food packaging design practice to the mutual benefit of consumers and suppliers. Originality/value– Fruit and vegetables is generally a category with weak branding and low levels of packaging. This study examined the role of packaging in a category with substantial opportunities for differentiation and increasing consumer value. The results can be applied in immediate practice and/or serve as a basis for further research.
VL  - 117
IS  - 3
SN  - 0007-070X
DO  - 10.1108/BFJ-08-2013-0224
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-08-2013-0224
AU  - Fernqvist Fredrik
AU  - Olsson Annika
AU  - Spendrup Sara
PY  - 2015
Y1  - 2015/01/01
TI  - What’s in it for me? Food packaging and consumer responses, a focus group study
T2  - British Food Journal
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 1122
EP  - 1135
Y2  - 2024/04/25
ER  -