Ausveg: Buyers will pay more for eco-friendly veggies
The findings are the result of a series of consumer focus groups and an online survey of more than 1,000 grocery-buyers, conducted by Applied Horticultural Research (AHR) in conjunction with AUSVEG.
“More than 40 per cent of participants indicated they were willing to pay more for certified sustainable products, while more than half said supermarkets should favour environmentally-responsible suppliers, even if it meant prices would increase,” said AUSVEG spokesperson, Hugh Gurney. “The study demonstrated that people most interested in eco-labels tend to like vegetables and consume more of them. They also usually buy free-range eggs, have some interest or experience with growing their own vegetables or herbs, and often have above average household income,” said Mr Gurney.
The survey also found that consumers already had strong views about purchasing products like free-range eggs and non-generic brands of milk, but were less familiar with the wider issues around the production of vegetables. Despite the findings, stated consumer intentions are not necessarily in line with sales figures.
“Consumers are telling us they want to buy environmentally sustainable products and are willing to pay more to do so.”
“Once operational, the EnviroVeg Platinum labelling scheme will provide shoppers with reliable information and the peace of mind they need to make informed purchasing decisions,” said Mr Gurney.
For more information:
Hugh Gurney
Ausveg
Phone: +61 (03) 9882 0277
E-mail: hugh.gurney@ausveg.com.au
www.ausveg.com.au