The Role of GI Products or Local Products in the Environment—Consumer Awareness and Preferences in Albania, Bulgaria and Poland

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to measure and compare the awareness and preferences of consumers in relation to local products in three countries: Albania, Bulgaria, and Poland. (1) Background: The analysis focused on consumer choices when presented with local products, specifically knowledge as to their environmentally friendly status. The study was evoked by the need to recognize and evaluate changes in consumer behavior as a result of the pandemic and the global challenges related to climate change and the widespread call for nature preservation. (2) Methods: An online survey was conducted with 300 respondents from Poland, 262 from Albania, and 250 from Bulgaria. Statistical analysis was applied. (3) Results: The study answered research questions about consumer readiness to pay a premium price and awareness about the impact of regional products on the environment and livelihood of rural communities. (4) Conclusions: The study proved that consumer perceptions and behavior are influenced by a variety of factors and driving forces in the three countries surveyed depending on socioeconomic characteristics and relevant policies. COVID-19 accelerated the demand for products derived from nature-friendly production systems. Products with geographical indication (GI products) are a better choice from the perspective of sustainable consumption.

What Can We Expect for the Development of Rural Areas in Europe?—Trends of the Last Decade and Their Opportunities for Rural Regeneration

“…The growing market for sustainable food has the potential to attract young new entrants and successors to the agricultural sector. With the beginning of the COVID pandemic the demand for sustainable food even increased in EU member states such as Poland and Bulgaria [78], where the income is below average, compared to the other member states of the EU. However, this trend conflicts with the main goal of food security as part of European policies, mainly the CAP, because on a global level the demand for agricultural products still increases quite rapidly [25].…”

Consumer Perception and Understanding of European Union Quality Schemes: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The concepts that help explain the correlation between quality labels and willingness to pay depend on factors such as the geographical area investigated, the consumer's residence concerning the production area, consumer demographics, GI label awareness, and product type [29]. At the same time, consumers who know the region to which the certified products refer or feel a certain attachment towards them, tend to be more optimistic about the products labeled PDO/PGI/TSG, thus also exerting a higher willingness of paying even a price premium [30][31][32]. Because consumers identify certified products with customs and heritage passed down from generation to generation, traditions cannot be exported.…”

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