The health and nutritional benefits of fruit consumption are well documented in the scientific literature. Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes towards fruit quality is important in setting quality specifications for marketing as well as providing a useful guide for postharvest research aimed at quality improvement of fresh produce. In this study, we investigated the frequency of fruit consumption and consumer perceptions of fruit quality in the Sultanate of Oman using self-administered questionnaires. Results obtained showed that the frequency of fruit consumption was higher among males and families with high incomes. Banana was the most preferred fruit eaten by consumers whereas apple was the least preferred. Among the five types of fruit examined in the study, the most influential quality attributes affecting consumer purchase were flavour, sweetness, and colour for banana (Musa flavour, sweetness, and firmness for apple (Malus domestica), mango (Magnifera indica), and orange (Citrus sinensis). The most common fruit quality problems frequently observed by consumers in the market were fruit immaturity (banana), bruising (apple), rots/decay (mango and orange), and bad taste (date). A large majority of consumers (38%) expressed a willingness to pay up to 25% more on unit price for guaranteed good quality fruit; however, increasing price by more than 50% was highly unacceptable to 94% of consumers.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.