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Buyer preferences for quality in first-sale fish markets

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  • Wolff, François-Charles

Abstract

This paper examines buyers' preferences for quality in French first-sale fish markets. Using data covering 72 million transactions between 2011 and 2022, we first estimate quality premiums with an exact matching procedure that controls for product availability. We then apply interval regression models to explain differences in buyers’ willingness-to-pay for high-quality fish. Results show substantial heterogeneity in quality premiums across both lots and species. Econometric estimates further reveal that quality premiums decline with lot size and vary with buyer characteristics. Retailers and supermarkets pay more for high-quality fish, while wholesalers, processors, and canners are less sensitive to quality. These findings highlight how value from quality is distributed along the supply chain and which types of buyers capture it.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolff, François-Charles, 2026. "Buyer preferences for quality in first-sale fish markets," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:155:y:2026:i:c:s0264999325003980
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2025.107403
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • Q11 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Aggregate Supply and Demand Analysis; Prices
    • Q22 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Fishery

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