How European consumers define the concept of traditional food: evidence from a survey in six countries

Abstract

Within the European food market, traditional food products (TFP) represent a growing segment. Nonetheless, European consumers' definition and perception of TFP have not been thoroughly addressed thus far. The specific aim of this study was to provide an all-embracing consumer definition of the concept of TFP that is comfortable for the largest possible majority of European food consumers. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from representative consumer samples from Belgium, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, and Spain in November 2007, yielding a total sample of 4,828 participants. The study elaborates on country-specific peculiarities and identifies consumer segments that differ in the emphasis they place in the conceptualization of TFP. The following definition emerged, A traditional food product is a product frequently consumed or associated to specific celebrations and/or seasons, transmitted from one generation to another, made in a specific way according to gastronomic heritage, naturally processed, and distinguished and known because of its sensory properties and associated to a certain local area, region or country. Cross-European homogeneity was found in the elements to include in the definition, across and within-country heterogeneity existed regarding the specific emphasis of particular elements. Four consumer segments were distinguished by whom TFP are predominantly defined as multiconcept, usual/familiar, authentic/typical, and inherited. The first segment displayed a very broad conceptualization, without a clear differentiation. For the latter three segments, particular elements dominated their conceptualization. Product positioning, marketing, and communication challenges for TFP facing these consumer segments are discussed. [EconLit citations: D12; M39; Q13]. r

Albanian and UK Consumers’ Perceptions of Farmers’ Markets and Supermarkets as Outlets for Organic Food: An Exploratory Study

“…British responses are similar to what previous studies have already suggested that [105][106][107][108][109][110][111] consumers buy organic food because it is healthy, tasty, has no pesticides, and that they wish to support their local community. Surprisingly, environmental concerns were not mentioned.…”

“…Moreover, the empirical findings of Vanhonacker et al [107] suggested that consumers perceive organic food to be the same as locally produced food. Motives of British consumers in buying organic food include fair trade, social aspects, and support of local farmers and environmental protection [6,108] as well as ethical and moral issues [109].…”

Do chain goals match consumer perceptions? the case of the traditional food sector in selected European Union countries

“…FOOD- CT-2006-016264). Under the framework of the TRUEFOOD project, several articless have already been published Guerrero, Claret et al, 2009;Guerrero, Guardia et al, 2009;Ku¨hne, Vanhonacker, Gellynck, & Verbeke, 2010;Lengard, Verbeke, Vanhonacker, Naes, & Hersleth, 2010;Pieniak, Verbeke, Vanhonacker, Guerrero, & Hersleth, 2009;Vanhonacker, Lengard et al, 2010a;Vanhonacker, Verbeke et al, 2010b;Vanhonacker, Verbeke, Lengard, Guerrero, & Hersleth, 2008). Some of these publications touch upon issues that are relevant to the objectives of this study.…”

“…Consumer data regarding the growth strategies of chains are mainly available in terms of consumer attitude and acceptance of innovations in TFPs in general and in particular through expansion of product assortments. Attitudes and acceptance were strongly dependent on the type of innovation (Ku¨hne et al, 2010) and the way in which TFPs were conceptualized by individual consumers (Vanhonacker, Verbeke et al, 2010b). Tangible innovations that add value to the product without strongly modifying its traditional character were well accepted, such as improving safety or the health status of the product.…”

Place Of Desserts In Turkısh Cuısıne

“…Traditional foods are food made by family elders or local people on wedding or religious days [13,3. Traditional foods vary by region and tradition [21,19]. According to Vanhonacker [33], "Traditional food products are defined by European consumers as those "frequently consumed or associated with specific celebrations and / or seasons, transmitted from one generation to another, made in a specific way according to gastronomic heritage, naturally processed, and distinguished and known because of its sensory properties and associated with a certain local area, region or country" [19].…”