French consumer perception, preference of, and willingness to pay for fresh fruit based on country of origin
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine French consumer perceptions and preferences for fresh fruit from different countries. French consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for citrus fruit and the factors affecting WTP are also determined.
Design/methodology/approach
An online consumer survey was conducted in France to collect data on consumer perceptions and preferences for fresh fruits from different countries. The contingent valuation method is used to estimate consumer WTP for fresh citrus fruit. A double hurdle model is used to determine the factors that have substantial impact on consumer preferences.
Findings
Results show that fresh fruit from China was perceived as the lowest quality, the least safe, and the cheapest among the fruit from various countries. French consumers had the highest stated WTP for fresh fruit from France, followed by fruit from Spain. In addition, consumer WTP for country of origin varies by type of fruit.
Research limitations/implications
The contingent valuation method does not require consumers to purchase the product being evaluated, which may overestimate consumer stated WTP.
Practical implications
More domestically produced fresh fruit may be provided to satisfy consumer demand for fruit produced in their own countries. As second in consumer stated WTP, Spain should take advantage of the lower price high quality perceptions of their fresh fruit to gain a larger market share in France. Lower rated countries, such as China, Brazil, and Israel, need to improve consumer perception of the fruit from their countries to gain a better position in the fresh fruit market of France.
Originality/value
This is the first paper to present French consumer perception of fresh fruit and WTP for citrus fruit from different countries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the Florida Department of Citrus, USA, who provides funding for conducting the survey in this research.
Citation
Gao, Z., Sing Wong, S., A. House, L. and H. Spreen, T. (2014), "French consumer perception, preference of, and willingness to pay for fresh fruit based on country of origin", British Food Journal, Vol. 116 No. 5, pp. 805-820. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-12-2012-0303
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited