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Exploring consumer preferences and policy implications in local food systems: Does taste or labeling matter in honey?

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  • Belinda Lopéz-Galán

    (Academia General Militar)

  • Tiziana de-Magistris

    (Agri-Food and Technological Center of Aragón (CITA)
    Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (CITA- Universidad de Zaragoza))

Abstract

This study analyses the influence of geographical origin and taste on honey consumer behavior. First, we explore the influence of geographical origin on consumers’ hedonic evaluation of honey. We then assess the influence of geographical origin and taste on their willingness to pay (WTP) for honey. We conducted a field experiment at a real supermarket. The participants were exposed to two treatments (blind and informed treatment). The findings showed that knowledge about the geographical origin of honey influences consumers’ hedonic evaluations and that the WTP for honey is more strongly influenced by geographical origin than by taste.

Suggested Citation

  • Belinda Lopéz-Galán & Tiziana de-Magistris, 2025. "Exploring consumer preferences and policy implications in local food systems: Does taste or labeling matter in honey?," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 13(1), pages 1-20, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:agfoec:v:13:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s40100-025-00347-9
    DOI: 10.1186/s40100-025-00347-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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