Volume 59, January 2016, Pages 178–187
Consumer reactions to the use of EU quality labels on food products: A review of the literature
Highlights
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- Literature that analyzes effects of EU quality labels on consumers is reviewed.
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- Results indicate low to medium levels of consumer awareness of these labels.
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- Consumers associate these labels with quality, uniqueness and protection of producers.
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- Use in decision-making depends on other cues available and is probably low.
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- More research at point of purchase is needed.
Abstract
The
EU promotes three types of food quality labels, PDO, PGI and TSG in
order to protect producers of food with special qualities and to aid
consumers in their decision-making. This papers reviews published
research on how these labels affect consumers. 35 studies were
identified and are reviewed based on a hierarchy of effects framework.
While results are conflicting, some overall themes emerge, suggesting
that the role of these quality labels in consumer decision-making at
present is still relatively low. Suggestions for research are made that
would provide a better basis for evidence-based policy formulation with
regard to food quality labels.
Keywords
- EU quality labels;
- Literature review;
- Consumer behaviour
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